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עָשׁ

𐤏𐤔

ʻâsh

H6211 noun

SILEX Entry

Root עשׁ to decay, to consume, to gnaw

Definition

A moth—specifically, a small lepidopteran insect that infests and damages fabrics, particularly in storage or neglect. The term is used in poetic and proverbial contexts to denote something that is subject to destruction, decay, or rapid ruin, emphasizing the vulnerability and impermanence of physical possessions or life itself. In Hebrew poetry, עָשׁ is frequently paired with terms for rust or corrosion as metaphors for unavoidable decay.

Semantic Range

moth insect, erosion by moths, emblem of decay, agent of destruction, symbol of impermanence or transience

Root / Etymology

Root: עָשׁ. Derived from the root עָשֵׁשׁ (to waste away, decay, become moth-eaten), which underscores the connection to processes of decay or being consumed, especially by small pests. There is a phonetic and semantic correspondence to related Semitic roots that designate destruction through small pests or corrosion.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical usage, עָשׁ appears primarily in poetic literature (e.g., Job 4:19; Isaiah 50:9; 51:8; Hosea 5:12) to illustrate the transient nature of human life, wealth, or achievement, drawing on the imagery of textiles being eaten by moths—a real threat in ancient households storing wool or linen. The term is distinct from עַיִשׁ (H5798), which some consider a variant for a similar or possibly different type of moth or destructive insect. English translations most often render עָשׁ as 'moth,' but this may flatten the poetic resonance in Hebrew, where the association is not only with the insect but also with the process and symbolism of destruction. Later translations and traditions sometimes extend the metaphor, but the classical Hebrew context grounds the word specifically in the symbolism of decay by moths rather than in any generic reference to insects or pests. No evidence suggests the term was used for self-identified groups or had any liturgical or religious connotation. Its usage remains consistent throughout the biblical period, usually in wisdom literature and prophetic texts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from עָשֵׁשׁ; a moth; moth. See also עַיִשׁ.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

עשׁ (ʿ-š) — decay, consume, gnaw away

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6211-01 עָ֖שׁ ash HNcmsa the moth cloth-gnawing moth 4
H6211-03 עִשְׂבָּ֤/א iseba ANcmsd/Td grass the moth 2
H6211-05 כָ/עָ֖שׁ khaash HRd/Ncmsa like a moth moth 2
H6211-06 וְ/עִשְׂבָּ֥/א veiseba AC/Ncmsd/Td and-grass and the moth 2
H6211-02 בַּ/עֲשַׂ֥ב baasav AR/Ncmsc in the grass moth of 1
H6211-04 כָּ/עָ֣שׁ kaash HRd/Ncmsa like-a-moth gnawing moth 1

Occurrences in Scripture

12 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6211-01 Isaiah 50:9 עָ֖שׁ ash HNcmsa the moth cloth-gnawing moth
H6211-01 Isaiah 51:8 עָ֔שׁ ash HNcmsa the moth cloth-gnawing moth
H6211-05 Hosea 5:12 כָ/עָ֖שׁ khaash HRd/Ncmsa like a moth moth
H6211-04 Psalms 39:12 כָּ/עָ֣שׁ kaash HRd/Ncmsa like-a-moth gnawing moth
H6211-01 Job 4:19 עָֽשׁ ash HNcmsa the moth cloth-gnawing moth
H6211-01 Job 13:28 עָֽשׁ ash HNcmsa moth cloth-gnawing moth
H6211-05 Job 27:18 כָ/עָ֣שׁ khaash HRd/Ncmsa like a moth moth
H6211-02 Daniel 4:12 בַּ/עֲשַׂ֥ב baasav AR/Ncmsc in the grass moth of
H6211-06 Daniel 4:22 וְ/עִשְׂבָּ֥/א veiseba AC/Ncmsd/Td and-grass-the and the moth
H6211-03 Daniel 4:29 עִשְׂבָּ֤/א iseba ANcmsd/Td grass-the the moth
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