from an unused root meaning to lick up; a devourer; specifically, the young locust; cankerworm, caterpillar.
Transliteration:yeleq
Pronunciation:yeh'-lek
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3218}}` (yeleq) derives from an unused root signifying "to lick up" or "to sweep away." This etymological root immediately establishes the core semantic range of the word: an agent of thorough consumption and devastation. Primarily, `{{H3218}}` denotes a "devourer," specifically identified in biblical contexts as a destructive insect. English translations often render it as "cankerworm," "caterpillar," or "destroying locust," highlighting its role in consuming vegetation. Unlike some other Hebrew terms for locusts that might specify a particular stage or type, `{{H3218}}` emphasizes the *action* of devouring, portraying an insect whose very nature is to consume completely, leaving desolation in its wake. It speaks to a voracious, relentless destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3218}}` appears in several key prophetic and historical passages, consistently associated with widespread destruction, often as an instrument of divine judgment.
In [[Psalms 105:34]], `{{H3218}}` is mentioned alongside `{{H697}}` (arbeh, "locusts") as part of the plagues inflicted upon Egypt: "He spoke, and the locusts came, and cankerworms innumerable." Here, `{{H3218}}` contributes to the overwhelming nature of the plague, demonstrating God's power over creation to execute judgment.
Jeremiah employs `{{H3218}}` twice in his prophecies against Babylon. In [[Jeremiah 51:14]], the Lord declares, "I will fill you with men, as with cankerworms, and they shall raise a shout against you." Similarly, [[Jeremiah 51:27]] speaks of nations being gathered "like the bristly locust" (yeleq). In these contexts, `{{H3218}}` serves as a metaphor for an innumerable, overwhelming force that will utterly consume and destroy Babylon, mirroring the destructive power of the insect itself.
The book of Joel provides the most vivid and extended use of `{{H3218}}`, portraying it as one of the successive waves of locusts devastating the land. [[Joel 1:4]] famously lists four types of locusts: "What the cutting locust (`{{H2625}}`) left, the swarming locust (`{{H697}}`) has eaten; what the swarming locust left, the hopping locust (`{{H5438}}`) has eaten; and what the hopping locust left, the destroying locust (`{{H3218}}`) has eaten." This verse illustrates `{{H3218}}` as the final, most complete stage of the plague, ensuring total desolation. The subsequent verses in Joel continue to describe the catastrophic impact of this plague, leading to famine and despair. In [[Joel 2:25]], God promises restoration, explicitly mentioning the years "that the swarming locust (`{{H697}}`) has eaten, the hopping locust (`{{H5438}}`), the destroying locust (`{{H3218}}`), and the cutting locust (`{{H2625}}`)." Here, `{{H3218}}` is integral to the description of the period of divine discipline.
Finally, in Nahum's prophecy against Nineveh, `{{H3218}}` again signifies overwhelming destruction. [[Nahum 3:15]] declares, "There the fire will devour you; the sword will cut you off; it will devour you like the cankerworm." And [[Nahum 3:16]] adds, "You have multiplied your merchants more than the stars of heaven; the cankerworm strips and flies away." Here, `{{H3218}}` underscores the completeness of Nineveh's impending ruin, a swift and total consumption of its wealth and power.
Across these occurrences, `{{H3218}}` consistently functions as a symbol of overwhelming, inescapable, and often divinely ordained destruction, leaving nothing behind.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H3218}}` belongs to a family of Hebrew words describing various types and stages of locusts and other destructive insects, all contributing to a rich biblical vocabulary for natural plagues. Key related terms include:
* `{{H697}}` ('arbeh): The most common term for "locust," often referring to the swarming, mature locust.
* `{{H2625}}` (gazam): Translated as "cutting locust" or "palmerworm," indicating an insect that cuts down vegetation.
* `{{H5438}}` (sal'am): The "hopping locust" or "locust of the same kind," perhaps a younger stage.
* `{{H2629}}` (chasil): The "consuming locust" or "caterpillar," emphasizing its eating action.
While `{{H3218}}` (yeleq) is often translated as "cankerworm" or "destroying locust," it shares the common thread of being an agent of devastation. The distinct terms may refer to different species, developmental stages, or simply emphasize different aspects of their destructive capacity. Together, they paint a comprehensive picture of agricultural ruin. Beyond the insect kingdom, `{{H3218}}` is conceptually linked to other forms of divine judgment, such as famine, sword, and pestilence, all of which bring desolation to a land or people. The underlying concept is one of complete consumption and stripping bare.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3218}}` is profound, primarily serving as a potent symbol and instrument of divine judgment.
1. **Agent of Divine Judgment:** The consistent portrayal of `{{H3218}}` as part of a locust plague underscores God's sovereignty over creation and His use of natural forces to execute His righteous decrees. Whether against Pharaoh, Judah, Babylon, or Nineveh, the `{{H3218}}` is an undeniable sign of divine displeasure and the consequence of sin.
2. **Symbol of Thoroughness and Overwhelm:** The "licking up" root meaning of `{{H3218}}` highlights the completeness of the destruction it enacts. It signifies a judgment so pervasive that little or nothing is left behind, mirroring the thoroughness of God's righteous wrath or the inevitable outcome of sustained rebellion against Him. The sheer numbers associated with `{{H3218}}` (as in [[Jeremiah 51:14]]) emphasize the overwhelming and unstoppable nature of such judgment.
3. **Call to Repentance:** Particularly in Joel, the plague of `{{H3218}}` and other locusts is a severe warning, designed to awaken the people to their spiritual state and call them to genuine repentance. The physical devastation serves as a stark metaphor for spiritual desolation, urging a return to the Lord for mercy and restoration.
4. **God's Power to Restore:** While `{{H3218}}` signifies judgment, its mention in contexts of restoration (e.g., [[Joel 2:25]]) also points to God's ultimate power to heal and restore what was lost. The "years that the cankerworm has eaten" can be redeemed by God's grace, demonstrating His mercy and faithfulness even after severe discipline.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3218}}` (yeleq) denotes a "devourer," specifically a destructive insect like a young locust or cankerworm, whose name derives from a root meaning "to lick up." This etymology perfectly captures its essence: an agent of complete and thorough consumption. Biblically, `{{H3218}}` consistently appears in contexts of widespread devastation, often as a direct instrument of divine judgment against nations and peoples, as seen in the plagues of Egypt, prophecies against Babylon and Nineveh, and most vividly in the successive waves of judgment described in the book of Joel. It symbolizes the overwhelming, relentless, and inescapable nature of God's righteous wrath, leaving nothing untouched. Yet, its inclusion in prophecies of restoration also subtly points to God's ultimate power to redeem and heal even after profound loss, underscoring both His sovereignty in judgment and His boundless mercy.
TRV