The term "motheaten" refers to the damage caused by moths, particularly to clothing and fabrics. In biblical times, garments were valuable possessions, and the destruction of these by moths symbolized decay, impermanence, and the futility of earthly treasures. The imagery of moths consuming fabric is used in Scripture to illustrate the transient nature of material wealth and the ultimate judgment that awaits those who place their trust in worldly possessions.

Biblical References:

1. Job 13:28 : "So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths." In this passage, Job laments the frailty and ephemeral nature of human life, comparing it to a garment that is subject to decay and destruction by moths. This metaphor underscores the theme of human mortality and the inevitability of death.

2. Isaiah 50:9 : "Surely the Lord GOD will help Me; who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed, they will all wear out like a garment; a moth will devour them." Here, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the vindication of the Servant of the Lord, contrasting the eternal support of God with the temporary nature of human adversaries, who will be consumed like moth-eaten garments.

3. Isaiah 51:8 : "For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will devour them like wool. But My righteousness will last forever, My salvation through all generations." This verse contrasts the fleeting nature of those who oppose God with the enduring righteousness and salvation of the Lord. The imagery of moths and worms consuming garments serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of human endeavors compared to the eternal nature of God's promises.

4. Matthew 6:19-20 : "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns against the accumulation of earthly wealth, which is vulnerable to decay and theft. Instead, He encourages His followers to seek heavenly treasures, which are imperishable and secure.

5. James 5:2 : "Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten." James admonishes the wealthy who hoard their riches, highlighting the futility of their actions. The imagery of moth-eaten garments serves as a metaphor for the inevitable decay of material wealth and the judgment that awaits those who prioritize it over spiritual riches.

Theological Significance:

The concept of being "motheaten" serves as a vivid illustration of the transient nature of earthly possessions and the futility of placing one's trust in them. Throughout Scripture, the destruction caused by moths is used to remind believers of the importance of focusing on eternal values and the imperishable treasures found in a relationship with God. This imagery calls Christians to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness over the accumulation of material wealth.4598. setobrotos -- moth-eaten
... motheaten. From ses and a derivative of bibrosko; moth-eaten -- motheaten. see GREEK
ses. see GREEK bibrosko. (setobrota) -- 1 Occurrence. 4597, 4598. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4598.htm - 6kMotheaten (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Motheaten (1 Occurrence). James 5:2 Your riches
are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. (KJV). ...
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Moth (10 Occurrences)

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Moth-eaten (2 Occurrences)
Moth-eaten. Motheaten, Moth-eaten. Mother . Multi-Version Concordance ... (WEB JPS
ASV WBS NAS RSV). Motheaten, Moth-eaten. Mother . Reference Bible.
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