from the same as חֶלֶד; a weasel (from its gliding motion); weasel.
Transliteration:chôled
Pronunciation:kho'-led
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֹלֶד (chôled, `{{H2467}}`) refers specifically to the "weasel." Its etymology is linked to a root that suggests "gliding motion," thereby naming the creature based on its characteristic movement. This highlights the ancient world's keen observation of animal behavior, as weasels are renowned for their slender bodies and sinuous, agile movements. Semantically, the term encompasses various small, carnivorous mustelids native to the ancient Near East, known for their predatory nature and often nocturnal habits. The core meaning is singular and unambiguous, denoting a specific animal species.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֹלֶד (chôled) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the detailed purity laws of the Mosaic covenant.
* [[Leviticus 11:29]]: "These also shall be unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth: the weasel, the mouse, the great lizard according to its kind..."
In this singular occurrence, the weasel is explicitly listed among the "creeping things" (שֶׁרֶץ, *sherets* `{{H8318}}`) that are declared *unclean* (טָמֵא, *ṭāmēʾ* `{{H2931}}`) for the Israelites to eat or touch. This categorization places the weasel alongside other small, ground-dwelling creatures like the mouse and various lizards. The context is purely within the dietary and ritual purity regulations, which served to distinguish Israel from surrounding nations and reinforce their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. The specific reasons for the weasel's uncleanness are not enumerated, but generally, animals listed as unclean often shared characteristics such as being scavengers, predators, or having unusual modes of locomotion, or were perhaps associated with pagan cultic practices. Its inclusion underscores the comprehensive nature of the purity code, extending even to the smallest of creatures.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual relationship of חֹלֶד (chôled) is to the broader category of "unclean animals" (טְמֵאִים, *ṭəmēʾim*) within the Mosaic Law. It is found in a list alongside other small, ground-dwelling creatures such as the mouse (עַכְבָּר, *ʿakhbār* `{{H5909}}`) and various types of lizards (e.g., לְטָאָה, *ləṭāʾah* `{{H3916}}`, חֹמֶט, *ḥōmeṭ* `{{H2546}}`). The root connection to חֶלֶד (*cheled*), which can denote "world" or "duration," is primarily descriptive of the animal's movement rather than a direct semantic link to those concepts. The theological framework in which *chôled* is found is that of holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, *qodesh* `{{H6944}}`) and separation (בָּדַל, *badal* `{{H914}}`), contrasting with the defilement (טֻמְאָה, *ṭum'ah* `{{H2932}}`) associated with unclean things.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֹלֶד (chôled) derives entirely from its designation as an unclean animal in the Levitical code. This categorization was not arbitrary but deeply embedded in Israel's understanding of God's holiness and their call to reflect that holiness in every aspect of life.
1. **Holiness and Separation:** The distinction between clean and unclean animals served as a tangible, daily reminder to Israel of their unique identity as a holy nation set apart for God. By prohibiting the consumption or contact with creatures like the weasel, God taught His people to discern between the sacred and the profane, the pure and the impure. This reinforced the theological principle that God's people must be distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures.
2. **Divine Authority:** The specific and detailed nature of the dietary laws, including the prohibition of the weasel, underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His right to establish the terms of His covenant relationship. It was a demonstration of His authority over creation and humanity.
3. **Symbolic Purity:** While the literal reasons for each animal's uncleanness are debated, the overall system likely carried symbolic weight. Creatures like the weasel, often associated with darkness, predation, and the wild, may have represented aspects of the world that were chaotic or outside the divinely ordained order, contrasting with the ordered and life-affirming nature of God. The laws thus fostered a mindset of spiritual purity and discernment, extending beyond mere physical cleanliness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֹלֶד (chôled, `{{H2467}}`) precisely identifies the "weasel," named for its characteristic gliding movement. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Leviticus 11:29]] places it on the list of "creeping things" declared ritually unclean for consumption or contact by the Israelites. This designation is profoundly significant within the Mosaic purity laws, serving as a constant reminder of God's holiness, Israel's call to be a separated people, and the divine authority that established the terms of their covenant. The weasel, as an unclean creature, contributed to a comprehensive system designed to teach Israel discernment and reinforce their distinct identity, guiding them towards a life that reflected the purity and holiness of Yahweh.
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