חֹלֶד

a weasel (from its gliding motion)

Definition

The Hebrew noun חֹלֶד (chôled) refers to a small, burrowing mammal, traditionally translated as 'weasel' in English Bibles. This identification is based on the word's root meaning of 'gliding' or 'sliding,' which describes the animal's characteristic movement. In its single biblical occurrence, Leviticus 11:29, it is listed among the unclean animals that the Israelites were forbidden to eat or touch when dead. No other meanings or symbolic senses are attested for this specific word in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

The word חֹלֶד is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Leviticus 11:29. It appears within the detailed list of unclean creatures in the dietary laws. Its usage is purely zoological and legal, with no figurative or poetic applications found elsewhere in Scripture.

Etymology

The noun חֹלֶד derives from the root ח־ל־ד (ḥ-l-d), which carries the core idea of 'gliding,' 'sliding,' or 'being swift.' It is related to the noun חֶלֶד (cheled, H2465), meaning 'duration of life' or 'world,' possibly from the concept of life 'gliding' or slipping away. The name for the animal thus comes from a descriptive characteristic of its movement.

Semantic Range

In the ancient Israelite context, the weasel (or similar small mammal) was considered ritually unclean. This meant it could not be eaten, and touching its carcass caused ceremonial impurity (Leviticus 11:29-31). This classification was part of the holiness code that set Israel apart from other nations. The precise modern species equivalent to חֹלֶד is debated; it may refer to a weasel, mole, or rat-like creature, but the core understanding is of a small, gliding, unclean animal.

עַכְבָּר (‘akhbār, H5907) — a mouse or rat, another unclean, burrowing rodent. צָב (tsav, H6632) — a lizard, another unclean creeping creature listed in the same passage (Leviticus 11:29).

Word Details

Scripture References