gnat Summary and Overview
Bible Dictionaries at a Glance
gnat in Easton's Bible Dictionary
only in Matt. 23:24, a small two-winged stinging fly of the genus Culex, which includes mosquitoes. Our Lord alludes here to the gnat in a proverbial expression probably in common use, "who strain out the gnat;" the words in the Authorized Version, "strain at a gnat," being a mere typographical error, which has been corrected in the Revised Version. The custom of filtering wine for this purpose was common among the Jews. It was founded on Lev. 11:23. It is supposed that the "lice," Ex. 8:16 (marg. R.V., "sand-flies"), were a species of gnat.
gnat in Smith's Bible Dictionary
a species of mosquito mentioned only in the proverbial expression used by our Saviour in #Mt 23:21|
gnat in Schaff's Bible Dictionary
GNAT . Matt 23:24. This insect, a species of "mosquito," is common in hot countries. In the passage cited, the words "strain at" (a typographical error) should rather be "strain out;" the phrase will then better express the gross inconsistencies which our Saviour reproved.
gnat in Fausset's Bible Dictionary
Matthew 23:24 translated, "ye strain out a gnat," namely, in filtering liquors. Figuratively for "ye are punctilious about trifles" while reckless of enormities.