Bible Question:
Why is Jacob (Israel) called a worm? What does this mean?
Bible Answer:
Little Boys Looking at a Worm
Isaiah 41:14 and Psalm 22:6 are unusual verses in the Old Testament because one refers to Jacob as a worm and the second verse calls Christ a worm. The Hebrew word for worm is tola. The word is usually translated as “scarlet” and “worm.” It has been translated as “maggot” or “grub.” In Isaiah 41:14 most translators correctly translate the word as worm. That is the meaning of the Hebrew word in this verse. In this verse, God is speaking and says,
“Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel;
I will help you,” declares the LORD, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.”
Isaiah 41:14 (NASB)
Some have claimed that the word “worm” in this verse illustrates Israel’s view of itself. But Isaiah 41:6-16 clearly reveals that Jacob or Israel was fearful and weak.Isaiah 41:10 captures this point very well.
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)
So, it could be true that Israel thought it was helpless and extremely vulnerable like a worm. They could be killed just like two boys who found a worm on a rainy day on a road or sidewalk and killed it.
But the context strongly suggests that we should understand “worm” in Isaiah 41:14 to be a symbol that illustrates the insignificance of Israel. Christ was also referred to as a worm when He died on the cross (Psalm 22:6). The word tola is not used as a insult but as a description of fact. Jacob or Israel was insignificant compared to Yahweh who loves and promises to rescue the nation.
Notice that in verse 10, Yahweh encouraged Israel to not fear. He told them that He was their God. He promised to strengthen them and help them. In verses 11-13 Yahweh tried to encourage them by saying that their enemies would disappear. The last line of verse 13 says,
“For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand.” Isaiah 41:13b (NASB)
Then in verse 14 Yahweh added,
“Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel.” Isaiah 41:14a (NASB)
Yahweh again urges Israel to not be fearful. That is, Israel is like a worm. It is weak and fearful. Anyone could step on it and squish it. A worm is nothing compared to its enemies. But the nation of Israel’s strength is found in Yahweh. So, they should look to Him. Then verse 14 ends with glorious words,
“I will help you,” declares the LORD, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:14b (NASB)
Therefore, the word “worm” should not be taken as an insult. Yahweh used it as an accurate description of this weak and fearful nation when compared to their enemies. At the end of the verse, Yahweh reminds them that He is their Redeemer. What a wonderful statement! Jacob is like a worm, but God is their Redeemer. He will help Israel . He will defend Israel, and destroy its enemies (Isaiah 41:15-16).
Edward Young summarizes the meaning of worm in verse 14,
The designation itself, however, is not used in a disrespectful sense, but rather calls attention to the sad plight and distressful condition into which the nation had fallen and from which only the power of God could bring help. Such a designation would remind the nation of its state and would be more suitable for consolation than if the prophet had heaped upon it epithets of praise and honor.1
Harry Bultema adds,
But we should almost lose sight of the worm, Jacob, when dwelling on God’s glorious names. It is an eminently fitting name for the people in exile. A (little) worm wriggles in the mud and has neither strength nor beauty and glory. A pedestrian steps on it without paying any attention to its painful twisting. Our Savior was a worm and no man, especially when He was in agony in Gethsemane. Israel, too, is called a worm, for this people has nearly all the characteristics of it in common.2
In summary, God promises to defend Israel and destroy its enemies.
Conclusion
The same message is true for every genuine believer. For the apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1:6 encourages the believers in Thessalonica, who were being persecuted, with these words,
“For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you.” 2 Thessalonians 1:6 (NASB)
So, God will repay those who afflict believers. Romans 12:19-21 says,
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-21 (NASB)
Even believers are worms compared to what our God can accomplish. He can afflict our enemies much more effectively than we can. But He does it righteously and justly. He makes our enemies pay for their affliction of righteous men and women.
References:
1. Edward Young. The Book of Isaiah. Vol. 3. Eerdmans Company, 1972. p. 86-87.
2. Harry Bultema. Commentary on Isaiah. Kregel Publications. 1981. p. 396-397.
Suggested Links:
Isaiah Q&AHow can I become like God?
God Will Punish The Sins of Anti-Semitism and Anti-Judaism