[Greek] κώνωψ (kōnōps), [Latin] culex, [Spanish] mosca: gnat, mosquito, midge, unclean insect; Mt.23:24
A canopy (bed with curtains) used by influential persons. Other canopies have mosquito curtains.
Background Information:
Old Testament: The mosquito (gnat) is one of the smallest unclean insects. God, in punishing Pharaoh, sent forth a series of plagues. The third plague consisted of gnats. The fourth plague consisted of flies. In the Hebrew process of purifying and filtering wine, there was always a concern (fear) of swallowing any insect forbidden by the law as unclean. A related New Testament scripture in Matthew’s gospel makes reference to this Jewish practice. Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the earth, and gnats came upon human being and beast alike (Exo.8:13). I will send swarms of flies upon you and your servants and your people and your houses (Exo.8:17). All other winged insects that have four legs are loathsome for you (Lev.11:23). You shall not make yourselves unclean, then by any swarming creature that crawls on the ground (Lev.11:44).
New Testament: Mt. 23:34 references blind guides who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel. At first glance, what does this mean? These blind guides are Pharisees who are so focused on minor matters, yet they neglect greater matters. The Pharisees’ scrupulosity is pointed about by the contrast between straining gnats and swallowing camels. The camel is also an unclean animal. Swallowing the camel is an exaggerated way of stating that the Pharisees were neglecting more important matters.
Scripture:
“Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!” Mt. 23:24
Pharisees are shown as hypocrites who neglect more important matters.
Canopy: The Greek term for canopy is konopion. This term is later associated with a suspended covering serving as protection or shelter. This covering can be found as a curtain or mosquito net surrounding a bed. Another reference pertains to an Egyptian couch with mosquito curtains. The canopy (bed curtains) becomes into prominence in the late 14th century. Canopy beds with curtains were used by lords and noblemen in medieval Europe for warmth and privacy, as their attendants often slept in the same room. In more recent years, beds with mosquito nets are used in the developing world and insect-infested regions of the world.
Conclusion
Canopy, mosquito, Culex
It is perhaps not surprising that God would use unclean creatures in His plagues on Egypt. I was never aware of the need to filter out gnats in the Hebrew wine making process.
To be honest, I was not very familiar with this New Testament scripture. By understanding the context of wine making, one can understand this passage. One would need to use a very fine filter to catch these small insects. When you associate hyperboles with the Pharisees, you know it is not a good picture for them. (It makes these Pharisees look small!)
The Spanish mosca means fly. With the addition of the suffix –ito , it becomes mosquito (little fly). Culex is the genus name of the common mosquito.
It’s time for me to leave now (you know) with my being that fly on the wall.