probably from the same as עַכָּבִישׁ in the secondary sense of attacking; a mouse (as nibbling); mouse.
Transliteration:ʻakbâr
Pronunciation:ak-bawr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma עַכְבָּר (ʻakbâr, `{{H5909}}`) refers primarily to a "mouse." Its proposed etymology connects it to עַכָּבִישׁ (ʻakkābîš, `{{H5908}}`, "spider"), suggesting a shared root that conveys a sense of "attacking" or "nibbling." This etymological nuance highlights the destructive nature of the creature, particularly its habit of gnawing and consuming resources. While typically translated "mouse," the term could encompass smaller rodents like rats in broader ancient classifications, emphasizing their common characteristic as pervasive and destructive pests.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word עַכְבָּר (ʻakbâr) appears in the Old Testament in contexts that primarily associate it with ritual impurity and divine judgment.
* **Leviticus 11:29**: [[Leviticus 11:29]] lists the mouse as one of the "swarming things that swarm on the earth" which are considered unclean and thus forbidden for consumption. This inclusion within the dietary laws (kashrut) underscores its ritual defilement, setting it apart from animals permissible for food and reinforcing the concept of holiness and separation for the Israelite people.
* **1 Samuel 6:4-5**: [[1 Samuel 6:4]], [[1 Samuel 6:5]] describes the Philistines' offering of "golden tumors" and "golden mice" as a guilt offering (אָשָׁם, `{{H817}}`) to the Lord. This act was in response to a severe plague that afflicted them after they had captured the Ark of the Covenant. The presence of "mice" in this context strongly suggests a plague of rodents, likely accompanying the bubonic plague (indicated by the tumors), which was spread by fleas carried by rats and mice. Here, the עַכְבָּר functions not merely as an animal but as a direct instrument of divine judgment and devastation upon the land.
* **Isaiah 66:17**: [[Isaiah 66:17]] condemns those who "purify themselves and consecrate themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig's flesh and the abomination and the mouse." In this prophetic indictment, the consumption of the mouse is linked with other forbidden foods and idolatrous practices. It symbolizes a profound spiritual defilement and rebellion against God's covenant, indicating a complete abandonment of Yahweh's laws and a descent into paganism.
Across these occurrences, the עַכְבָּר is consistently associated with impurity, defilement, and divine retribution, whether through legal proscription or as an agent of plague and spiritual apostasy.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **עַכָּבִישׁ (ʻakkābîš, `{{H5908}}`)**: "Spider." As noted in the etymology, there is a proposed linguistic connection, suggesting a shared perception of small, creeping, and potentially "attacking" or "nibbling" creatures.
* **Unclean Animals (טָמֵא, ṭāmēʼ, `{{H2931}}`)**: The mouse is explicitly categorized as an unclean animal in Mosaic law, alongside other "swarming things" (שֶׁרֶץ, shereṣ, `{{H8318}}`). This broad category of ritually impure creatures emphasizes the importance of purity and distinction for the covenant people.
* **Plague and Pestilence (דֶּבֶר, dever, `{{H1698}}`)**: In 1 Samuel, the mouse is directly implicated in a divine plague, linking עַכְבָּר to the broader biblical theme of pestilence as an instrument of divine judgment.
* **Abomination (שֶׁקֶץ, sheqeṣ, `{{H8251}}`)**: In Isaiah, eating the mouse is explicitly linked to "abomination," underscoring its symbolic role in spiritual rebellion and idolatry against God's commands.
### Theological Significance
The biblical treatment of עַכְבָּר (ʻakbâr) carries several layers of theological significance:
* **Holiness and Separation**: The designation of the mouse as an "unclean" animal in Leviticus [[Leviticus 11:29]] is foundational to Israel's understanding of holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh, `{{H6944}}`). These dietary laws served as a constant reminder of Israel's distinct identity as God's chosen people, called to be set apart from the defiled practices and common customs of surrounding nations. Consuming such creatures was a violation of this covenantal purity.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**: The plague of mice upon the Philistines in 1 Samuel [[1 Samuel 6:4-5]] powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation. Even seemingly insignificant creatures like mice become potent instruments in the hand of God to execute His judgment, humble the proud, and uphold His glory. The Philistines' offering of "golden mice" acknowledges this divine power and their own culpability.
* **Spiritual Defilement and Apostasy**: Isaiah's strong condemnation in [[Isaiah 66:17]] elevates the consumption of the mouse from a mere dietary transgression to a symbol of profound spiritual rebellion and idolatry. Eating such an unclean creature, especially in the context of pagan ritual, signifies a complete rejection of Yahweh's law and a descent into spiritual defilement that warrants ultimate divine wrath. It represents an internal corruption that manifests in outward acts of disobedience.
* **The Insidious Nature of Sin**: Analogous to the mouse's pervasive and destructive nature, its symbolic use can point to the insidious and corrupting power of sin. Though seemingly small or insignificant, unaddressed sin can spread, defile, and bring widespread spiritual and physical ruin, much like a plague of rodents.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עַכְבָּר (ʻakbâr, `{{H5909}}`) denotes a "mouse," often emphasizing its destructive, nibbling characteristic. Biblically, it is consistently portrayed as an unclean animal, forbidden for consumption under Mosaic law ([[Leviticus 11:29]]), thereby underscoring the principles of holiness and separation for Israel. Beyond ritual impurity, the עַכְבָּר serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment, notably in the plague inflicted upon the Philistines in 1 Samuel [[1 Samuel 6:4-5]], where "golden mice" were offered as a guilt offering. Furthermore, in Isaiah [[Isaiah 66:17]], consuming the mouse is condemned as an act of profound spiritual defilement and idolatry, signifying a complete departure from God's covenant. Thus, עַכְבָּר transcends its literal zoological meaning to embody concepts of ritual impurity, divine retribution, and spiritual apostasy, highlighting the biblical emphasis on God's sovereignty, the necessity of purity, and the severe consequences of rebellion against His divine commands.
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