from חָפַר; a hole; only in connection with פֵּרָה, which ought rather to be joined as one word, thus חַפַרְפֵּרָה; by reduplication from חָפַר; a burrower, i.e. probably a rat; [phrase] mole.
Transliteration:chăphôr
Pronunciation:khaf-ore'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H2661 (חֲפֹר, chăphôr) does not appear as an independent word in the biblical text. Rather, it constitutes the initial element of the reduplicated compound noun `{{H2662}}` (חַפַרְפֵּרָה, chăpharparâh). The base definition provided for H2661 indicates a derivation from `{{H2658}}` (חָפַר, châphar), which fundamentally means "to dig," "to search," or "to be ashamed/confounded."
When H2661 combines with פֵּרָה to form `{{H2662}}` (חַפַרְפֵּרָה), the reduplication of the root `{{H2658}}` emphasizes the characteristic action of the creature it describes: a persistent or repeated "burrowing" or "digging." This compound word, therefore, denotes a "burrower," specifically understood in translations as a "mole" or a type of "rat," an animal known for its subterranean dwelling and digging habits. The semantic range is thus tightly bound to the physical act of excavating the earth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The compound word `{{H2662}}` (חַפַרְפֵּרָה), of which H2661 is the core component, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[Leviticus 11:30]]: "and the gecko, and the monitor lizard, and the snail, and the mole (חַפַרְפֵּרָה)."
This sole occurrence is within the detailed dietary laws and purity codes given to Israel by God through Moses. The verse lists various "creeping things that creep on the earth" (שֶׁרֶץ הָרֹמֵשׂ עַל-הָאָרֶץ) that are considered "unclean" (טָמֵא) and thus an "abomination" (שֶׁקֶץ) for consumption or even contact. The inclusion of the חַפַרְפֵּרָה (mole/rat) alongside other reptiles and small creatures underscores its categorization as ritually defiling. The context is strictly cultic and regulatory, defining the boundaries of holiness and defilement for the Israelite community. The nature of these creatures, often associated with darkness, decay, or hidden places, contributed to their status as unclean.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to H2661 is its root, `{{H2658}}` (חָפַר, châphar). This root carries a rich semantic range:
* **"To dig"**: This is the most direct physical meaning, as seen in [[Genesis 26:15]] (digging wells) or [[2 Kings 19:24]] (digging trenches). This meaning directly informs the identity of the חַפַרְפֵּרָה as a burrowing animal.
* **"To search out" / "To investigate"**: This extends the physical act of digging to a metaphorical sense of deep inquiry, as in [[Deuteronomy 1:22]] (spying out the land).
* **"To be ashamed" / "To be confounded"**: This is a distinct but related semantic field, perhaps stemming from the idea of being exposed or uncovered, or delving into something that brings disgrace. Examples include [[Psalm 34:5]] or [[Jeremiah 14:3]]. While this meaning of `{{H2658}}` is not directly tied to the animal's name, it shows the versatility of the root.
Other related concepts include:
* **"Unclean animals" (טְמֵאִים)**: The broader category of creatures listed in [[Leviticus 11]] and [[Deuteronomy 14]] that were forbidden for consumption or contact. These laws served to distinguish Israel from surrounding nations and to instill a sense of purity and holiness.
* **"Creeping things" (שֶׁרֶץ)**: A specific classification of small, often numerous, and sometimes repulsive creatures that move close to the ground. This category frequently appears in the purity laws.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the חַפַרְפֵּרָה (mole/rat) lies not in the creature itself, but in its inclusion within God's purity laws for Israel. These laws were foundational to Israel's identity as a holy nation, set apart for Yahweh.
1. **Holiness and Separation**: The distinction between clean and unclean animals served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of their call to be holy, just as God is holy ([[Leviticus 11:44-45]]). The prohibition against consuming or touching the חַפַרְפֵּרָה, a creature associated with darkness, hidden places, and potential defilement, reinforced the need for God's people to maintain a clear boundary between themselves and anything that might compromise their consecrated status.
2. **Order and Disorder**: Some scholars suggest that the unclean animals often represented creatures that blurred categories or lived in ambiguous spaces (e.g., land animals that crawl, flying creatures that walk). The mole, living underground but being a mammal, might fit such a pattern, symbolizing a disruption of divine order.
3. **Spiritual Discernment**: Beyond mere hygiene, these laws cultivated a mindset of discernment. They taught Israel to distinguish between the sacred and the profane, the pure and the impure, preparing them for a deeper understanding of spiritual truth and moral purity. The burrowing nature of the חַפַרְפֵּרָה, constantly hidden from sight, could also subtly symbolize that which is concealed, perhaps even morally questionable, and thus to be avoided.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H2661 (חֲפֹר, chăphôr) is not a standalone term but functions as the initial component of the compound noun `{{H2662}}` (חַפַרְפֵּרָה, chăpharparâh). Derived from the root `{{H2658}}` (חָפַר, châphar), meaning "to dig" or "to burrow," `{{H2662}}` refers to a "burrower," specifically identified as a mole or a rat. Its sole biblical appearance is in [[Leviticus 11:30]], where it is listed among the "unclean" creeping things that are an abomination to the Israelites. This categorization highlights the creature's role within the broader purity laws, which served to establish and reinforce Israel's unique identity as a holy nation, set apart by God. The theological significance lies in the call to holiness, the discernment of order, and the spiritual separation from defilement that these dietary and contact regulations imparted to the covenant community.
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