### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼănâqâh**, represented by `{{H604}}`, refers to a type of animal, likely a lizard such as a **gecko**, or a **ferret**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, marking it as a highly specific term within the scriptures. Its definition suggests a creature known for its wailing sound.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H604}}` is in a list of unclean creeping things in the Mosaic Law. In [[Leviticus 11:30]], it is listed among other creatures that the Israelites were forbidden from touching or eating: "And the **ferret**{H604}, and the chameleon{H3581}, and the lizard{H3911}, and the snail{H2546}, and the mole{H8580}" [[Leviticus 11:30]]. This context places the **ʼănâqâh** firmly within the legal and dietary regulations given to Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other terms for unclean creatures are listed directly alongside `{{H604}}`, providing context through association:
* `{{H3581}}` **kôach**: Defined as a **chameleon** or a large lizard, this word also carries the meaning of vigor, **power**, or strength in many other biblical passages, such as God giving **power** to the faint [[Isaiah 40:29]].
* `{{H3911}}` **lᵉṭâʼâh**: This word is defined simply as a kind of **lizard**, named for its covert or hiding habits. It appears only in this list of unclean animals [[Leviticus 11:30]].
* `{{H2546}}` **chômeṭ**: Translated as **snail**, this word likely refers to a lizard known for creeping or lying low. Its only appearance is in this verse [[Leviticus 11:30]].
* `{{H8580}}` **tanshemeth**: This term appears to identify two different unclean creatures. In [[Leviticus 11:30]] it is translated as **mole**, but in other dietary laws it is used for a bird, the **swan** ([[Leviticus 11:18]], [[Deuteronomy 14:16]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H604}}` is tied exclusively to its classification as an unclean animal under the Mosaic Law.
* **Dietary Law:** Its inclusion in [[Leviticus 11:30]] explicitly categorizes the **ferret** or **gecko** as one of the "creeping things" that were ritually impure and forbidden for consumption by the Israelites.
* **Symbol of Uncleanness:** By being named in this prohibitive list, the **ʼănâqâh** serves as a specific example of what is considered unclean, reinforcing the broader biblical theme of separation between the clean and the unclean within the covenant community of Israel.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H604}}` **ʼănâqâh** is a highly specific term, used only once to identify an unclean animal, likely a **ferret** or **gecko**. Its meaning is derived entirely from its context in Leviticus 11, where it is part of a list of creatures forbidden to the Israelites. While minor in its frequency, it plays a distinct role in illustrating the detailed nature of the Mosaic dietary laws.
TRV