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.
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.
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.
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.
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