Spiders in the Bible
Hebrew: עַכָּבִישׁ —transliteration: akkabish —meaning: a spider —derived from a root meaning “to entangle”
It is said that there are about 700 species of spiders in the land of Israel. They were a common sight since in ancient times and are mentioned twice in Scripture.
The trust of the hypocrite is compared to the spider’s web or house in the book of Job.
So are the paths of all who forget God;
And the hope of the godless will perish,
Whose confidence is fragile,
And whose trust a spider’s web. —Job 8:14 LSB
The prophet Isaiah said that wicked “weave the spider’s web” (Isa. 59:5), i.e., their works and designs are, like the spider’s web, vain and useless. The Hebrew word here used is 'akkabish, “a swift weaver.”
Hebrew: שְׂמָמִית —transliteration: semamith —meaning: a lizard
In Proverbs 30:28 KJV the Hebrew word (semamith) is translated as “spider” in the King James Version and NKJV. However, the small creature referred to is traditionally understood as being a lizard, a common creature in Israel known for their agility and ability to hide in small places. Almost all modern translations used the word “lizard.”
The lizard you may grasp with the hands,
Yet it is in kings’ palaces. —Proverbs 30:28 LSB
More information
- About insects in the Bible
- Incredible Insects of the Rain Forest
- How to witness to atheists
- How can we know there’s a God?
- Lizards in the Bible
- Animals of the Bible