Lice
NatureWhat is the meaning of Lice in the Bible?
The Hebrew word 'kinim' denotes lice, fleas, or biting insects and appears in the Exodus plague narrative and various Psalms, where its precise taxonomic identification remains debated among scholars due to ancient linguistic ambiguity.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the biological reality of lice infestations clarifies the visceral nature of the Exodus plagues, helping readers grasp the physical discomfort and social disruption intended by the biblical authors.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Lice were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Lice in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Lice 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
"Lice." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/lice/