Ant

A small insect that lives in underground nests and is a symbol of hard work and wisdom.

WEB-0032_ants
Ant

About Ant

An insect used as an example of active workers that store food in the summer (Proverbs 6:6; 30:25).

Ants are mentioned only twice in the Bible, both times in the book of Proverbs. For many years, some blamed Solomon for a biological error. Proverbs 6:8 says "prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest". Critics of the Bible pointed out that, so far as was then known, ants do not store up food. They assumed that Solomon had probably kicked an ant hill. He mistook the cocoon husks for grain. Or, he saw ants carrying bits of grain, leaves, and other matter to their nests.

Read full article
Go deeper
The animal itself Article

Habits, distribution, and how translators render the term across languages.

Key References

Proverbs 6:6

Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise.

Proverbs 30:25

The ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;

All Scripture References (2)

Proverbs (2)
Proverbs 6:6

Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise.

Proverbs 30:25

The ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;