Leviticus 11:5
Leviticus 11:5 in Multiple Translations
The rock badger, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you.
And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
And the coney, because he cheweth the cud but parteth not the hoof, he is unclean unto you.
And the rock-badger, for the same reason, is unclean to you.
The rock hyrax, which though it chews the cud doesn't have a divided hoof, so it is unclean for you.
Likewise the conie, because he cheweth the cud and deuideth not the hoofe, he shall bee vncleane to you.
and the rabbit, though it is bringing up the cud, yet the hoof it divideth not — unclean it [is] to you;
The hyrax, because it chews the cud but doesn’t have a parted hoof, is unclean to you.
And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean to you.
The cherogrillus which cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof, is unclean.
Rock badgers chew their cuds but do not have split hooves, so they are unacceptable for you to eat.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 11:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 11:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
הַ/שָּׁפָ֗ן
כִּֽי
מַעֲלֵ֤ה
גֵרָה֙
ה֔וּא
וּ/פַרְסָ֖ה
לֹ֣א
יַפְרִ֑יס
טָמֵ֥א
ה֖וּא
לָ/כֶֽם
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/שָּׁפָ֗ן
shâphân
H8227
rock badger
Art | N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מַעֲלֵ֤ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Hiphil
גֵרָה֙
gêrâh
H1625
cud
N-fs
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וּ/פַרְסָ֖ה
parçâh
H6541
hoof
Conj | N-fs
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַפְרִ֑יס
pâraç
H6536
to divide
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
טָמֵ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
unclean
Adj
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
לָ/כֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 11:5
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/שָּׁפָ֗ן
shâphân
H8227
"rock badger"
Art | N-ms
Shaphan refers to a type of rock rabbit, likely a hyrax, or a man who lived during the Exile and Return, including a secretary of king Josiah of Judah.
Definition: rock badger, coney, the hyrax
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: coney. See also: Leviticus 11:5; Psalms 104:18; Proverbs 30:26.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מַעֲלֵ֤ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Hiphil
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
גֵרָה֙
gêrâh
H1625
"cud"
N-fs
The cud is the food that animals like cows regurgitate and chew on, scraping their throat in the process. This word is used in the Bible to describe the eating habits of certain animals, like goats and sheep. The KJV translates it simply as 'cud'.
Definition: cud
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: cud. See also: Leviticus 11:3; Leviticus 11:7; Deuteronomy 14:8.
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וּ/פַרְסָ֖ה
parçâh
H6541
"hoof"
Conj | N-fs
A claw or split hoof, often referring to the feet of animals like cows or horses, is described by this word. It appears in Leviticus 11, where it discusses clean and unclean animals.
Definition: 1) hoof 1a) of ruminants 1b) of horses (undivided hooves)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: claw, (cloven-) footed, hoof. See also: Exodus 10:26; Deuteronomy 14:7; Isaiah 5:28.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַפְרִ֑יס
pâraç
H6536
"to divide"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to break or divide something into parts, like splitting wood or distributing food. It is used in various contexts, including when God divides the Red Sea in Exodus. This word is about separating or sharing things.
Definition: 1) to divide, break in two 1a) (Qal) to break, break up 1b) (Hiphil) to be divided (of hoofs) Aramaic equivalent: pe.ras (פְּרַס "to divide" H6537A)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: deal, divide, have hoofs, part, tear. See also: Leviticus 11:3; Deuteronomy 14:6; Psalms 69:32.
טָמֵ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
"unclean"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be unclean in a spiritual sense, often due to sin or impurity, as seen in Leviticus. It can refer to people, places, or things. The concept is key to understanding biblical purity laws.
Definition: 1) unclean, impure 1a) ethically and religiously 1b) ritually 1c) of places
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: defiled, [phrase] infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean. See also: Leviticus 5:2; Numbers 9:6; Isaiah 6:5.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לָ/כֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Leviticus 11:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 11:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 11:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 11:5
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 11:5
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 11:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 11:5
- Sermons on Leviticus 11:5
Context — Clean and Unclean Animals
3You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud.
4But of those that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof, you are not to eat the following: The camel, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you.
5The rock badger, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you.
6The rabbit, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you. 7And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 104:18 | The high mountains are for the wild goats, the cliffs a refuge for the rock badgers. |
| 2 | Proverbs 30:26 | the rock badgers are creatures of little power, yet they make their homes in the rocks; |
| 3 | Matthew 7:26 | But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. |
| 4 | Philippians 3:18–19 | For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. |
| 5 | Romans 2:18–24 | if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” |
| 6 | Titus 1:16 | They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. |
| 7 | 2 Timothy 3:5 | having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these! |
| 8 | Job 36:14 | They die in their youth, among the male shrine prostitutes. |
Leviticus 11:5 Summary
In Leviticus 11:5, God tells us that the rock badger is unclean because it chews its cud but does not have a divided hoof. This teaches us that God has specific standards for what is clean and unclean, and we must trust His wisdom (Romans 11:33-34). Just like the rock badger, we may think we are doing everything right, but if we are missing one important detail, we can fall short of God's standards (Matthew 5:48). By studying God's Word and seeking to obey Him, we can learn to trust His goodness and provision for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God consider the rock badger unclean in Leviticus 11:5?
According to Leviticus 11:3, God only considers animals with a divided hoof and that chew the cud to be clean, so since the rock badger only chews the cud but does not have a divided hoof, it is unclean (Leviticus 11:5).
What is a rock badger and is it the same as a modern-day badger?
While the exact identity of the rock badger is not certain, it is believed to be similar to the modern-day hyrax, which is a small, rodent-like mammal (Leviticus 11:5, Deuteronomy 14:7).
Is this verse still relevant for Christians today?
Although the dietary laws in Leviticus 11 are not directly applicable to Christians, they do teach us about God's holiness and the importance of obedience, as seen in Romans 14:13-23 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
How does this verse relate to other biblical teachings on clean and unclean animals?
This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus 11 that distinguishes between clean and unclean animals, which is also referenced in Deuteronomy 14:3-21 and Ezekiel 4:14.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from the rock badger's inability to meet God's standards for cleanliness, and how can I apply this to my own life?
- How does God's attention to detail in Leviticus 11:5 encourage me to be more mindful of my own actions and decisions?
- In what ways can I trust God's wisdom and provision, even when I don't fully understand His commands, like the dietary laws in Leviticus 11?
- How can I balance the importance of obedience to God's commands with the freedom I have in Christ, as discussed in Romans 14:1-23?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:5
And the coney,.... Or rabbit: because he cheweth the cud; or "though he cheweth"; which yet, some observe, the coney or rabbit does not, it having upper teeth, and therefore they think some other
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:5
Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat. Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and cheweth the cud.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 11:5
Some understand by the Hebrew word shaphan, a mountain mouse, which were of a much greater size than ordinary mice, and were used by the Arabians for food. But for the names of the following creatures, seeing the Jews themselves are uncertain and divided about them, I think it improper to trouble the unlearned reader with disputes about them, and for the learned, they may have recourse to my Latin Synopsis. I shall therefore take them according to our translation.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:5
Leviticus 11:5 And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he [is] unclean unto you.Ver. 5. And the coney.] Which hath his name in Hebrew from hiding himself in holes. A weak, but a wise creature. And wisdom is better than strength. The hare that trusts to the swiftness of her legs, is at length taken and torn in pieces; when the coney that flees to the rocks, doth easily avoid the dogs that pursue her. See Isaiah 40:30-31.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:5
(5) And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not . . . —Better, though he cheweth the cud, yet he divideth not. (See Leviticus 11:4.) The coney, which is the old English name for rabbit, is the meaning of the Hebrew expression shaphan, according to the definition of those who had to explain and administer this law at the time of Christ. As these interpreters lived in Palestine, where they saw the animals in question, the objection that the rabbit is not indigenous in Palestine falls to the ground. These shrewd Administrators of the law must also have noticed that it was the habit of the feeble conies to seek refuge and build in the fissures of the rocks, which not unfrequently are on a level with the ground. The rabbit, moreover, well suits the hare, by which it is immediately followed. Modern expositors, however, identify it with the Syrian hyrax, or rock-badger, which is about the size of a well-grown rabbit. It resembles the guinea-pig or the Alpine marmot, has long hair of a brownish grey or brownish-yellow colour on the back, but white on the belly, a very short tail, and short round ears. The action of its jaws when it is at rest resembles that of the ruminants.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 11:5
Verse 5. The coney] שפן shaphan, not the rabbit, but rather a creature nearly resembling it, which abounds in Judea, Palestine, and Arabia, and is called by Dr. Shaw daman Israel, and by Mr. Bruce ashkoko. As this creature nearly resembles the rabbit, with which Spain anciently abounded, Bochart supposes that the Phoenicians might have given it the name of שפניה spaniah, from the multitude of שפנים shephanim (or spanim, as others pronounce it) which were found there. Hence the emblem of Spain is a woman sitting with a rabbit at her feet. See a coin of Hadrian in Scheuchzer.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 11:5
5. the coney] The exact equivalent of the Heb. shâphân is given in R.V. mg. In Psalms 104:18; Proverbs 30:26 it is described as a weak and timid animal, taking refuge in the rocks, and Tristram (Land of Israel, p. 250) remarks that it is difficult to capture. ‘Coney,’ an old English term for ‘rabbit,’ is the rendering of A.V., which follows the traditional Jewish interpretation. As ‘coney’ is no longer in use, it has been retained in R.V., on the principle of avoiding all unnecessary alteration, but with the exact rendering in the margin. This is one of many instances where the rendering of R.V. mg. is essential for the full understanding of that version. The coney (rock-badger) and hare move their jaws like beasts which chew the cud, but are not ruminating animals. Here, as in other passages of the Bible, the language is popular, rather than scientific.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 11:5
The coney - The Old English name for a rabbit. The animal meant is the Hyrax Syriacus.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 11:5
5. The coney — The shaphan, erroneously translated coney, is a gregarious, thick-skinned animal, living in caves and clefts of the rocks in Palestine. Its scientific name is hyrax Syriacus.
Sermons on Leviticus 11:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Ibex or the Wild Goat by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the example of the ibex, also known as the wild goat, to illustrate God's provision and protection for His creation. Just as the ibex has been equipped by God |
|
Moody 100th Anniversary 1986 the Wonder of Worship by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wonder and celebration in worship. He highlights how we have lost our sense of wonder and take things for granted, includi |
|
Two Types of Believers in the Last Days -Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience to God in the face of deception. He highlights that knowledge alone will not help us stand in times of great dece |
|
|
The Unshakable Life by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of living an unshakable life in a world that is becoming increasingly evil and dangerous. He shares the news of his son and daught |
|
|
Things Unshakable - an Unshakable Home by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of building an unshakable home based on the teachings of Jesus. He refers to the parable of the two builders in Matthew 7:24-2 |
|
Doing Gods Will by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes three important points for believers to incorporate into their lives. The first point is to seek and understand God's will for their lives, a |
|
|
False Prophets and the Broad Way - Part 5 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the concluding paragraph of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, 6, and 7, where Jesus uses three vivid illustrations to emphasize the importance of living |