English · KJV
H5244

נְמָלָה

nᵉmâlâh /nem-aw-law'/ Ask about this word
Rootfeminine from נָמַל
Meaningan ant (probably from its almost bisected form)
KJV usageant.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of nᵉmâlâh — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word nᵉmâlâh, represented by H5244, is the word for ant. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses. The term, which the base definition suggests may derive from the ant's "almost bisected form," is used in Scripture not just as a name for an insect, but as a powerful illustration of wisdom and diligence.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical text, H5244 is presented as a model for human behavior. A sluggard H6102 is commanded to "Go to the ant" to "consider her ways, and be wise" Proverbs 6:6. The ant is also described as part of "a people H5971 not strong H5794," yet they exhibit profound wisdom by preparing their food in the summer H7019, demonstrating foresight and industriousness Proverbs 30:25.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words highlight the lessons taught by the ant's example:

  • H6102 ʻâtsêl (indolent; slothful, sluggard): This term represents the direct opposite of the ant's nature. The sluggard is the intended audience for the ant's lesson, questioned for their inaction: "How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?" Proverbs 6:9.
  • H2449 châkam (to be wise): This is the goal of observing the ant. The ant's diligent ways are a path to becoming wise Proverbs 6:6, a quality that is gained by hearing counsel and receiving instruction Proverbs 19:20.
  • H3559 kûwn (to set up... fix, prepare, apply): This word describes the ant's key activity. The ants "prepare" their provisions Proverbs 30:25, illustrating the principle that the LORD directs the steps of those whose hearts devise a way Proverbs 16:9.

Theological Significance

The moral significance of H5244 is found in the principles it illustrates for a life of wisdom.

  • Wisdom in Action: The ant teaches that wisdom is not an abstract concept but a practical, observable behavior. The sluggard is instructed to "go to the ant" to "consider her ways, and be wise" Proverbs 6:6.
  • Foresight Over Strength: The text explicitly states that ants are "a people not strong" Proverbs 30:25. Their success comes from their foresight to "prepare their meat in the summer," showing that diligent planning can overcome inherent limitations.
  • Instruction from Creation: The use of the ant as a teacher demonstrates a biblical principle of learning from the created order. One is told to go H3212 and consider H7200 the ant to gain understanding, showing that God's wisdom is embedded in the world around us Proverbs 6:6.

Summary

In summary, H5244 is more than a simple biological term. It is a biblical symbol of practical wisdom, diligence, and prudent preparation. It provides a stark contrast to the sluggard H6102, demonstrating that wisdom H2449 is found in diligent preparation H3559. The example of the ant illustrates how even the small and seemingly weak can provide profound lessons on how to live.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • נְּמָלִים
  • נְמָלָה

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H6102 עָצֵל from עָצַל; indolent; slothful, sluggard. H5971 עַם from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or H5794 עַז from עָזַז; strong, vehement, harsh; fierce, [phrase] greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong. H7019 קַיִץ from קוּץ; harvest (as the crop), whether the product (grain or fruit) or the (dry) season; summer (fruit, house). H2449 חָכַם a primitive root,; to be wise (in mind, word or act); [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, d H3559 כּוּן a primitive root; properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

2 verses, all in Proverbs — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.