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.
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.
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.
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.
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