from an unused root meaning to hide; a kind of lizard (from its covert habits); lizard.
Transliteration:lᵉṭâʼâh
Pronunciation:let-aw-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma לְטָאָה (lᵉṭâʼâh), Strong's number `{{H3911}}`, refers to a specific kind of lizard. Its etymological root is understood to be an unused verb meaning "to hide." This root connection is crucial to understanding the nuanced meaning of לְטָאָה, as it points to the creature's characteristic "covert habits." Lizards are frequently observed hiding in crevices, under rocks, or within dense vegetation, aligning perfectly with the implied meaning of the root. Semantically, לְטָאָה denotes a literal animal, specifically a type of lizard, likely one of the smaller, more elusive varieties indigenous to the ancient Near East. It functions as a zoological term within the biblical text, devoid of apparent metaphorical usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word לְטָאָה (lᵉṭâʼâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the detailed purity laws outlined in the book of Leviticus. Its sole occurrence is found in [[Leviticus 11:30]]. In this passage, לְטָאָה is enumerated among the "swarming things that swarm on the earth" (Leviticus 11:29) and is explicitly declared *ṭāmēʼ* (unclean). The context of Leviticus 11 is paramount; it delineates the dietary and ritual purity regulations given to the Israelites, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals. The inclusion of לְטָאָה within this list means that it, along with other specified creatures, was forbidden for consumption and its carcass would render anyone who touched it ritually defiled until evening. This highlights the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the Mosaic Law, extending its reach even to small, seemingly insignificant creatures in the natural world.
### Related Words & Concepts
The classification of לְטָאָה (lᵉṭâʼâh) as an unclean creature places it within a specific category of forbidden animals in the Mosaic Law. In [[Leviticus 11]], it is listed alongside other "swarming things" that are also deemed unclean, such as the weasel (`{{H2868}}`), the mouse (`{{H5909}}`), the great lizard (`{{H6917}}`), the gecko (`{{H6067}}`), the sand lizard (`{{H3581}}`), and the chameleon (`{{H8580}}`). This grouping underscores its place within a broader set of creatures that contributed to ritual impurity. More broadly, לְטָאָה is intrinsically linked to the concept of *ṭum'ah* (impurity) and *ṭahorah* (purity), which are central to the Levitical legal system. These concepts govern not only dietary practices but also interactions with the natural world and the maintenance of a holy lifestyle in the presence of a holy God. The distinction between clean and unclean animals points to a broader theological framework concerning divine order and separation.
### Theological Significance
The designation of לְטָאָה (lᵉṭâʼâh) as an unclean creature, though seemingly minor, carries significant theological weight. Firstly, it underscores God's overarching call for Israel to be a holy and separated people (cf. [[Leviticus 11:44-45]]). The dietary laws, including the prohibition against consuming or touching the לְטָאָה, served as tangible, daily reminders of Israel's distinct identity and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Secondly, the meticulous categorization of animals into clean and unclean reinforces the notion of divine order and distinction within creation. Even creatures like the לְטָאָה play a role in demonstrating God's sovereignty and His right to define boundaries for His people. While the primary meaning is literal, the etymological connection to "hiding" might subtly allude to the nature of defilement itself—often hidden or insidious, requiring divine revelation to discern and avoid. This contrasts with the open and visible holiness God desired for His people. Ultimately, the classification of לְטָאָה asserts God's absolute authority over all creation and His prerogative to establish what is permissible and what is not for the flourishing of His covenant community.
### Summary
The Hebrew word לְטָאָה (lᵉṭâʼâh), Strong's number `{{H3911}}`, refers to a type of lizard, deriving its core meaning from an unused root signifying "to hide," which aptly describes the creature's elusive habits. Its singular appearance in the biblical text is found in [[Leviticus 11:30]], where it is explicitly listed among the "unclean" swarming things. This categorization places לְטָאָה within the comprehensive framework of Israel's ritual purity laws, highlighting the theological imperatives of holiness, separation, and divine order. The inclusion of such a seemingly small creature in the Mosaic Law underscores God's meticulousness in establishing the parameters for His people's distinct identity and their covenant relationship with Him.
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