Leviticus 11:29 — Word Study
WLCוְזֶ֤ה לָכֶם֙ הַטָּמֵ֔א בַּשֶּׁ֖רֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵ֣ץ עַל־ הָאָ֑רֶץ הַחֹ֥לֶד וְהָעַכְבָּ֖ר וְהַצָּ֥ב לְמִינֵֽהוּ׃
BSAThe followingzeh creaturessherets [including weasels, rats, and small reptiles] that moveshârats alongʻal the groundʼerets [upon the earth, on the land] are uncleanṭâmêʼ [spiritually impure, defiled] the molechôled△ the mouseʻakbâr [any kind of small rodent] any kindmîyn of great lizardtsâb [large reptile, possibly a tortoise]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְזֶ֤ה | and this | Conjunction, particle |
| לָכֶם֙ | to you | Preposition, suffix |
| הַטָּמֵ֔א | [is] the unclean | Particle |
| בַּשֶּׁ֖רֶץ | among the swarming thing[s] | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| הַשֹּׁרֵ֣ץ | which swarms | Particle, verb qal participle (active) masculine singular |
| עַל־ | on | Preposition |
| הָאָ֑רֶץ | the earth | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| הַחֹ֥לֶד | the weasel | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְהָעַכְבָּ֖ר | and the mouse | Conjunction, particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְהַצָּ֥ב | and the great lizard | Conjunction, particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לְמִינֵֽהוּ׃ | to kind its | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The following creatures that move along the ground are unclean for you: the mole, the mouse, any kind of great lizard, |
| KJV | ¶ These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind, |
| ASV | And these are they which are unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth: the weasel, and the mouse, and the great lizard after its kind, |
| YLT | 'And this [is] to you the unclean among the teeming things which are teeming on the earth: the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after its kind, |
| WEB | “‘These are they which are unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard, |
| BBE | And these are unclean to you among things which go low down on the earth; the weasel and the mouse and the great lizard, and animals of that sort; |
Where they part company is over the interpretation of טָמֵא — see How Translations Differ.
One main clause with a noun phrase detailing the unclean creatures. The structure highlights the specific examples of unclean animals.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
1 of 11 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Leviticus 11:29
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Dietary Laws in Leviticusgenerated
Leviticus 11:29 is part of a broader section outlining the dietary laws for the Israelites, focusing on what animals are considered clean and unclean. This verse specifically lists creatures that move along the ground, emphasizing the importance of these laws for maintaining spiritual purity. Understanding these regulations helps illuminate the cultural and religious practices of the ancient Israelites, as seen throughout the book of Leviticus.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 11:20–21 | All flying insects that walk on all fours are detestable to you. |
| 2 | Psalm 10:3 | For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. |
| 3 | Psalm 17:13–14 | Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword, |
| 4 | Haggai 2:6 | For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. |
| 5 | Luke 12:15 | And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — טָמֵא, ha.ta.Me'generated
The word טָמֵא (tame') means 'unclean' and indicates a state of spiritual impurity. It is derived from a root that conveys defilement, particularly in a religious context, and applies to people, places, and things. Its usage in this verse highlights the dietary restrictions placed upon the Israelites.
In this context, טָמֵא serves as a critical term in the laws of purity, indicating that the listed creatures are not suitable for consumption. This concept of being unclean is central to understanding the broader themes of holiness and separation in the Israelite community.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb in this verse is שֹּׁרֵ֣ץ (which swarms), governing the subject of the creatures being described. The structure emphasizes the creatures that are unclean, indicating their significance in the dietary laws.
The phrase בַּשֶּׁ֖רֶץ (among the swarming things) serves as a prepositional phrase that clarifies the type of creatures being referred to, while the noun phrases that follow list specific examples, creating a clear and organized presentation of the unclean animals.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the word for טָמֵא is rendered as ἀκάθαρτα (akatharta), which carries a similar meaning of 'unclean' or 'impure.' This choice reflects a consistent understanding of the concept of ritual purity across both Hebrew and Greek texts.
The term שֶׁרֶץ is translated as ἑρπετῶν (herpetōn), indicating a focus on creatures that crawl or move close to the ground, aligning with the original Hebrew intent.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Leviticus 11:29 lists specific creatures that are unclean for the Israelites, including the mole, the mouse, and any kind of great lizard. These dietary laws are important for maintaining spiritual purity within the community.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
In this context, being unclean means that the creature is not suitable for consumption according to the dietary laws given to the Israelites, often due to spiritual or ritual impurity.
These creatures are specifically mentioned as unclean due to their nature and behavior, which are seen as contrary to the purity laws outlined in Leviticus.
While the specific dietary laws may not apply to everyone today, they reflect broader themes of purity, holiness, and the importance of following God's commandments.
These restrictions teach us about the significance of obedience to God's laws and the importance of maintaining spiritual cleanliness in our lives.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What do these dietary laws reveal about the nature of holiness and purity in the Israelite community?
- How can understanding these laws help us in our own spiritual lives today?
- What are some modern examples of practices that promote spiritual purity?
- In what ways can we apply the principles of these laws to our daily choices and behaviors?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Leviticus 11:29 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThese also [shall be] unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth,.... As distinguished from those creeping things that fly, these having no wings as they; and which were
Read John Gill on Leviticus 11 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThese also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind, These also shall be unclean unto you among the
Read Robert Jamieson on Leviticus 11 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsLeviticus 11:29 These also [shall be] unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,Ver. 29. And the tortoise.] Which hath its name in Hebrew of a coach or wagon. The thick shell wherewith it is covered is said to be so hard, that a loaded wagon may go over it and not break it. And such is a hard heart, that cannot repent, or relent never so little.
Read John Trapp on Leviticus 11 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(29) These also shall be unclean.—Better, And these shall be the most unclean. As Leviticus 11:24-28 have been occupied with the discussion of the defilement caused by the carcases of unclean quadrupeds, which, as we have seen, belong to the first class of the animal kingdom, the Lawgiver now enumerates those “creeping things” of the fourth class, which likewise cause defilement by touching them. The eight animals here adduced (Leviticus 11:29-30) are therefore a continuation of the things that go on their belly, mentioned in Leviticus 11:20-23. They only differ in this respect, that in Leviticus 11:20-23 the creeping things have also wings, whilst those described here are creeping things…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Leviticus 11 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 29. The weasel] חלד choled, from chalad, Syr., to creep in. Bochart conjectures, with great propriety, that the mole, not the weasel, is intended by the Hebrew word: its property of digging into the earth, and creeping or burrowing under the surface, is well known. The mouse] עחבר achbar. Probably the large field rat, or what is called by the Germans the hamster, though every species of the mus genus may be here prohibited. The tortoise] צב tsab. Most critics allow that the tortoise is not intended here, but rather the crocodile, the frog, or the toad. The frog is most probably the animal meant, and all other creatures of its kind.
Read AdamClarke on Leviticus 11 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges29–38. Uncleanness caused by Creeping Things 29. the weasel†] According to early Versions, and the Mishna the Heb. word should be thus translated; but some prefer the rendering ‘mole.’ the great lizard†] tortoise A.V. The cognate words in Arab. and Syr. support the rendering of R.V.
Read Cambridge on Leviticus 11 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe identification of “the creeping things” here named is not always certain. They are most likely those which were occasionally eaten.
Read Albert Barnes on Leviticus 11 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible29. The weasel — The choledh is found only in this catalogue, and seems to include the weasel, ichneumon, and the mole. They are all remarkably abundant in Palestine, especially the last two.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Leviticus 11 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
The following creatures that move along the ground are unclean for you: the mole, the mouse, any kind of great lizard,
“‘These are they which are unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard,
The following creatures that move along the ground are unclean for you: the mole, the mouse, any kind of great lizard,
“‘Now this is what is unclean to you among the swarming things that swarm on the land: the rat, the mouse, the large lizard of any kind,
Tyndale line
¶ These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,
And these are they which are unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth: the weasel, and the mouse, and the great lizard after its kind,
And these are they which are unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the great lizard after its kind,
These also shall be unclean to you among the creeping animals that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise, after its kind,
Also these shalbe vncleane to you amog the things that creepe and moue vpon the earth, the weasell, and the mouse, and the frog, after his kinde:
Strictly literal
And these shall be unclean unto you among the crawling things which crawl on the earth: the mole, and the field-mouse, and the lizard, after its kind;
'And this [is] to you the unclean among the teeming things which are teeming on the earth: the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after its kind,
And this [is] the unclean to you among the teeming things which are teeming on the earth: the weasel, and the muroid, and the tortoise [[or large lizard]] after its kind,
And these shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth: The weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after its kind,
Of the animals that creep on the ground, these are the animals that will be unclean to you: the weasel, the rat, every kind of large lizard,
From the Latin
These also shall be reckoned among unclean things, of all that move upon the earth, the weasel, and the mouse, and the crocodile, every one according to their kind:
Simplified
The following animals that run along the ground are unclean for you: rats, mice, any kind of large lizards,
And these are unclean to you among things which go low down on the earth; the weasel and the mouse and the great lizard, and animals of that sort;
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text lists the unclean creatures as the mole, the mouse, and any kind of great lizard. The Septuagint largely agrees with the Masoretic Text, with 10 of the 11 words matching, although the specific wording and order differ. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs by using the term 'עכבור' (jerboa) instead of 'עכבר' (mouse) and 'מינו' (kind) instead of the more general term. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain fragments that align closely with the Masoretic Text, but some words are either missing or have been supplied by editors. Overall, while there are some variations, the core elements of the verse remain consistent across these ancient witnesses.
וְזֶ֤ה לָכֶם֙ הַטָּמֵ֔א בַּשֶּׁ֖רֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵ֣ץ עַל־ הָאָ֑רֶץ הַחֹ֥לֶד וְהָעַכְבָּ֖ר וְהַצָּ֥ב לְמִינֵֽהוּ׃
10 of the 11 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
וזה לכם הטמא בשׁרץ השׁרץ על הארץ החלד והעכבור והצב למינו
2 words differ from the Masoretic Text: עכבור (jerboa), מינו (kind)
[וזה] [ל׳כמ] [הטמא] [בשרצ] [השרצ] על הארצ החלד [והעכבר] [והצב] [למינ׳הו]
3 words on the leather — 8 supplied entire by an editor.
וזה ל׳כם הטמא בשרץ [השרץ] על הארץ החלד [והעכבר] והצב למינ׳הו
7 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 2 supplied entire by an editor.
[וזה] [ל׳כם] [הטמא] [בשרץ] [השורץ] [על] [הארץ]
7 words of the verse are on this fragment — 7 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Leviticus 11:29
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
זֶה (zeh) is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this' or 'here.' It can stand alone, be used appositively, or function as a predicate. The word can also attach enclitically to interrogative pronouns, adding emphasis and directness. In poetry, it may serve as a relative pronoun, though this usage is rare.
זֶה demonstr.pron. and adv.; fem. זֹאת, once זֹאתָה; this, here
standing alone
In appos. to subst.
More oft. as pred.
It is attached enclitically, almost as an adv., to certain words, esp. interrog. pronouns, to impart, in a manner often not reproducible in Engl. idiom, directness and force, bringing the question or statement made into close relation with the speaker.
In poetry, as a relative pron. (rare)
With prefixes (in special senses)
base
H2088 זֶה demonstr. pron. and adv.; fem. זֹאת, once זֹאתָה; this, here . standing alone
. In appos. to subst.
. More oft. as pred.
. It is attached enclitically, almost as an adv., to certain words, esp. interrog. pronouns, to impart, in a manner often not reproducible in Engl. idiom, directness and force, bringing the question or statement made into close relation with the speaker.
. In poetry, as a relative pron. (rare)
. With prefixes (in special senses)
2088 zeh zeh
a primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this
or that:--he, X hence, X here, it(-self), X now, X of him, the
one...the other, X than the other, (X out of) the (self) same,
such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on
that side, X thus, very, which. Compare 2063, 2090, 2097,
2098.
see HEBREW for 02063
see HEBREW for 02090
see HEBREW for 02097
see HEBREW for 02098
זֶה (zeh) — this.
1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such
1a) (alone)
1a1) this one
1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another
1b) (appos to subst)
1b1) this
1c) (as predicate)
1c1) this, such
1d) (enclitically)
1d1) then
1d2) who, whom
1d3) how now, what now
1d4) what now
1d5) wherefore now
1d6) behold here
1d7) just now
1d8) now, now already
1e) (poetry)
1e1) wherein, which, those who
1f) (with prefixes)
1f1) in this (place) here, then
1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter
1f3) thus and thus
1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus
1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side
1f6) on this account
1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Conj | Pron — Conjunction · particleHC/Tm
כֶם (khem) — you.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person masculine plural
HRd/Sp2mp — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp2mp
טָמֵא (tame') means 'unclean' and is derived from a root that conveys a sense of defilement or pollution, particularly in a religious context. It covers ethical, religious, and ritual impurity, and can refer to both people and places.
טָמֵא adj. unclean
base
H2931 טָמֵא unclean
2931 tame' taw-may'
from 2930; foul in a relig. sense:--defiled, + infamous,
polluted(-tion), unclean.
see HEBREW for 02930
טָמֵא (ta.me) — unclean.
1) unclean, impure
1a) ethically and religiously
1b) ritually
1c) of places
Art | Adj — ParticleHTd/Aamsa
See CLEAN.
→ (Ceremonially speaking)
Creatures designated as such Le 11; De 14
→ See UNCLEANNESS
שֶׁ֫רֶץ (sherets) refers to swarmers or swarming things, encompassing a variety of small creatures like insects, reptiles, and other animals. It is derived from a related term indicating a swarm or active mass of minute animals. The entries consistently describe it as a collective noun for these types of creatures.
שֶׁ֫רֶץ n.m. coll. swarmers, swarming things
base
H8318 שֶׁ֫רֶץ swarmers, swarming things
8318 sherets sheh'-rets
from 8317; a swarm, i.e. active mass of minute
animals:--creep(-ing thing), move(-ing creature).
see HEBREW for 08317
שֶׁ֫רֶץ (she.rets) — swarm.
1) teeming or swarming things, creepers, swarmers
1a) of insects, animals, small reptiles, quadrupeds
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
שָׁרַץ (sharats) is a Hebrew verb meaning to swarm or teem, indicating a sense of abundance or multiplication. It is derived from a primitive root that conveys the idea of wriggling or moving. The entries emphasize its usage in contexts where creatures or things abound, but do not provide specific verse references.
שָׁרַץ vb. swarm, teem
base
H8317 שָׁרַץ swarm, teem
8317 sharats shaw-rats'
a primitive root; to wriggle, i.e. (by implication) swarm or
abound:--breed (bring forth, increase) abundantly (in
abundance), creep, move.
שָׁרַץ (sha.rats) — to swarm.
1) (Qal) to teem, swarm, multiply
1a) to swarm, teem
1b2) to swarm
Art | V-Qal — Particle · verb qal participle (active) masculine singularHTd/Vqrmsa
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep — PrepositionHR
On
Light; the sun, (Gen. 41:45, 50), the great seat of sun-worship, called also Bethshemesh (Jer. 43:13) and Aven (Ezek. 30:17), stood on the east bank of the Nile, a few miles north of Memphis, and near Cairo, in the north-east. The Vulgate and the LXX. Versions have “Heliopolis” (“city of the sun”) instead of On in Genesis and of Aven in Ezekiel. The “city of destruction” Isaiah speaks of (19:18, marg. “of Heres;” Heb. ‘Ir-ha-heres, which some MSS. read Ir-ha-heres, i.e., “city of the sun”) may be the name given to On, the prophecy being that the time will come when that city which was known as the “city of the sun-god” shall become the “city of destruction” of the sun-god, i.e., when idolatry shall cease, and the worship…
(abode or city of the sun), a town of lower Egypt, called BETH-SHEMESH in (Jeremiah 43:13) On is better known under its Greek name Heliopolis. It was situated on the east side of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, just below the point of the Delta, and about twenty miles northeast of Memphis. The chief object of worship at Heliopolis was the sun, whose temple, described by Strabo, is now only represented by the single beautiful obelisk, of red granite so feet 2 inches high above the pedestal which has stood for more than 4000 years, having been erected by Usirtesen, the second king of the twelfth dynasty. Heliopolis was anciently famous for its learning, and Eudoxus and Plato studied under its priests. The first mention of this place in the Bible is in the history of Joseph, to whom we read Pharaoh gave "to wife Asenath the daughter…
See HELIOPOLIS.
pain; force; iniquity
אֶ֫רֶץ (erets) is a feminine noun meaning 'earth' or 'land.' It encompasses various meanings, including the whole earth, specific territories like Canaan, and even inhabitants of the land. It can refer to soil, ground, or regions, and is used in phrases related to distance and the living. There is a note on the plural form אֲרָצוֹת, which mainly appears in later texts to denote multiple lands.
אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land
earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)
earth, opp. to heaven, sky
earth = inhabitants of earth
land =
country, territory
district, region
trial territory
piece of ground
specif. land of Canaan, or Israel
= inhabitants of land
used even of Shᵉʼôl
ground, surface of ground
soil, as productive
אֶרֶץ in phrases
people of the land
in measurements of distance
the country of the plain, level or plain country
land of the living
end(s) of the earth
pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.
base
H776 אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land . . earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)
. earth, opp. to heaven, sky
. earth = inhabitants of earth
. land = . country, territory
. district, region
. trial territory
. piece of ground
. specif. land of Canaan, or Israel
. = inhabitants of land
. used even of Shᵉʼôl
. . ground, surface of ground
. soil, as productive
. אֶרֶץ in phrases . people of the land
. in measurements of distance
. the country of the plain, level or plain country
. land of the living
. end(s) of the earth
. pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.
776 'erets eh'-rets
from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth
(at large, or partitively a land):--X common, country, earth,
field, ground, land, X natins, way, + wilderness, world.
אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: country/planet.
: country/field
1) land, earth
1a) earth
1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)
1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)
1a3) earth (inhabitants)
1b) land
1b1) country, territory
1b2) district, region
1b3) tribal territory
1b4) piece of ground
1b5) land of Canaan, Israel
1b6) inhabitants of land
1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world
1b8) city (-state)
1c) ground, surface of the earth
1c1) ground
1c2) soil
1d) (in phrases)
1d1) people of the land
1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)
1d3) level or plain country
1d4) land of the living
1d5) end(s) of the earth
1e) (almost wholly late in usage)
1e1) lands, countries
1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: soil.
: soil
1) land, earth
1a) earth
1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)
1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)
1a3) earth (inhabitants)
1b) land
1b1) country, territory
Art | N-cs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
urth ('adhamah, 'erets, 'aphar; ge, oikoumene):
In a hilly limestone country like Palestine, the small amount of iron oxide in the rocks tends to be oxidized, and thereby to give a prevailing reddish color to the soil. This is especially the case on relatively barren hills where there is little organic matter present to prevent reddening and give a more blackish tinge.
'Adhamah (compare 'adham, "a man," and Adam) is from 'adham, "to be red," and is used in the senses: "earth" (Ex 20:24), "land" (Ps 105:35), a "land" or country (Isa 14:2), "ground" (Ge 4:11), "the earth" (Ge 7:4).
Earth
(1.) In the sense of soil or ground, the translation of the word adamah’. In Gen. 9:20 “husbandman” is literally “man of the ground or earth.” Altars were to be built of earth (Ex. 20:24). Naaman asked for two mules’ burden of earth (2 Kings 5:17), under the superstitious notion that Jehovah, like the gods of the heathen, could be acceptably worshipped only on his own soil.
(2). As the rendering of ’erets, it means the whole world (Gen. 1:2); the land as opposed to the sea (1:10). Erets also denotes a country (21:32); a plot of ground (23:15); the ground on which a man stands (33:3); the inhabitants of the earth (6:1; 11:1); all the world except Israel (
The term is used in two widely-different senses: (1) for the material of which the earth’s surface is composed; (2) as the name of the planet on which man dwells. The Hebrew language discriminates between these two by the use of separate terms, adamah for the former, erets for the latter. Adamah is the earth in the sense of soil or ground, particularly as being susceptible of cultivation. (Genesis 2:7) Erets is applied in a more or less extended sense-- (1) to the whole world, (Genesis 1:1) (2) to land as opposed to sea, (Genesis 1:10) (3) to a country, (Genesis 21:32) (4) to a plot of ground, (Genesis 23:15) and (5) to…
In both Hebrew and Greek the same word is used to denote the earth as a whole, and a particular land. Only the context can enable us to decide in which of these senses it is to be taken in a given passage.
Thus in Mt 27:45 we might, so far as the original word is concerned, render either "there was darkness over all the land," or over all the earth. The expression "all the earth" is sometimes used hyperbolically for a large portion of it, Ezr 1:2. The word is used of the whole world, etc. In a moral sense, earthly is opposed to what is heavenly, spiritual and holy, Joh 3:31 1Co 15:47 Col 3:2
חֹ֫לֶד (choled) refers to a weasel, possibly also a mole, with some uncertainty about the exact animal it denotes. It is derived from a root meaning to glide, reflecting the animal's movement. The word appears in Leviticus 11:29.
חֹ֫לֶד n.[m.] weasel Lv 11:29
ref
H2467 חֹ֫לֶד
2467 choled kho'-led
from the same as 2465; a weasel (from its gliding
motion):--weasel.
see HEBREW for 02465
חֹ֫לֶד (cho.led) — weasel.
1) weasel, mole
1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
(1) Choledh is found only in Le 11:29, where it stands first in the list of eight unclean "creeping things that creep upon the earth." the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) agree in rendering choledh by "weasel," and the Septuagint has gale, "weasel" or "marten." According to Gesenius, the Vulgate, Targum, and Talmud support the same rendering. In spite of this array of authorities, it is worth while to consider the claims of the mole-rat, Spalax typhlus, Arabic khuld. This is a very common rodent, similar in appearance and habits to the mole, which does not exist in Palestine. The fact that it burrows may be considered against it, in view of the words, "that creepeth upon the earth." The term "creeping thing" is, however, very applicable to it, and the objection seems like a quibble, especially in…
Weasel
(Heb. holedh), enumerated among unclean animals (Lev. 11:29). Some think that this Hebrew word rather denotes the mole (Spalax typhlus) common in Palestine. There is no sufficient reason, however, to depart from the usual translation. The weasel tribe are common also in Palestine.
(choled) occurs only in (Leviticus 11:29) in the list of unclean animals; but the Hebrew word ought more probably to be translated "mole." Moles are common in Palestine.
One of the unclean animals, Le 11:29. Several varieties of weasels are found in and around Palestine; but in the verse above probably the common mole is intended.
עַכְבָר (akbar) means 'mouse' in Hebrew. The word is likely derived from a root meaning 'attacking,' referring to the nibbling behavior of mice. All entries consistently define it as a mouse, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
עַכְבָר n.m. mouse
base
H5909 עַכְבָר mouse
5909 `akbar ak-bawr'
probably from the same as 5908 in the secondary sense of
attacking; a mouse (as nibbling):--mouse.
see HEBREW for 05908
עַכְבָּר (akh.bar) — mouse.
mouse
Conj | Art | N-ms — Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Td/Ncmsa
Mouse
Heb. ‘akhbar, “swift digger”), properly the dormouse, the field-mouse (1 Sam. 6:4). In Lev. 11:29, Isa. 66:17 this word is used generically, and includes the jerboa (Mus jaculus), rat, hamster (Cricetus), which, though declared to be unclean animals, were eaten by the Arabs, and are still eaten by the Bedouins. It is said that no fewer than twenty-three species of this group (‘akhbar=Arab. ferah) of animals inhabit Palestine. God “laid waste” the people of Ashdod by the terrible visitation of field-mice, which are like locusts in their destructive effects (1 Sam. 6:4, 11, 18). Herodotus, the Greek historian, accounts for the destruction of the army of Sennacherib (
(the corn-eater). The name of this animal occurs in (Leviticus 11:29; 1 Samuel 6:4,5; Isaiah 66:17) The Hebrew word is in all probability generic, and is not intended to denote any particular species of mouse. The original word denotes a field-ravager, and may therefore comprehend any destructive rodent. Tristram found twenty-three species of mice in Palestine. It is probable that in (1 Samuel 6:5) the expression "the mice that mar the land" includes and more particularly refers to the short-tailed field-mice (Arvicola agrestis , Flem.), which cause great destruction to the corn-lands of Syria.
In the Scriptures, is used chiefly of the field mouse, but probably includes various species of these animals, some of which were eaten. Moses, Le 11:29, declared it to be unclean, yet it was sometimes eaten; and Isa 66:17, reproaches the Jews with this practice. The hamster and the dormouse, as well as the jerboa, are sometimes used for food by the modern Arabs. Mice made great havoc in the fields of the Philistines, after that people had taken the ark of the Lord; which induced them to send it back with mice and emerods of gold, 1Sa 5:6,9,11 6:4-5. The field mice are equally prevalent in those regions at the present day. See HAMATH.
צָב (tsav) refers to both 'litter' and 'lizard,' with the latter being considered unclean. The word is built from a root meaning to establish, suggesting a connection to a fixture or carrying vehicle. There is some uncertainty regarding its exact meaning as a lizard, with possibilities including a tortoise or an extinct animal.
done
H6632a צָב litter H6632b צָב lizard, as unclean
6632 tsab tsawb
from an unused root meaning to establish; a palanquin or
canopy (as a fixture); also a species of lizard (probably as
clinging fast):--covered, litter, tortoise.
צָב (tsav) — litter.
a carrying vehicle, litter, covered wagon
צָב (tsav) — lizard.
1) an unclean lizard
1a) perhaps a tortoise
1b) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
Conj | Art | N-ms — Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Td/Ncmsa
liz'-ard: The list of unclean "creeping things" in Le 11:29,30 contains eight names, as follows:
1. Names:
(1) choledh, English Versions of the Bible "weasel" (which see);
(2) `akhbar, English Versions of the Bible "mouse" (which see);
(3) tsabh, the King James Version "tortoise," the Revised Version (British and American) "great lizard" (which see);
(4) 'anaqah, the King James Version "ferret," the Revised Version (British and American) "gecko" (which see);
(5) koach, the King James Version "chameleon," the Revised Version (British and American) "land-crocodile" (which see);
(6) leTa'ah, English Versions of the Bible "lizard"; compare Arabic laTa', "to cling to the ground";
(7) chormeT, the King James Version "snail," the Revised Version (British and American) "sand-lizard" (which see);
Lizard
Only in Lev. 11:30, as rendering of Hebrew letaah, so called from its “hiding.” Supposed to be the Lacerta gecko or fan-foot lizard, from the toes of which poison exudes. (See CHAMELEON.)
(that which clings to the ground) (Heb. letaah . (Leviticus 11:30) Lizards of various kinds abound in Egypt, Palestine and Arabia. The lizard denoted by the Hebrew word is probably the fan-foot lizard (Ptyodactylus gecko) which is common in Egypt and in parts of Arabia, and perhaps is found also in Palestine. It is reddish brown spotted with white. The gecko lives on insects and worms, which it swallows whole. It derives its name from the peculiar sound which some of the species utter.
A cold-blooded animal, with much resemblance to the serpent, but having four feet. Large numbers are found in Syria, varying greatly in size, appearance, and place of abode; some dwelling partly in water, and others on the rocks of the desert, or among old ruins. Lizards were unclean by the Levitical law, Le 11:30.
מִין (miyn) means 'kind' or 'species,' primarily referring to types or categories, often in relation to animals. It is derived from a root meaning to portion out. The term is consistently used across lexicons without significant disagreement.
[מִין] n.[m.] kind, species
base
H4327 מִין kind, species
4327 miyn meen
from an unused root meaning to portion out; a sort, i.e.
species:--kind. Compare 4480.
see HEBREW for 04480
מִין (min) — kind.
kind, sometimes a species (usually of animals)
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp3ms