and (feminine) תּוֹלֵעָה; or תּוֹלַעַת; or תֹּלַעַת; from יָלַע; a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of שָׁנִי); the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the colorfrom it, and cloths dyed therewith; crimson, scarlet, worm.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tôwlâʻ**, represented by `{{H8438}}`, carries a dual meaning as both **worm** and the color **scarlet** or **crimson**. It appears 43 times across 43 unique verses. This word uniquely bridges the concept of a lowly, consuming creature with the vibrant, valuable dye derived from it, which was used for sacred and royal purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H8438}}` is applied in several distinct contexts. As a literal creature, it signifies decay and consumption. Manna hoarded against God's command "bred **worms**" [[Exodus 16:20]], and worms are a curse that will eat the fruit of the vineyard [[Deuteronomy 28:39]]. In judgment, the wicked are covered by **worms** in the grave [[Isaiah 14:11]], and their torment is a fire that is not quenched and a **worm** that does not die [[Isaiah 66:24]]. Metaphorically, it denotes extreme humility and frailty, as when the psalmist laments, "I am a **worm**, and no man" [[Psalms 22:6]] or when God comforts his people by addressing them as "thou **worm** Jacob" [[Isaiah 41:14]]. Conversely, the word is used extensively to describe the precious **scarlet** dye used in the construction of the Tabernacle curtains [[Exodus 26:1]], the High Priest's ephod [[Exodus 28:8]], and in rituals for cleansing [[Leviticus 14:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the meaning of `{{H8438}}`:
* `{{H8144}}` **shânîy** (crimson, scarlet): This word is frequently paired with `{{H8438}}` to describe the color scarlet, often appearing together in instructions for the Tabernacle fabrics and purification rites [[Exodus 25:4]].
* `{{H7415}}` **rimmâh** (worm): Often used in parallel with `{{H8438}}`, this term also means worm or maggot and emphasizes decay and mortality. Both words are used to describe man's lowly state before God [[Job 25:6]] and the state of the dead [[Isaiah 14:11]].
* `{{H119}}` **ʼâdam** (be red): This verb for being red is used in a parallel structure in Isaiah's prophecy about sin, where sins that "be **red** like crimson" `{{H8438}}` can be made white [[Isaiah 1:18]].
* `{{H8504}}` **tᵉkêleth** (blue): This term for blue dye is almost always listed with purple and **scarlet** `{{H8438}}` in the context of the holy garments and Tabernacle hangings, indicating its status as a valuable and sacred color [[Exodus 26:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8438}}` is found in its powerful contrasts.
* **Human Frailty and Humility:** In its form as "worm," the word is a potent symbol of mankind's lowly and vulnerable state in comparison to God's majesty ([[Psalms 22:6]], [[Job 25:6]]).
* **Divine Judgment:** The worm represents corruption and the consequence of sin. It is an agent of decay for transgressors in the grave [[Isaiah 14:11]] and an everlasting symbol of judgment [[Isaiah 66:24]].
* **Sacred Worship and Atonement:** As **scarlet**, the color is woven into the very fabric of worship, from the Tabernacle curtains to the priestly garments ([[Exodus 26:1]], [[Exodus 39:1]]). Its use in cleansing rituals signifies its role in atonement and purification ([[Leviticus 14:6]], [[Numbers 19:6]]).
* **Redemption and Transformation:** The most profound theological use appears in Isaiah, where sins as deeply stained as **crimson** can be washed white as snow, illustrating God's power to completely redeem and transform [[Isaiah 1:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8438}}` is a word of stark contrasts, representing both the lowest form of earthly life—the worm—and a color of immense value and sacredness. It powerfully illustrates themes of human frailty, divine judgment, holy worship, and ultimate redemption. The journey of this word from a symbol of decay to a component of the holy Tabernacle and a metaphor for God's cleansing power reveals the depth of meaning embedded in the biblical text.
TRV