Strong’s H8440

תּוֹלָעִי

Part of speech

Proper Name Masculine

Transliteration

Towla`iy

Pronunciation

toh-LAH-ee

Definition

Worm, Scarlet, Crimson

Meaning

a Tolaite

Usage

The term "Tolai" is used in the Hebrew Bible to denote a worm, specifically the crimson worm (Coccus ilicis), which was used in ancient times to produce a red dye. This dye was significant in the production of textiles, particularly those used in the Tabernacle and priestly garments. The word is also metaphorically used to describe insignificance or lowliness, as in Job 25:6, "how much less man, who is but a maggot, and the son of man, who is but a worm!"

Bible references

Numbers 26:23