אַרְנֶבֶת

אַרְנֶבֶת

the hare

Definition

The Hebrew word אַרְנֶבֶת (ʼarnebeth) refers specifically to the hare, a small mammal known for its long ears and swift running. In the Bible, it appears only in the context of the dietary laws given in the Torah, where it is listed among the animals that are considered unclean and therefore not to be eaten. The text notes that the hare 'chews the cud' but does not have a divided hoof, making it ceremonially impure for consumption (Leviticus 11:6, Deuteronomy 14:7). This classification is based on observable behavior rather than modern biological taxonomy, as hares practice coprophagy (re-ingestion of feces), which may have been interpreted as chewing the cud.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in two parallel passages of the Old Testament: Leviticus 11:6 and Deuteronomy 14:7. Both occurrences are within lists of animals that are prohibited as food under the Mosaic Law. The usage is purely descriptive and legal, with no narrative or poetic appearances. It serves to define a specific creature that Israelites were to avoid eating due to its lack of conformity to the criteria for clean land animals—specifically, not having a split hoof despite appearing to chew the cud.

Etymology

The etymology of אַרְנֶבֶת is uncertain, with no clear root in Hebrew. It is likely a loanword or an ancient term specific to this animal. Some scholars suggest a possible connection to words in other Semitic languages, such as Akkadian or Arabic, but this remains speculative. The word's form does not derive from a common Hebrew verb root, indicating it may have been adopted to name a distinct creature known in the region.

Semantic Range

The theological significance of אַרְנֶבֶת lies in its role in the biblical dietary laws, which served to set apart the Israelites as a holy people unto God (Leviticus 11:44-45). Understanding this term enriches Bible reading by highlighting how God's commandments extended to everyday life, including food choices, teaching obedience and distinction from surrounding nations. The hare's inclusion underscores that holiness was based on God's declared standards, not merely human observation or preference. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the hare was a common animal, but its dietary prohibition set Israel apart from neighboring peoples who may have consumed it. The description of the hare as 'chewing the cud' reflects ancient observational science rather than modern biology, as hares engage in coprophagy to digest food twice, which resembles cud-chewing. This cultural context shows how biblical laws used contemporary understanding to communicate spiritual principles of purity and separation. אַרְנָב (ʼarnav, H768) — a variant spelling of the same word, used interchangeably in some contexts, though אַרְנֶבֶת is the form found in the biblical texts.

Word Details