### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lᵉṭâʼâh**, represented by `{{H3911}}`, is defined as a kind of **lizard**. Its definition stems from an unused root meaning "to hide," referencing the creature's covert habits. This specific term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the scriptures, marking its highly specialized usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical appearance of `{{H3911}}` is in the book of Leviticus, as part of the dietary laws given to Israel. It is listed among the creeping things that are considered unclean: "And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the **lizard**, and the snail, and the mole" [[Leviticus 11:30]]. Its context is purely classificatory, identifying it as an animal forbidden for consumption.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H3911}}` is found alongside several other terms for unclean creatures, which provides context for its meaning:
* `{{H604}}` **ʼănâqâh** (ferret): Defined as "some kind of lizard, probably the gecko." It appears with `{{H3911}}` in the list of unclean animals [[Leviticus 11:30]].
* `{{H3581}}` **kôach** (chameleon): This word also denotes a "large lizard" in [[Leviticus 11:30]], but is used elsewhere to mean **power** or **strength**, as in God's promise to give **power** to the faint [[Isaiah 40:29]].
* `{{H2546}}` **chômeṭ** (snail): Described as "a lizard (as creeping)," this word comes from a root meaning "to lie low" and is also found in the list in [[Leviticus 11:30]].
* `{{H8580}}` **tanshemeth** (mole, swan): This word identifies two unclean creatures, a lizard and a bird. It is translated as "mole" when listed with `{{H3911}}` in [[Leviticus 11:30]] and as "swan" in other contexts [[Deuteronomy 14:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3911}}` is rooted entirely in its classification within the holiness codes of Leviticus.
* **Ritual Uncleanness:** Its sole mention explicitly designates the **lizard** as one of the creatures that makes a person ritually unclean, highlighting the theme of separation and purity [[Leviticus 11:30]].
* **Divine Order:** The inclusion of `{{H3911}}` in this specific list is part of a broader biblical theme of God establishing order by categorizing the natural world into clean and unclean.
* **Covert Nature:** The word's origin, meaning "to hide," points to the creature's "covert habits." This characteristic is central to its identity and its placement among creatures that swarm or creep in hidden places, which were generally deemed unclean.
### Summary
In summary, **lᵉṭâʼâh** `{{H3911}}` is a precise Hebrew term for **lizard**. Its importance is not in its frequency but in its singular, definitive role within biblical law. Appearing only in [[Leviticus 11:30]], it serves as a clear example of the creatures classified as unclean, reinforcing the Old Testament's emphasis on holiness, dietary restrictions, and God's established order for His people.
TRV