Flea

David at the cave of Adullam thus addressed his persecutor Saul (1 Sam. 24:14): “After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea?” He thus speaks of himself as the poor, contemptible object of the monarch’s pursuit, a “worthy object truly for an expedition of the king of Israel with his picked troops!” This insect is in Eastern language the popular emblem of insignificance. In 1 Sam. 26:20 the LXX. read “come out to seek my life” instead of “to seek a flea.”

an insect but twice mentioned in Scripture, viz., in (1 Samuel 24:14; 26:20) Fleas are abundant in the East, and afford the subject of many proverbial expressions.

FLEA, a small insect mentioned as the most insignificant of creatures. 1 Sam 24:14; 1 Sam 26:20. Residents and travellers in warm climates are too well acquainted with it.

FLEA, a small insect mentioned as the most insignificant of creatures. 1 Sam 24:14; 1 Sam 26:20. Residents and travellers in warm climates are too well acquainted with it. FLESH is used figuratively for everything living, Gen 6:13, Gen 6:17, Gen 6:19; sometimes mankind, Zech 6:12; sometimes the body as distinguished from the soul or spirit. Col 2:5; 1 Pet 4:6. In a theological sense, "the flesh" is the natural man. including the unrenewed will and mind, moving in the world of self and sense only. Rom 7:6; Neh 8:1, Song of Solomon 8:5, Rom 8:9; Gal 5:17, Gal 5:19; Eph 2:3. Self-imposed ordinances gratify the flesh — i.e, self — whilst seemingly mortifying it.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

An insect belonging to the genus Pulex, of the order Aphaniptera. Fleas are destitute of wings, but have the power of leaping energetically. The bite is poisonous to most persons. The human flea (Pulex irritans), abundant in Europe, is rare in America, where the dog flea (P. canis) takes its place. See Aphaniptera, and Dog flea. See Illustration in Appendix. A flea in the ear, an unwelcome hint or unexpected reply, annoying like a flea; an irritating repulse; as, to put a flea in one's ear; to go away with a flea in one's ear. -- Beach flea, Black flea, etc. See under Beach, etc.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To flay. [Obs.] He will be fleaced first And horse collars made of's skin. J. Fletcher.