Spider
NatureWhat is the meaning of Spider in the Bible?
The Hebrew word for spider appears in Job 8:14 and Isaiah 59:5-6, where the creature's web serves as a metaphor for fragile foundations. The Septuagint translates this term as 'arachne', while the King James Version occasionally substitutes 'lizard' in certain contexts.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the spider's web as a symbol of fragility clarifies the biblical emphasis on the instability of human trust when detached from divine support.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Spider were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Spider in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Spider clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Job 8:14Isaiah 59:5-6
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
"Spider." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/spider/