Bible Dictionary
Fly
The Bible mentions flies as troublesome insects and as one of the plagues sent upon Egypt. A fly also appears as a symbol of a grievous pest and is associated with the name Baal-zebub.
Definition
The biblical noun “fly” may denote a troublesome or poisonous fly, while another term refers to the insects sent as a plague upon Egypt. The fly is associated with pestilence and decay.
Biblical Usage
The plague of flies afflicted Egypt. Isaiah uses a fly from the region of Egypt as an image of a grievous pest called by the Lord, and Ecclesiastes uses flies in a proverb about corruption.
Historical Background
The Egyptian plague has been identified by interpreters with a definite species, including the dog-fly or possibly a destructive beetle. Such insects could bite painfully and damage food, clothing, leather, and furniture.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Heb. zebub, (Eccl. 10:1; Isa. 7:18). This fly was so grievous a pest that the Phoenicians invoked against it the aid of their god Baal-zebub (q.v.). The prophet Isaiah (7:18) alludes to some poisonous fly which was believed to be found on the confines of Egypt, and which would be called by the Lord. Poisonous flies exist in many parts of Africa, for instance, the different kinds of tsetse. Heb. ‘arob, the name given to the insects sent as a plague on the land of Egypt (Ex. 8:21-31; Ps. 78:45; 105:31). The LXX. render this by a word which means the “dog-fly,” the cynomuia. The Jewish commentators regarded the Hebrew word here as connected with the word ’arab, which means “mingled;” and they accordingly supposed the plague to consist of a mixed multitude of animals, beasts, reptiles, and insects. But there is no doubt that “the ’arab“ denotes a single definite species. Some interpreters regard it as the Blatta orientalis, the cockroach, a species of beetle. These insects “inflict very painful bites with their jaws; gnaw and destroy clothes, household furniture, leather, and articles of every kind, and either consume or render unavailable all eatables.”
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(Verb; `uph petaomai, or, contracted, ptaomai):</p><p>Used in preference to "flee" when great speed is to be indicated. "To fly" is used: (1) Literally, of birds, `uph (Ge 1:20; Ps 55:6); da'ah (De 28:49), of sparks (Job 5:7); of the arrow (Ps 91:5); of the seraphim (Isa 6:2,6); of an angel (Da 9:21, ya`aph, "to be caused to fly"); of swift action or movement (Ps 18:10; Jer 48:40); of people (Isa 11:14); of a fleet (Isa 60:8; 1Sa 15:19, 14:32, `asah, "to do," etc.). (2) Figuratively, of a dream (Job 20:8); of man's transitory life (Ps 90:10); of riches (Pr 23:5); of national glory (Ho 9:11).</p><p>For "fly" the Revised Version (British and American) has "soar" (Job 39:26) "fly down" (Isa 11:14); for "flying" (Isa 31:5) the American Standard Revised Version has "hovering."</p><p>W. L. Walker</p>