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 תּוֹלָע (tôwlâʻ), along with its feminine forms תּוֹלֵעָה (tôlēʻāh), תּוֹלַעַת (tôlaʻat), and תֹּלַעַת (tolaʻat), carries a fascinating dual semantic range. At its most literal, it denotes "a maggot" or "worm," specifically highlighting a voracious nature, as indicated by its derivation from the root יָלַע `{{H3216}}` (to swallow, devour). This aspect emphasizes a creature of lowliness, vulnerability, and often, decay.
However, the primary and most frequent usage in the biblical text refers to a specific type of insect: the "crimson-grub" or "scarlet worm" (*Kermes vermilio*). This small insect, found on oak trees, was historically crushed to produce a vibrant and highly prized crimson or scarlet dye. Consequently, תּוֹלָע often refers not to the creature itself, but to the brilliant color derived from it, or to the cloth dyed with this color. When used in this sense, it frequently appears in conjunction with שָׁנִי `{{H8144}}` (scarlet), forming the phrase תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי (tolaʻat shani), meaning "scarlet material" or "crimson thread." The semantic range thus spans from a lowly, devouring creature to a symbol of rich, costly, and sacred beauty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of תּוֹלָע in the Hebrew Bible beautifully illustrate its dual meaning.
In its literal sense as a "worm" or "maggot," the word often conveys human frailty, insignificance, or abasement before God. For instance, in [[Job 25:6]], Bildad the Shuhite asks, "How much less man, who is a worm, and the son of man, who is a maggot!" Here, תּוֹלֵעָה emphasizes the utter lowliness and mortality of humanity in comparison to the divine. Similarly, [[Psalm 22:6]] contains the poignant cry, "But I am a worm and no man, a reproach of men and despised by the people." This vivid imagery underscores profound suffering and humiliation. In [[Isaiah 41:14]], God addresses Israel as "you worm Jacob, you men of Israel," a tender yet stark reminder of their weakness and dependence on divine strength.
Conversely, the vast majority of occurrences refer to the crimson/scarlet dye or material. This usage is particularly prominent in the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and the garments of the priesthood. In [[Exodus 25:4]], תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי is listed among the precious materials — gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple, and fine linen — to be contributed for the sanctuary. It appears repeatedly in descriptions of the Tabernacle's curtains ([[Exodus 26:1]], [[Exodus 36:8]]), the veil ([[Exodus 26:31]]), and the screen for the entrance ([[Exodus 26:36]]).
Furthermore, תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי was an essential component of the high priest's ephod ([[Exodus 28:6]]) and breastpiece ([[Exodus 28:15]]), signifying their sacred beauty and distinction. Beyond the Tabernacle, scarlet material was prescribed for various purification rituals, notably in the cleansing of a leper ([[Leviticus 14:4]], [[Leviticus 14:6]], [[Leviticus 14:51]], [[Leviticus 14:52]]) and in the preparation of the ashes of the red heifer for the water of purification ([[Numbers 19:6]]). These ritual contexts highlight the color's association with cleansing, atonement, and the removal of impurity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of תּוֹלָע is enriched by examining its relationship with other biblical terms and concepts.
Etymologically, as noted, the "worm" aspect is linked to יָלַע `{{H3216}}` (to swallow/devour), emphasizing the creature's destructive or consuming nature. However, the connection to the color often prompts consideration of a possible root related to "dyeing" or "redness," though not explicitly stated in this Strong's entry.
The most crucial related term is שָׁנִי `{{H8144}}` (shani), which itself means "scarlet" or "crimson." The frequent pairing תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי indicates that תּוֹלַעַת specifies the *source* of the scarlet dye (the worm), while שָׁנִי refers to the *color* itself. In some instances, תּוֹלַעַת alone can imply the color, with שָׁנִי being understood by context.
תּוֹלָע also belongs to a significant triad of colors used in the Tabernacle and priestly garments: תְּכֵלֶת `{{H8504}}` (blue), אַרְגָּמָן `{{H713}}` (purple), and תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי (scarlet). These three colors, derived from specific natural sources (mollusks for blue and purple, the kermes worm for scarlet), were costly and symbolized divine majesty, royalty, and sanctity. Their consistent pairing underscores their collective significance in Israelite worship.
Other Hebrew words for "worm" or "maggot" include רִמָּה `{{H7415}}` (rimmah), often associated with decay and corruption (e.g., [[Exodus 16:24]], [[Job 7:5]]), and סָס `{{H5507}}` (sas), referring to a moth or worm that consumes garments (e.g., [[Isaiah 51:8]]). While these terms share the general concept of a lowly, often destructive creature, תּוֹלָע is uniquely distinguished by its dual identity as the source of a precious dye.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of תּוֹלָע is profound, embodying a striking paradox of humility and glory, sin and atonement.
In its "worm" aspect, תּוֹלָע serves as a potent symbol of human frailty, mortality, and utter dependence on God. The imagery of humanity as a "worm" ([[Job 25:6]], [[Psalm 22:6]], [[Isaiah 41:14]]) emphasizes our lowliness and insignificance before the Almighty, fostering a posture of humility and reliance on divine grace. The prophetic declaration in [[Isaiah 41:14]], "Fear not, you worm Jacob," remarkably blends this image of weakness with a promise of divine protection and exaltation, demonstrating God's steadfast love for the humble. The Messianic interpretation of [[Psalm 22:6]] ("I am a worm and no man") is particularly significant, portraying Christ's profound self-abasement, suffering, and identification with the lowest of humanity in His atoning work.
Conversely, the "scarlet" aspect of תּוֹלָע carries rich theological weight concerning holiness, atonement, and purification. The pervasive use of scarlet in the Tabernacle and priestly garments signifies beauty, glory, and the sacred presence of God. This vibrant color, derived from the lifeblood of a humble creature, points symbolically to the preciousness of life and, ultimately, to the shed blood necessary for atonement. In the purification rituals for leprosy ([[Leviticus 14]]) and the red heifer ([[Numbers 19]]), the scarlet thread/material is an indispensable element, symbolizing the removal of defilement and the restoration to ritual purity. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's provision for cleansing sin and making the unclean clean. The stark contrast between the lowly worm and the glorious, sacred color it produces powerfully illustrates how God can take the humble and use it for His magnificent purposes, transforming the seemingly insignificant into something of profound spiritual meaning.
### Summary
תּוֹלָע (tôwlâʻ) is a Hebrew word with a remarkable semantic range, encompassing both a lowly "worm" or "maggot" and the precious "crimson" or "scarlet" dye derived from a specific insect. In its biological sense, תּוֹלָע highlights human frailty, humility, and dependence on God, as seen in passages like [[Job 25:6]] and [[Psalm 22:6]]. However, its more prevalent biblical usage denotes the vibrant scarlet material, often appearing as תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי `{{H8144}}`, which was indispensable in the construction of the Tabernacle and the vestments of the priesthood ([[Exodus 25:4]], [[Exodus 28:6]]). This sacred color also played a crucial role in rituals of purification and atonement ([[Leviticus 14:4]], [[Numbers 19:6]]). The theological significance of תּוֹלָע is thus two-fold: it serves as a potent reminder of human lowliness before a holy God, and simultaneously, as a symbol of the beauty, glory, and divine provision for cleansing and atonement, ultimately pointing to the profound work of redemption.
TRV