נְמָלָה (ne.ma.lah)
ne.ma.lah
ant
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun nemalah simply means "ant." It appears only twice in the entire Old Testament, both times within the book of Proverbs. In these passages, the creature serves as a concrete example of diligence and foresight for human readers to observe.
Proverbs 6:6 and 30:25 use the ant to illustrate wisdom found in nature. The text highlights the insect’s ability to store food during harvest without a visible overseer or commander. This natural behavior is presented not as magic, but as a practical lesson on self-motivation and preparation for future needs.
While the word itself has no complex etymological baggage in Scripture, its repeated use in wisdom literature gives it significant weight. It transforms a common garden insect into a symbol of industry. The sources confirm that translators consistently render this term as "ant," preserving the directness of the original metaphor without adding abstract theological layers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nemalah simply means ant. It appears twice in Proverbs. These verses invite us to watch how this small creature works. They show diligence without a boss. This offers a quiet challenge for our daily habits.
When life feels heavy, we can look at nature. The ant stores food in summer. It prepares for winter without being forced. We can learn from this simple example. Let us consider our own ways and find wisdom in everyday tasks.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ ants1×
- an ant1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְמָלָ֥ה1×
- הַ֭/נְּמָלִים1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 6:6
Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise;
This verse directly addresses the sluggard, using the ant as a concrete model to counter laziness through observation.
-
Proverbs 30:25
The ants are not a strong people, yet they provide their food in the summer.
Here the text highlights that despite lacking physical strength, ants succeed through foresight and seasonal preparation.