Strong's Lexicon Tolai: Worm, Scarlet, Crimson Original Word: תּוֹלָעִי Word Origin: Derived from the root תּוֹלֵעַ (tola), which refers to a worm or maggot, often associated with the crimson or scarlet dye produced from the crushed bodies of certain insects. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Greek equivalent for "Tolai," the concept of lowliness and insignificance can be related to Greek terms such as ταπεινός (tapeinos - humble, lowly) and σκώληξ (skōlēx - worm). Usage: The term "Tolai" is used in the Hebrew Bible to denote a worm, specifically the crimson worm (Coccus ilicis), which was used in ancient times to produce a red dye. This dye was significant in the production of textiles, particularly those used in the Tabernacle and priestly garments. The word is also metaphorically used to describe insignificance or lowliness, as in Job 25:6, "how much less man, who is but a maggot, and the son of man, who is but a worm!" Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Israel, the crimson dye produced from the Tolai was highly valued and used in sacred contexts, such as the curtains of the Tabernacle and the garments of the High Priest. The process of obtaining this dye involved collecting the insects, drying them, and then crushing them to extract the color. This labor-intensive process made the dye precious and symbolic of wealth and status. The imagery of the worm also conveyed humility and mortality, reflecting the transient nature of human life. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Tola Definition desc. of Tola NASB Translation Tolaites (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. שְׁפַתַּ֫ים see below תּוֺלָיִ adjective, of a people of foregoing; with article as collective noun Numbers 26:23. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Tola Patronymically from Towla'; a Tolaite (collectively) or descendants of Tola -- Tolaites. see HEBREW Towla' Forms and Transliterations הַתּוֹלָעִ֑י התולעי hat·tō·w·lā·‘î hattolaI hattōwlā‘îLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 26:23 HEB: תּוֹלָ֕ע מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַתּוֹלָעִ֑י לְפֻוָ֕ה מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת NAS: the family of the Tolaites; of Puvah, KJV: the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, INT: Tola the family of the Tolaites of Puvah the family 1 Occurrence |
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