Concept

Fly

मक्खी/उड़ना·Makkhi/Udna

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.”

Source:Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)Public domain

Original language

Key verses

Also in Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)

The two following Hebrew terms denote flies of some kind:

Zebub, which occurs only in (Ecclesiastes 10:1) and in Isai 7:18 And is probably a generic name for an insect.

’Arob (“swarms of flies,” “divers sorts of flies,” Authorized Version), the name of the insect or insects which God sent to punish Pharaoh; see (Exodus 8:21-31; Psalms 78:45; 105:31) The question as to what particular species is denoted, or whether any one species is to be understood, has long been a matter of dispute. As the arob are said to have filled the houses of the Egyptians, it seems not improbable that common flies (Muscidae) are more especially intended. The arob may include various species of Culicidae (gnats), such as the mosquito; but the common flies are to this day in Egypt regarded as a “plague,” and are the great instrument of spreading the well-known ophthalmia, which is conveyed from one individual to another by these dreadful pests. “It is now generally supposed that the dog-fly is meant, which at certain seasons is described as a far worse plague than mosquitos. The bite is exceedingly sharp and painful, causing severe inflammation, especially in the eyelids. Coming in immense swarms, they cover all objects in black and loathsome masses, and attack every exposed part of a traveller’s person with incredible pertinacity.”—Cook.

Source: Smith’s Bible Dictionary (1863) · Public domain

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In simple words

In the Bible, "fly" can refer to various common winged insects, often seen as pests or associated with plagues and decay. It also describes the act of moving through the air, used for birds, angels, and even as a metaphor for God's swift action, omnipresence, or rapid movement.

Historical context

The historical context of "fly" in the Bible spans both its literal manifestation as an insect and its metaphorical use for movement. The most prominent literal instance is the fourth plague on Egypt, where God sent "swarms of flies" (עָרוֹב, `arov`) upon Pharaoh and his people, sparing only Goshen where the Israelites lived (Exodus 8:20-31). This plague highlights God's power over creation and His ability to distinguish between His people and their oppressors, using a common pest as an instrument of judgment. Ecclesiastes 10:1 speaks of "dead flies" causing ointment to stink, reflecting their association with decay and ruin. Metaphorically, the act of "flying" is frequently used to describe divine attributes or actions. God is depicted as flying "upon the wings of the wind" (Psalm 18:10), symbolizing His swiftness, omnipresence, and power. Angels and celestial beings like the seraphim are described as having wings and flying (Isaiah 6:2; Daniel 9:21), signifying their role as messengers and agents of divine will, capable of rapid movement between heaven and earth. In the New Testament, flying creatures are seen in apocalyptic visions, such as the angel flying in midair proclaiming the eternal gospel (Revelation 14:6), underscoring the swift dissemination of God's message.

Cultural context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, flies and other flying insects were an inescapable part of daily life. The arid and semi-arid climates, coupled with common agricultural practices, animal husbandry, and rudimentary sanitation, created ideal breeding grounds for vast swarms of flies, gnats, and other pests. These insects were not merely an annoyance; they posed significant threats to health, spreading diseases like dysentery, trachoma, and typhoid fever, which were rampant in the region. Livestock were constantly bothered by flies, impacting their health and productivity. The "fly" often symbolized corruption, decay, and persistent irritation. The Egyptian plague of "swarms of flies" (Exodus 8) demonstrates their destructive power, impacting both people and land. The Philistine deity Baal-zebub, meaning "lord of the flies," further illustrates the cultural prominence of flies, where they were seen as either a nuisance to be appeased or a source of pestilence, sometimes even attributed to demonic forces. The omnipresence of these insects shaped attitudes towards hygiene, food preservation, and even religious practices.

Symbolism

As an insect, the fly symbolizes pestilence, decay, corruption, annoyance, persistent evil, and the destructive nature of judgment (e.g., the plague of flies). The "lord of the flies" (Baal-zebub/Beelzebul) points to a connection with demonic influence and idolatry. Dead flies in ointment (Ecclesiastes 10:1) symbolize how a little foolishness can spoil wisdom and reputation. As an act of flying, it symbolizes speed, swiftness, divine intervention, freedom, spiritual ascent, deliverance, rapid communication, and the supernatural. God "flying" on the wings of the wind (Psalm 18:10) denotes His quick and powerful response. Angels flying (Isaiah 6:2, Revelation 14:6) represent their role as messengers and agents of divine will, capable of traversing vast distances. The imagery of believers "soaring on wings like eagles" (Isaiah 40:31) symbolizes renewed strength, resilience, and spiritual elevation above earthly struggles.

For today

The biblical concept of "fly" offers several modern applications. Spiritually, just as ancient Israelites dealt with literal swarms of flies, believers today contend with spiritual "flies"—persistent temptations, nagging doubts, corrosive sins, or toxic influences that buzz around and seek to spoil our spiritual walk (akin to dead flies in ointment). We are called to exercise discernment and discipline to rid our lives of these spiritual pests, maintaining a clean and holy environment for the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, the imagery of God "flying" to our aid or providing "wings of eagles" (Isaiah 40:31) offers a powerful reminder of His swift and unfailing deliverance and strength. In moments of weakness or distress, we can trust that God is able to elevate us above our circumstances, granting us supernatural strength and perspective. The idea of spreading the gospel can also be seen as "flying" the good news, swiftly and widely, to all corners of the earth, much like the angel flying with the eternal gospel in Revelation 14:6, encouraging active evangelism and mission work.

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