Ant

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There are several species of ants, but to which of these the Proverbs refer is not known: the Hebrew word nemaiah is said to be from a root signifying “to crowd together,” which applies to all ants. Buxtorf traces it from the root “to eat.” This insect is held up as a practical reproof to the sluggard; the scripture says that it provides its meat in the summer, and gathereth its food in the harvest. (Prov. 6:6⁶Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: (Proverbs 6:6); Prov. 30:25²⁵The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; (Proverbs 30:25)). Skeptics take exception to this, because ants are held to be carnivorous and they could not lay up such food in summer; but there is abundance of evidence to prove that they lay up grain in the summer, and if it becomes damp they bring it out into the sun and dry it. Another point worthy of note is that they have “no guide, overseer, or ruler,” and yet no one can watch this insect without seeing that they are “exceeding wise:” each one finds what his particular work is, and diligently does it — a profitable lesson for the saints of God to learn.

Number:

Transliteration:

nmalah

Phonic:

nem-aw-law’

Meaning:

feminine from 5243; an ant (probably from its almost bisected form)

KJV Usage:

ant