Original Word: פַרְעשׁ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: par`osh
Pronunciation: pah-ROSH
Phonetic Spelling: (par-oshe')
KJV: flea
NASB: flea
Word Origin: [probably from H6544 (פָּרַע - To let go) and H6211 (עָשׁ עֲסַב - moth)]

1. a flea (as the isolated insect)

flea

Probably from para' and ash; a flea (as the isolated insect) -- flea.

see HEBREW para'

see HEBREW ash

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
a flea
NASB Translation
flea (2).

I. מַּרְעשׁ noun masculine flea (Assyrian puršu°û, paršu°û; on transposing of, see Hom^A.u.A.i.21); — figure of insignifance 1 Samuel 24:15; 1 Samuel 26:20 נַפְשִׁי ᵐ5 Th We Dr and others

Natural history and cultural background

The ancient Near East was no stranger to the nuisance of blood-sucking insects. Fleas thrive in warm, dry climates and commonly infest sheepfolds, goat pens, and human dwellings. Their minute size, agility, and persistence made them proverbial for insignificance and irritation. A single pinch could propel the insect several dozen body lengths, rendering it almost impossible to capture. Shepherds and soldiers alike would have known the discomfort of flea bites, a backdrop that gives weight to the Biblical imagery.

Occurrences in Scripture

The word appears twice, both on the lips of David while he is a fugitive from King Saul:
• 1 Samuel 24:14—“After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?”
• 1 Samuel 26:20—“For the king of Israel has come out to search for a flea, just as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.”

In each case David uses the insect as a metaphor for his own smallness and harmlessness in contrast to Saul’s royal power.

Literary and rhetorical function

1. Contrast of scale: David sets “the king of Israel” against “a flea,” intensifying the absurdity of Saul’s pursuit and underscoring how little threat David poses.
2. Self-abasement: Similar to calling himself “a dead dog,” the flea image heightens David’s humble posture before the Lord and his enemy.
3. Appeal to conscience: By magnifying Saul’s misuse of resources against an insignificant target, David gently exposes the king’s jealousy and insecurity.

Historical context

David’s flight spans several wilderness strongholds—En Gedi’s crags, the Ziphite woods, the hill of Hachilah. In such terrain shepherd‐turned-fugitive David would be intimately familiar with vermin. Saul, commanding three thousand chosen men (1 Samuel 24:2), wastes national strength chasing one who likens himself to a creature that almost escapes detection. The episodes occur during the uneasy transition from Saul’s kingship to David’s God-promised reign, a period marked by prophetic confirmation (1 Samuel 16:13), but not yet public enthronement.

Spiritual and pastoral significance

1. Humility before God: David’s self-description reflects Psalm 22:6, “I am a worm and not a man,” reminding believers that true greatness lies in dependence on the Lord, not in self-assertion.
2. Restraint toward adversaries: Although Saul seeks his life, David refuses to “stretch out [his] hand against the LORD’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6). Even when treated as a flea, the future king entrusts vindication to God.
3. Divine valuation of the overlooked: The One who numbers the hairs of our heads (Matthew 10:30) also assigns purpose to those the world deems insignificant. David the “flea” is destined to shepherd Israel and foreshadows the greater Son of David who came “gentle and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5).

Christological reflections

Jesus Christ embodies the paradox of lowliness and majesty. Born in a manger, despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3), yet declared “King of kings” (Revelation 19:16), He echoes David’s flea metaphor, choosing meekness over force. In His arrest at Gethsemane, the Lord could have summoned twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:53) yet submitted to unjust pursuit, illustrating ultimate confidence in the Father’s plan.

Practical ministry applications

• Encourage believers facing disproportionate opposition: God often allows His servants to be treated as “fleas” that His power may be displayed (2 Corinthians 4:7-9).
• Counsel leaders against misdirected zeal: Saul’s fixation on David warns churches and ministries not to expend energy on petty rivalries while neglecting mission.
• Foster a culture of honor: David’s refusal to harm Saul models respectful disagreement—even with flawed authority—trusting God to judge rightly.

Related biblical themes

Smallness used by God—Judges 6:15; 1 Samuel 17:14; Micah 5:2

Misplaced anger of rulers—Exodus 1:9-10; Esther 3:5-6; John 11:48-50

God’s care for the humble—Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 57:15; Luke 1:52

In Scripture, the flea becomes more than an insect; it is a living parable of humility, injustice endured, and divine vindication—truths that continue to strengthen the people of God.

פַּרְעֹ֣שׁ פַּרְעֹ֥שׁ פרעש par‘ōš par·‘ōš parOshInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts