Exo. 8:16

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Stretch.

Exod 8:5; Exod 8:17

lice.The word {kinnim} is rendered by the LXX. [skiphes, skipes,] or [skn�hes,] and by the Vulgate {sciniphes,} Gnats; and Mr. Harmer supposes he has found out the true meaning in the word {tarrentes,} a species of worm. Bochart, however, seems to have proved that lice, and not gnats, are meant; because,

1. they sprang from the dust, and not from the waters;

2. they were on both man and beast, which cannot be said of gnats;

3. their name is derived from {koon,} to make firm, fix, establish, which cannot agree with gnats, flies, etc., which are ever changing place, and almost constantly on the wing; 4. the term {kinnah} is used by the Talmudists to express the louse.

This insect must have been a very dreadful and afflicting plague to the Egyptians, and especially to the priests, who were obliged to shave all their hair off, and to wear a single linen tunic, to prevent vermin harbouring about them.