### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻăṭallêph**, represented by `{{H5847}}`, is defined as a **bat**. It is of uncertain derivation and appears **3 times** in the Bible, across 3 unique verses, where it is identified as an unclean creature and associated with desolation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5847}}` appears in two distinct contexts. Firstly, it is listed among the unclean birds that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. In both Leviticus and Deuteronomy, the **bat** is mentioned at the end of a list that includes the **stork** `{{H2624}}`, the **heron** `{{H601}}`, and the **lapwing** `{{H1744}}` ([[Leviticus 11:19]], [[Deuteronomy 14:18]]). Secondly, it is used symbolically in prophecy. Isaiah describes a future **day** `{{H3117}}` of judgment when people will **cast** `{{H7993}}` their worthless idols of **silver** `{{H3701}}` and **gold** `{{H2091}}` "to the moles and to the **bats**," signifying a complete rejection of false worship [[Isaiah 2:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the context in which the bat is mentioned:
* `{{H457}}` **ʼĕlîyl** (idol): These are the objects of false worship, described as a "thing of nought," which will be thrown away to the bats and moles [[Isaiah 2:20]]. This associates the bat with what is valueless and rejected.
* `{{H2661}}` **chăphôr** (mole): This burrowing creature is paired directly with the bat as a recipient of discarded idols, reinforcing an image of darkness, ruin, and desolate places [[Isaiah 2:20]].
* `{{H2624}}` **chăçîydâh** (stork): This bird is listed alongside the bat in the lists of unclean animals, establishing the bat's status under Mosaic law ([[Leviticus 11:19]], [[Deuteronomy 14:18]]).
* `{{H4327}}` **mîyn** (kind): This word is used in the creation account to describe God making creatures "after his kind" [[Genesis 1:21]] and appears in the lists of unclean animals to classify them [[Leviticus 11:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5847}}` is tied to its symbolic roles:
* **Ceremonial Uncleanness:** The inclusion of the bat in the dietary laws of Leviticus and Deuteronomy establishes it as ceremonially impure, a creature separate from what is considered clean and acceptable to God ([[Leviticus 11:19]], [[Deuteronomy 14:18]]).
* **Symbol of Desolation and Judgment:** In Isaiah, the bat inhabits the places where humanity’s most prized possessions—idols of gold and silver—are ultimately discarded. This illustrates a day of judgment when human-made objects of worship are exposed as worthless [[Isaiah 2:20]].
* **Rejection of Idolatry:** The act of a **man** `{{H120}}` casting his idols to the bats signifies a final and total abandonment of the things he once made to **worship** `{{H7812}}`. The bat becomes a symbol for the destination of all that is false and unholy.
### Summary
In summary, while **ʻăṭallêph** `{{H5847}}` appears infrequently, its meaning is consistent and powerful. It is presented literally as an unclean creature under the Law and used figuratively as a symbol of ruin and the destination for worthless idols. The bat represents that which is impure and inhabits the desolate spaces where the folly of human idolatry is ultimately cast away.
TRV