Dog-fly
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The term "dog-fly" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, it is often associated with the broader category of flies mentioned in the Scriptures. In the context of the Bible, flies are typically seen as pests or symbols of nuisance and corruption. The most notable biblical reference to flies is found in the account of the plagues of Egypt.

In Exodus 8:21-24 , God sends swarms of flies as the fourth plague upon Egypt: "If you do not let My people go, I will send swarms of flies on you and your officials, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians will be full of flies, and even the ground where they stand. But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people live, so that no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the LORD, am in this land. I will make a distinction between My people and your people. This sign will take place tomorrow.’” And the LORD did just this. Dense swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials; throughout Egypt, the land was ruined by swarms of flies."

The dog-fly, known scientifically as Stomoxys calcitrans, is a biting fly that feeds on the blood of animals and humans. It is similar in appearance to the common housefly but is distinguished by its painful bite. While the Bible does not specifically mention the dog-fly, the general reference to flies in the plagues of Egypt can be understood to include various types of flies, potentially including the dog-fly, given their role as a tormenting pest.

Flies in the biblical narrative often symbolize chaos and divine judgment. The plagues of Egypt, including the plague of flies, were a demonstration of God's power over the false gods of Egypt and a direct challenge to Pharaoh's hardened heart. The distinction made between the Egyptians and the Israelites during the plague of flies underscores God's protection and favor towards His chosen people.

In a broader theological context, flies can also be seen as a metaphor for sin and moral decay. Ecclesiastes 10:1 states, "As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor." This verse highlights how small, seemingly insignificant sins can corrupt and spoil what is otherwise good and pure.

The presence of flies, including the dog-fly, serves as a reminder of the fallen state of the world and the consequences of sin. In the biblical worldview, the natural world, including its pests, reflects the spiritual realities of life, pointing to the need for redemption and the ultimate restoration that comes through faith in God.
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Why the Passover is Said to be that of the "Jews. " Its ...
... thou wilt not let My people go, behold, I will send against thee and against thy
servants, and against thy people and against thy houses, the dog-fly; and the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/11 why the passover is.htm

On Psalm Lxxvii. Or Lxxviii.
... Part I."Exegetical. On Psalm LXXVII. Or LXXVIII. 45. He sent the dog-fly among
them, and consumed them; and the frog, and destroyed them. 46. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on psalm lxxvii or lxxviii.htm

The Poets Also Bear Testimony to the Truth.
... For instance, they call Aphrodite dog-fly, and Heph??stus a cripple. Helen says
to Aphrodite:". "Thy godship abdicate! Renounce Olympus!" [926]. ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter vii the poets also bear.htm

Psalm LXXVIII.
... bubbling from beneath. "He sent upon them the dog-fly, and it ate them
up; and the frog, and it destroyed them" (ver.45). "And He ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxviii.htm

Thesaurus
Dog-fly (1 Occurrence)
Dog-fly. Dog-flies, Dog-fly. Dogged . Multi-Version Concordance
Dog-fly (1 Occurrence). Psalms 105:31 He gave the word ...
/d/dog-fly.htm - 6k

Fly (33 Occurrences)
... Psalm 78:45; 105:31). The LXX. render this by a word which means the
"dog-fly," the cynomuia. The Jewish commentators regarded the ...
/f/fly.htm - 26k

Dog-flies (6 Occurrences)
Dog-flies. Dog, Dog-flies. Dog-fly . Multi-Version Concordance Dog-flies (6
Occurrences). ... (DBY). Dog, Dog-flies. Dog-fly . Reference Bible.
/d/dog-flies.htm - 8k

Flies (16 Occurrences)
... fli fliz `arobh (Exodus 8:21 Psalm 78:45; Psalm 105:31; Septuagint kunomuia;
"dog-fly"), zebhubh (Ecclesiastes 10:1 Isaiah 7:18; Septuagint muiai, "flies ...
/f/flies.htm - 15k

Dogged (1 Occurrence)

/d/dogged.htm - 6k

Plague (142 Occurrences)
... Psalm 78:45; 105:31), "out of the dust of the land" (Exodus 8:16-19). (4.) The plague
of flies (Hebrews arob, rendered by the LXX. dog-fly), Exodus 8:21-24. ...
/p/plague.htm - 49k

Insects (17 Occurrences)
... be eaten. (See RSV NIV). Psalms 105:31 He gave the word, and there came
the dog-fly, and insects over all the land. (BBE). Psalms ...
/i/insects.htm - 14k

Resources
Why did Jesus call the Canaanite woman a dog? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between Microevolution and Macroevolution? | GotQuestions.org

What are actuality and potentiality? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Dog-fly (1 Occurrence)

Psalms 105:31
He gave the word, and there came the dog-fly, and insects over all the land.
(BBE)

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Dog-fly

Related Terms

Dogma

Dog-fly (1 Occurrence)

Dog-flies
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