Who or what is Horseleach in the Bible?

Ancient Context: Horseleach

⚡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)

The Hebrew word 'alukah' occurs only in Proverbs 30:15, where it serves as a metaphor for insatiable greed, with scholarly translations ranging from 'leech' to 'vampire' depending on linguistic interpretation.

What is the meaning of Horseleach in the Bible?

The Hebrew word 'alukah' occurs only in Proverbs 30:15, where it serves as a metaphor for insatiable greed, with scholarly translations ranging from 'leech' to 'vampire' depending on linguistic interpretation.

TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing this term illuminates the vivid imagery employed in biblical wisdom literature to characterize the relentless and destructive nature of greed.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Horseleach functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.

Bible Study Reflection Prompts:

Why did the biblical author mention Horseleach in this passage?
What cultural or historical assumption does Horseleach clarify?

Scripture Passages Mentioned: Proverbs 30:15

Source Attribution & Provenance

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.

How to Cite This Entry

          "Horseleach." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/horseleach/
        

Horseleach