* Stretch.
5,17
* lice.
The word {kinnim} is rendered by the LXX. [skiphes, skipes,]
or [skn(8270)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.
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