Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

GNAT

A general term referring to small, winged, biting or stinging insects, perhaps the midge (Chironomidae), associated with the third plague visited upon Egypt (Exod. 8:16-19[MT 12-15]; Ps. 105:31). Translations of Heb. kinnîm (pl.) vary (KJV, NJPSV “lice”; NJB “mosquitoes”). The image of Aaron’s staff striking the dust of the earth to bring forth the plague of gnats aptly conveys their minute size, which permits them to enter the eyes, ears, and noses of their human victims. MHeb. kinnim means “lice,” whereas the details in the Exodus account seem to indicate some sort of fast-moving flying insect.

Isa. 51:6 is problematic, since the singular form of the Hebrew term does not occur elsewhere (cf. KJV “in like manner,” NJPSV “as well,” following LXX).

In Matt. 23:24 Jesus criticizes those who strain out a gnat (Gk. kṓnōps; the lighter matter of the law — ceremonial concerns), yet swallow a camel (the weightier matter of the law — justice, mercy, and faith), forgetting that one should practice the one commandment without neglecting the other.

Jesper Svartvik

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

GNAT

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)