The worm is used symbolically to show the extreme feebleness of man (Job 17:14; Job 25:6). In blessing Israel Jehovah said, “Fear not, thou worm Jacob” (Isa. 41:14); and the Lord, to indicate the low estate in which He was, said, “I am a worm and no man” (Psa. 22:6). In the grave man’s body becomes the companion of worms, if they do not actually feed upon it (Job 21:26; Job 24:20; Isa. 14:11). Of the eternal punishment of the wicked it is recorded “their worm dieth not” (Mark 9:44,46,48: Compare Isa. 66:24). Herod Agrippa, being smitten by an angel, was literally “eaten of worms” (Acts 12:23). In Job 25:6 man is compared to a worm—literally “a maggot”—an apt figure of moral corruption.
Maggots