תּוֹלָע

Tola, the name of two Israelites

Definition

Tola is a proper name given to two distinct individuals in the Old Testament. The first Tola was a son of Issachar and grandson of Jacob, listed among those who went down to Egypt (Genesis 46:13) and whose descendants became the Tolaites (Numbers 26:23). The second and more prominent Tola was a judge of Israel from the tribe of Issachar, who judged Israel for 23 years in Shamir after the time of Abimelech (Judges 10:1-2). Both individuals are also recorded in the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles 7:1-2.

Biblical Usage

The name Tola is used exclusively as a personal name in the Old Testament, appearing five times across narrative and genealogical contexts. It is found in the foundational genealogy of Genesis 46:13, the tribal census of Numbers 26:23, the historical account of the judges in Judges 10:1, and the post-exilic genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 7:1-2. Its usage is consistent, always referring to a male descendant of Issachar.

Etymology

The name Tola (תּוֹלָע) is identical to the common Hebrew noun for 'worm' or 'scarlet grub' (H8438, תּוֹלָע). It is derived from the root י-ל-ע, relating to the action of worming or perhaps a crimson color. As a personal name, it likely functioned symbolically, possibly alluding to the lowliness or humility of the bearer, or perhaps to the prized crimson dye produced from such insects.

Semantic Range

While a proper name, its etymological connection to 'worm' offers a subtle theological echo. In the Bible, 'worm' can symbolize human frailty and mortality (e.g., Job 25:6, Psalm 22:6). That a judge of Israel bore this name may serve as a quiet reminder of God's pattern of using the humble and lowly to accomplish His purposes, a theme seen throughout the Judges narrative. Understanding this background enriches the reading of Judges 10:1-2, adding a layer of symbolic humility to this otherwise briefly mentioned deliverer.

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful and descriptive. Bearing a name like 'Worm' was not necessarily pejorative but could signify humility or acknowledge human dependence on God. Furthermore, the 'tola' worm was the source of a valuable crimson dye, so the name may have also carried connotations of value or preciousness derived from a lowly source, a known cultural symbol.

rimmah (H7415) — A more general term for maggot or worm, often associated with decay. tola'ath (H8438) — The identical common noun meaning 'worm' or 'scarlet grub,' from which the name is directly derived.

Word Details

Scripture References