from an unused root probably meaning, to lie low; a lizard (as creeping); snail.
Transliteration:chômeṭ
Pronunciation:kho'met
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֹמֶט (chômeṭ, `{{H2546}}`) is derived from an unused root, which is thought to convey the meaning "to lie low." This etymological root points to the characteristic movement or posture of the creature it designates—one that creeps or moves close to the ground. The base definition provides two primary translations: "a lizard (as creeping)" and "snail." This inherent ambiguity in translation reflects the challenge of identifying precise biological species from ancient Hebrew terms. However, the context in which it appears strongly favors an identification as a type of reptile. The "lizard" interpretation emphasizes its nature as a small, terrestrial, creeping creature, aligning with the implied meaning of its root.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֹמֶט (chômeṭ, `{{H2546}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Leviticus:
* [[Leviticus 11:30]]: "and the gecko, and the monitor lizard, and the common lizard, and the chomet, and the chameleon."
This verse is part of an extensive list of animals categorized as ritually unclean (טָמֵא, tāmē'). Specifically, it falls within the section detailing "all the swarming things that swarm on the earth" (כָּל־הַשֶּׁרֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵץ עַל־הָאָרֶץ). The immediate context is the Mosaic dietary laws and regulations concerning defilement through contact with the carcasses of these animals. The inclusion of חֹמֶט (chômeṭ) alongside other clearly identifiable reptiles—such as the gecko (אָנָק), monitor lizard (כֹּחַ), common lizard (לְטָאָה), and chameleon (תִּנְשֶׁמֶת)—lends significant weight to its identification as a type of lizard rather than a snail. The Septuagint's translation of ἀσπάλαξ (aspalax), meaning "mole," further illustrates the ancient interpretive difficulties, though this rendering is less commonly adopted in modern scholarship. Regardless of the precise species, its classification as an unclean creature underscores its role in the ritual purity system of ancient Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of חֹמֶט (chômeṭ, `{{H2546}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to several key biblical concepts and terms:
* **Unclean Animals (טָמֵא, tāmē'):** The most direct conceptual link is to the broader category of ritual impurity. The chomet, like other creatures listed in [[Leviticus 11]], was declared unfit for consumption and its carcass would ritually defile anyone who touched it. This distinction between clean and unclean animals was fundamental to Israel's covenant relationship with God.
* **Swarming Things (שֶׁרֶץ, shereṣ, `{{H8318}}`):** This is the overarching category under which חֹמֶט (chômeṭ) is listed. The term shereṣ generally refers to a variety of small, numerous, and often low-lying creatures that move by creeping or swarming, including insects, rodents, and reptiles. The chomet exemplifies this type of creature whose movement and habitat contribute to its categorization as unclean.
* **Other Reptiles in [[Leviticus 11:29-30]]:** The specific list in which chomet appears—gecko, monitor lizard, common lizard, chameleon—highlights its reptilian nature. This grouping reinforces the idea that the chomet is a specific species within the broader category of lizards.
* **Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, qōḏeš, `{{H6944}}`):** The laws of clean and unclean animals are intrinsically linked to the concept of holiness. By distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable creatures, God taught Israel to live a life set apart, reflecting His own holy character.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of חֹמֶט (chômeṭ, `{{H2546}}`) among the unclean animals, though seemingly minor, contributes to several significant theological themes:
* **Divine Order and Purity:** The detailed classification of animals in Leviticus reflects God's meticulous concern for order and purity within His creation and among His people. Unclean animals often represent categories that blur boundaries (e.g., creatures that move on land but are not quadrupeds, or those that creep rather than walk upright) or are associated with death and decay. The chomet, as a low-lying, creeping creature, fits this pattern, symbolizing a deviation from the ideal order.
* **Separation and Holiness of Israel:** The primary theological purpose of the dietary and purity laws was to distinguish Israel from the surrounding nations and to cultivate their unique identity as a holy nation dedicated to Yahweh. By abstaining from certain creatures, including the chomet, Israel physically manifested their covenant relationship and their commitment to God's standards of holiness.
* **God's Sovereignty over Creation:** God's prerogative to declare what is clean and unclean demonstrates His ultimate authority and sovereignty over all creation. These laws were not based on human preference or scientific understanding but on divine decree, asserting God's right to define the boundaries of human interaction with the natural world.
* **Symbolic Resonance (with caution):** While the primary meaning is ritual, some scholars suggest that creeping creatures, often associated with the ground and the chaotic, might carry subtle symbolic weight. They could represent the untamed aspects of creation, or even a reminder of the serpent in the Garden of Eden, which moved by creeping. However, the biblical text primarily emphasizes their ritual status rather than extensive symbolic interpretation.
### Summary
The Hebrew term חֹמֶט (chômeṭ, `{{H2546}}`) refers to a small, creeping creature, most likely a type of lizard, though its precise identification remains debated. Its sole occurrence in [[Leviticus 11:30]] places it firmly within the category of "swarming things" (שֶׁרֶץ) that are declared ritually unclean by God. The significance of the chomet, therefore, is primarily theological, serving as a concrete example within the broader Mosaic purity laws. These laws were instrumental in establishing and maintaining Israel's holiness and separation from other nations, reinforcing the divine principles of order, purity, and God's sovereign authority over His creation and His covenant people. The humble chomet, in its ritual status, thus points to profound truths about God's character and His desire for a consecrated relationship with humanity.
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