Cankerworm
NatureWhat is the meaning of Cankerworm in the Bible?
A term derived from the Hebrew 'yelek,' referring to a destructive insect that consumes vegetation. It likely describes a locust during its transitional phase from larva to adult.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying this specific biological stage helps scholars understand the agricultural devastation described in the prophetic imagery of the Book of Joel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Cankerworm were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Cankerworm in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Cankerworm clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Cankerworm." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/cankerworm/