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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Gad-fly</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/g/gad-fly.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/jeremiah/46-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/g/gad-fly.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Gad-fly</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/g/gadfly.htm" title="Gadfly">◄</a> Gad-fly <a href="/topical/g/gadi.htm" title="Gadi">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The term "gad-fly" refers to a type of biting fly known for its persistent and irritating behavior, often causing distress to livestock. In the context of the Bible, the gad-fly is not explicitly mentioned by name in the Berean Standard Bible , but its presence and effects can be inferred from various passages that describe plagues or pestilences involving insects.<br><br><b>Biblical Context and Symbolism</b><br><br>In the ancient Near East, where the biblical narrative unfolds, gad-flies and similar insects were common and could be a significant nuisance to both humans and animals. They are often associated with divine judgment or natural consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. The presence of such pests would have been understood as a tangible sign of God's displeasure or as a test of faith and endurance.<br><br><b>Exodus and the Plagues of Egypt</b><br><br>One of the most notable instances where swarming insects play a role is during the plagues of Egypt. Although the specific term "gad-fly" is not used, the fourth plague, described in <a href="/exodus/8-21.htm">Exodus 8:21-24</a>, involves swarms of flies that invade the land of Egypt. The BSB states:<br><br><i>"But if you will 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."</i> (<a href="/exodus/8-21.htm">Exodus 8:21</a>)<br><br>This plague serves as a demonstration of God's power and a direct challenge to Pharaoh's authority, emphasizing the consequences of his refusal to release the Israelites. The swarms of flies, possibly including gad-flies, would have caused significant discomfort and disruption, highlighting the severity of divine intervention.<br><br><b>Symbolic Interpretation</b><br><br>In a broader symbolic sense, gad-flies can represent the persistent and often painful consequences of sin and rebellion against God. Just as these insects are relentless in their pursuit, so too are the repercussions of turning away from divine commandments. The presence of such pests in biblical narratives serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and obedience to God's will.<br><br><b>Practical Implications</b><br><br>For the agrarian societies of biblical times, the presence of gad-flies would have had practical implications, affecting livestock health and productivity. This would have been a serious concern, as livestock were a primary source of wealth and sustenance. The biblical text often uses such natural phenomena to illustrate spiritual truths, drawing a parallel between physical and spiritual well-being.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>While the gad-fly is not explicitly named in the Bible, its characteristics and effects are reflected in the broader context of biblical teachings on divine judgment and the natural consequences of human actions. Through the lens of scripture, the gad-fly serves as a metaphor for the persistent and often painful reminders of the need for faithfulness and obedience to God.<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/cyril/lectures_of_s_cyril_of_jerusalem/introduction_to_oration_ii.htm"><span class="l">Introduction to Oration ii.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> even after the lapse of many years, speaks of his ordination as an act of tyranny,<br> and at the time, stung almost to madness, as an ox by a <b>gadfly</b>, rushed away <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm</font><p><a href="/library/rolle/the_fire_of_love/chapter_xiv_of_the_praise.htm"><span class="l">Of the Praise of Solitary Life and of the First Lovers Thereof <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> John Baptist, after Christ the prince of hermits, tarrying in no desire, chose a<br> solitary life; and others have also chosen it, like to a <b>gadfly</b>, the which <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xiv of the praise.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kleiser/fifteen_thousand_useful_phrases/section_viii_striking_similes.htm"><span class="l">Striking Similes</span></a> <br><b>...</b> As bright as sunlight on a stream. As busy as a bee. As cattle driven by a <b>gadfly</b>.<br> As chimney sweepers come to dust. As clear as a whistle. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cyril/lectures_of_s_cyril_of_jerusalem/oration_xxxix_oration_on_the.htm"><span class="l">Oration on the Holy Lights.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> [3929] Zeus fell in love with Isis, and carried her off in the form of a heifer.<br> Here, discovering the fraud, sent a <b>gadfly</b>, which drove Isis mad. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxix oration on the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/sayce/early_israel_and_the_surrounding_nations/chapter_vi_babylonia_and_assyria.htm"><span class="l">Babylonia and Assyria</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Ea-bani died of the bite of a <b>gadfly</b>, and his spirit mounted to the skies,<br> while Gilgames himself was smitten by a sore disease. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/g/gadfly.htm"><span class="l"><b>Gadfly</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Gadfly</b> (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 46:20 Egypt is a very<br> fair heifer; but destruction out of the north is come, it is come. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gadfly.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gad-fly.htm"><span class="l"><b>Gad</b>-<b>fly</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>Gad</b>-<b>fly</b>. <b>Gadfly</b>, <b>Gad</b>-<b>fly</b>. Gadi . Multi-Version Concordance <b>Gad</b>-<b>fly</b> (1<br> Occurrence). <b>...</b> (DBY). <b>Gadfly</b>, <b>Gad</b>-<b>fly</b>. Gadi . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gad-fly.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gader.htm"><span class="l">Gader (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gader.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gadi.htm"><span class="l">Gadi (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gadi.htm - 7k</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Gad-in-the-Bible.html">Who was Gad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/tribe-of-Gad.html">What can we learn from the tribe of Gad? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Gad-the-seer.html">Who was Gad the seer? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Gad-fly (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/46-20.htm">Jeremiah 46:20</a></span><br />Egypt is a very fair heifer; the <span class="boldtext">gad-fly</span> cometh, it cometh from the north.<br /><span class="source">(DBY)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/g/gad-fly.htm">Gad-fly</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/menahem.htm">Menahem (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/men'ahem.htm">Men'ahem (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gadite.htm">Gadite (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sama'ria.htm">Sama'ria (102 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/ninth.htm">Ninth (35 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gad-fly.htm">Gad-fly (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thirtieth.htm">Thirtieth (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thirty-ninth.htm">Thirty-ninth (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/azari'ah.htm">Azari'ah (46 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/assassinated.htm">Assassinated (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/reigneth.htm">Reigneth (54 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jabesh.htm">Jabesh (21 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tirzah.htm">Tirzah (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shallum.htm">Shallum (27 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/succeeded.htm">Succeeded (81 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nine.htm">Nine (55 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/attacking.htm">Attacking (73 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/ruling.htm">Ruling (123 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/azariah.htm">Azariah (47 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria (123 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/attacked.htm">Attacked (93 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stead.htm">Stead (117 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/g/gadfly.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Gadfly"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Gadfly" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/g/gadi.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Gadi"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Gadi" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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