Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "ferret" appears in the context of biblical discussions primarily in translations and interpretations of Levitical texts concerning unclean animals. In Leviticus 11, the Bible provides a detailed list of animals that the Israelites were forbidden to eat, as part of the dietary laws given to them by God. The Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention the word "ferret" in its translation of Leviticus 11. However, the King James Version (KJV) includes the term "ferret" in Leviticus 11:30, which states: "And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole."The Hebrew word translated as "ferret" in the KJV is "anakah," which is often a subject of debate among scholars and translators. The exact identification of the "anakah" is uncertain, and various translations have rendered it differently, including "gecko," "lizard," or "shrew." The BSB translates this term as "gecko," reflecting a more modern understanding of the original Hebrew text. In the context of Levitical law, the mention of the "anakah" among unclean animals underscores the broader principle of separation and holiness that God required of His people. The Israelites were to distinguish themselves from surrounding nations by adhering to specific dietary restrictions, which served as a constant reminder of their covenant relationship with God. The ferret, as understood in contemporary terms, is a domesticated form of the European polecat and is not native to the ancient Near East. Therefore, it is unlikely that the biblical text refers to the animal we know today as a ferret. Instead, the focus is on the broader category of small, creeping creatures that were considered unclean. The inclusion of such animals in the list of unclean creatures highlights the biblical theme of purity and the importance of obedience to God's commands. The dietary laws, including the prohibition of certain animals, were part of the larger Mosaic Law, which was fulfilled in the New Testament through the life and work of Jesus Christ. As such, these specific dietary restrictions are not binding on Christians today, as articulated in passages like Acts 10:15, where Peter is told, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." In summary, while the term "ferret" as used in the KJV may not accurately reflect the original Hebrew text, it serves as a representation of the broader category of unclean animals mentioned in Leviticus. The focus remains on the call to holiness and the distinctiveness of God's people as they adhered to His commandments. Smith's Bible Dictionary Ferretone of the unclean creeping things mentioned in (Leviticus 11:30) The animal referred to was probably a reptile of the lizard tribe (the gecko). The rabbinical writers seen to have identified this animal with the hedgehog. ATS Bible Dictionary FerretA sort of weasel, Le 11:30. The Hebrew word means rather a species of lizard, the gecko, which Moses forbids as unclean. Easton's Bible Dictionary Leviticus 11:30 (R.V., "gecko"), one of the unclean creeping things. It was perhaps the Lacerta gecko which was intended by the Hebrew word (anakah, a cry, "mourning, " the creature which groans) here used, i.e., the "fan-footed" lizard, the gecko which makes a mournful wail. The LXX. translate it by a word meaning "shrew-mouse," of which there are three species in Palestine. The Rabbinical writers regard it as the hedgehog. The translation of the Revised Version is to be preferred. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An animal of the Weasel family (Mustela / Putorius furo), about fourteen inches in length, of a pale yellow or white color, with red eyes. It is a native of Africa, but has been domesticated in Europe. Ferrets are used to drive rabbits and rats out of their holes.2. (n.) To drive or hunt out of a lurking place, as a ferret does the cony; to search out by patient and sagacious efforts; -- often used with out; as, to ferret out a secret. 3. (n.) A kind of narrow tape, usually made of woolen; sometimes of cotton or silk; -- called also ferreting. 4. (n.) The iron used for trying the melted glass to see if is fit to work, and for shaping the rings at the mouths of bottles. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FERRETfer'-et ('anaqah, the Revised Version (British and American) GECKO): Occurs only in Leviticus 11:30 the King James Version, in the list of animals which are unclean "among the creeping things that creep upon the earth." the Revised Version (British and American) has "gecko" with the marginal note, "Words of uncertain meaning, but probably denoting four kinds of lizards." The list of animals in Leviticus 11:29, 30 includes Strong's Hebrew 604. anaqah -- a ferret, shrewmouse... 603, 604. anaqah. 605 . a ferret, shrewmouse. Transliteration: anaqah Phonetic Spelling: (an-aw-kaw') Short Definition: gecko. ... ferret. ... /hebrew/604.htm - 6k Library Footnotes Touching the Hidden Keys. Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ... From the Conference of 1773 to the Commencement of the War in 1776 Naparima and Montserrat The Memphite Empire Thesaurus Ferret (1 Occurrence)... 2. (n.) To drive or hunt out of a lurking place, as a ferret does the cony; to search out by patient and sagacious efforts; -- often used with out; as, to ... /f/ferret.htm - 11k Lizard (3 Occurrences) Gecko (1 Occurrence) Zoology Weasel (1 Occurrence) Ferrets (1 Occurrence) Ferocious (4 Occurrences) Snail (2 Occurrences) Mole (2 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about being nosey? | GotQuestions.orgFerret: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ferret (1 Occurrence)Leviticus 11:30 Subtopics Ferret: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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