Grasshopper

Belongs to the class of neuropterous insects called Gryllidae. This insect is not unknown in Palestine. In Judg. 6:5; 7:12; Job 39:30; Jer. 46:23, where the Authorized Version has “grasshopper,” the Revised Version more correctly renders the Hebrew word (‘arbeh) by “locust.” This is the case also in Amos 7:1; Nah. 3:17, where the Hebrew word gob is used; and in Lev. 11:22; Num. 13:33; Eccl. 12:5; Isa. 40:22, where hagab is used. In all these instances the proper rendering is probably “locust” (q.v.).

[Locust]

GRASS'HOPPER, an insect of the locust species, often mentioned in the sacred writings. Eccl 12:5. The word rendered "grasshopper" in the above-cited passage is rendered "locust" in 2 Chr 7:13. Grasshoppers were allowable food under the Jewish law. Lev 11:22. Their timidity is proverbial. Job 39:20. They are often found in great multitudes (hence the figurative language, Jud 6:5 and Num 7:12; Jer 46:23), and prove destructive to vegetation, especially in its early stages. Am 7:1. The allusion in Nah 3:15-17 is to a common habit of these insects. When benumbed with the cold, they assemble in vast numbers upon the hedges or other shrubbery; and such is their multitude that the places they occupy are darkened, and resemble the encamping-ground of a great army. As soon, however, as they are revived by the warmth of the sun, they fly away, no one knows whither. The grasshopper is used to illustrate comparative insignificance. Num 13:33; Isa 40:22; and in the passage from Ecclesiastes first cited, reference is probably made to that degree of weakness and infirmity in old age which makes the weight, or even the chirping, of a grasshopper burdensome.

GRASS'HOPPER, an insect of the locust species, often mentioned in the sacred writings. Eccl 12:5. The word rendered "grasshopper" in the above-cited passage is rendered "locust" in 2 Chr 7:13. Grasshoppers were allowable food under the Jewish law. Lev 11:22. Their timidity is proverbial. Job 39:20. They are often found in great multitudes (hence the figurative language, Jud 6:5 and Num 7:12; Jer 46:23), and prove destructive to vegetation, especially in its early stages. Am 7:1. The allusion in Nah 3:15-17 is to a common habit of these insects. When benumbed with the cold, they assemble in vast numbers upon the hedges or other shrubbery; and such is their multitude that the places they occupy are darkened, and resemble the encamping-ground of a great army. As soon, however, as they are revived by the warmth of the sun, they fly away, no one knows whither. The grasshopper is used to illustrate comparative insignificance. Num 13:33; Isa 40:22; and in the passage from Ecclesiastes first cited, reference is probably made to that degree of weakness and infirmity in old age which makes the weight, or even the chirping, of a grasshopper burdensome.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. Any jumping, orthopterous insect, of the families Acrididæ and Locustidæ. The species and genera are very numerous. The former family includes the Western grasshopper or locust (Caloptenus spretus), noted for the great extent of its ravages in the region beyond the Mississippi. In the Eastern United States the red-legged (Caloptenus femurrubrum and C. atlanis) are closely related species, but their ravages are less important. They are closely related to the migratory locusts of the Old World. See Locust.

2. In ordinary square or upright pianos of London make, the escapement lever or jack, so made that it can be taken out and replaced with the key; -- called also the hopper. Grove. Grasshopper engine, a steam engine having a working beam with its fulcrum at one end, the steam cylinder at the other end, and the connecting rod at an intermediate point. -- Grasshopper lobster (Zoöl.) a young lobster. [Local, U. S.] -- Grasshopper warbler (Zoöl.), cricket bird.