Gnat
NatureWhat is the meaning of Gnat in the Bible?
The English word 'gnat' occurs in Matthew 23:24 to describe a small flying insect, while the Revised Version margin proposes 'gnats' as an alternative translation for the Hebrew term kinnim in Exodus 8:16.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific insect referenced in these passages clarifies the literal meaning of Jesus' critique regarding tithing herbs and the nature of the plague in Exodus, grounding the text in its original ecological context.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Gnat were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Gnat in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gnat clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Matthew 23:24Exodus 8:16
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
"Gnat." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gnat/