ne.ma.lah denotes the ant, shown as an example to observe and as a community that prepares food.

The term denotes the ant in both occurrences: a singular ant is observed for its ways, while plural ants are described as preparing food in summer.

1. Ant as an observed and preparing creature · dominant

   In Proverbs 6:6, the singular feminine absolute form is the creature whose ways the sluggard is told to observe; the APB renders the clause “Go to the ant, O sluggard; observe her ways and become wise.” In Proverbs 30:25, the plural feminine absolute form identifies a people that, though not strong, prepare food in summer; the APB renders “The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer.”

   Proverbs 6:6Proverbs 30:25

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB presents the term as “the ant” in Proverbs 6:6 and “The ants” in Proverbs 30:25. These renderings fit the singular and plural forms.