Worm

A worm is a small, soft-bodied creature. In the Bible, the word usually means insect larvae, often maggots (the young of flies).

Maggots are mentioned in stories where they feed on:

Mark 9:48 refers to a maggot that eats dead flesh. In Acts 12:23, King Herod suffers a fatal disease caused by worms. Sometimes “worm” means the young of other insects (Isaiah 51:8).

In Deuteronomy 28:39 and Jonah 4:7 the vine weevil (Cochylis ambiguella) is likely meant. This pest damages vines by boring into their stems.

Calling a person a “worm” is a way of showing extreme humility or shame (Job 25:6; Psalm 22:6).

From Tyndale Bible Dictionary, adapted by Mission Mutual. CC BY-SA 4.0.