### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâsh**, represented by `{{H6211}}`, is primarily defined as a **moth**. It appears 12 times in 12 unique verses. While its core meaning relates to the consuming insect, it is also used in a different context to mean **grass**. The word consistently symbolizes concepts of fragility, gradual decay, and inevitable destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H6211}}` illustrates both human weakness and divine judgment. It is used to describe the frailty of humanity, whose foundation is in the dust and who are "crushed before the **moth**" [[Job 4:19]]. A house built "as a **moth**" is a symbol of a temporary and insecure structure [[Job 27:18]]. In the book of Daniel, the word takes on the meaning of grass, describing what Nebuchadnezzar was made to eat as part of his humbling judgment ([[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 5:21]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the theme of decay and consumption associated with `{{H6211}}`:
* `{{H7538}}` **râqâb** (rottenness): This word is used in parallel with **ʻâsh** to describe the effect of divine judgment, where God declares He will be "unto Ephraim as a **moth**, and to the house of Judah as **rottenness**" [[Hosea 5:12]].
* `{{H5580}}` **çâç** (moth): This term, also meaning moth, appears alongside **ʻâsh** to emphasize the certainty of destruction, stating that "the **moth** shall eat them up like a garment, and the **worm** shall eat them like wool" [[Isaiah 51:8]].
* `{{H1086}}` **bâlâh** (to wear out, decay): This verb describes the action caused by a moth. The enemies of God's servant "all shall **wax old** as a garment; the **moth** shall eat them up" [[Isaiah 50:9]].
### Theological Significance
The symbolic weight of `{{H6211}}` is significant in conveying truths about mortality and divine power.
* **The Fragility of Man:** The moth symbolizes the inherent weakness of human beings and their works. A person's life and beauty are shown to "consume away like a **moth**" under God's correction [[Psalms 39:11]].
* **An Instrument of Judgment:** God is depicted as using the slow, consuming nature of a moth to execute judgment. He says He will be "unto Ephraim as a **moth**" [[Hosea 5:12]], signifying a gradual but certain decline.
* **Inevitable Destruction:** A garment eaten by a moth illustrates the final end of those who oppose God. Their destruction is as certain as a piece of clothing being consumed over time ([[Isaiah 50:9]], [[Job 13:28]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6211}}` is a multifaceted word. As a **moth**, it serves as a powerful biblical metaphor for fragility, gradual consumption, and the inescapable nature of decay and judgment. As **grass**, it features in the narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation, reinforcing the theme of divine correction. Through both meanings, the word illustrates the temporary nature of earthly things in contrast to the enduring power of God.
TRV