עָרֹ֣ב
𐤏𐤓𐤁
ʻârôb
a swarm of flies
A swarm of biting insects, specifically referring to a large and destructive invasion of flying insects. In the context of the Hebrew Bible, especially in Exodus, the term denotes a pestilential swarm rather than a specific modern insect species. The precise insect(s) meant by the term remain uncertain, but the focus is on the sudden, overwhelming, and threatening nature of the swarm.
Exodus 8:20 · Word #5
Lexicon H6157
| Lemma | עָרֹב |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤏𐤓𐤁 |
| Transliteration | ʻârôb |
| Strong's | H6157 |
| Definition | A swarm of biting insects, specifically referring to a large and destructive invasion of flying insects. In the context of the Hebrew Bible, especially in Exodus, the term denotes a pestilential swarm rather than a specific modern insect species. The precise insect(s) meant by the term remain uncertain, but the focus is on the sudden, overwhelming, and threatening nature of the swarm. |
Morphology HNcmsa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea |
| Subtype | c — Common — Common noun |
| Gender | m — Masculine — Masculine |
| Number | s — Singular — Singular |
| State | a — Absolute — The noun stands independently |
Common Translation
| Phrase | a swarm of flies |
SIBI-P1 Translation H6157-01
mingled swarm
| Morphological Notes | Masculine singular common noun, absolute state. |
| Rendering Rationale | The noun derives from the root meaning "to mix, mingle," highlighting a mass of creatures acting as a chaotic, unified mixture. "Mingled swarm" preserves both the root imagery of mixture and the singular masculine form. |
View full lexicon entry for H6157 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
mingled swarm
| Same as P1 | Yes |
| Rationale | P1 matches the SILEX definition and preserves the specificity of the term used here for the plague. |