The gecko is a small to medium-sized lizard found in warm climates throughout the world. While the Bible does not specifically mention geckos by name, it does refer to various reptiles and creeping creatures, which could encompass geckos within their broader classifications. In the context of biblical times, reptiles were often seen as unclean animals according to the Mosaic Law.

Biblical References:

In Leviticus 11, the Bible provides a list of animals considered unclean for the Israelites. While the gecko is not explicitly named, the passage includes a general category of "creeping things" that could potentially include geckos. Leviticus 11:29-30 states: "Of the creatures that move along the ground, these are unclean for you: the mole rat, the mouse, any kind of great lizard, the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon."

This passage highlights the gecko as part of a group of reptiles that were not to be eaten or touched upon death, as they were considered ceremonially unclean. The inclusion of the gecko in this list underscores the broader biblical theme of purity and the distinction between clean and unclean animals.

Symbolism and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, reptiles often carried symbolic meanings. They were sometimes associated with danger, deceit, or uncleanliness, likely due to their secretive and elusive nature. The gecko, as a nocturnal creature, might have been viewed with suspicion or awe, contributing to its classification as unclean.

The biblical perspective on reptiles, including geckos, reflects a worldview that emphasizes the holiness and separateness of God's people. By adhering to dietary laws and avoiding contact with unclean animals, the Israelites demonstrated their obedience and dedication to God's commandments.

Modern Considerations:

Today, geckos are appreciated for their unique characteristics, such as their ability to climb smooth surfaces and their vocalizations. They are often kept as pets and are recognized for their role in controlling insect populations. While the ancient Israelites viewed geckos through the lens of ceremonial law, modern Christians may see them as part of God's diverse creation, worthy of respect and care.

In summary, while the gecko is not a prominent figure in the Bible, its mention in the context of Levitical law provides insight into the cultural and religious practices of the Israelites. The gecko serves as a reminder of the importance of purity and the distinctiveness of God's people in the biblical narrative.(n.) Any lizard of the family Geckonidae. The geckoes are small, carnivorous, mostly nocturnal animals with large eyes and vertical, elliptical pupils. Their toes are generally expanded, and furnished with adhesive disks, by which they can run over walls and ceilings. They are numerous in warm countries, and a few species are found in Europe and the United States. See Fanfoot.GECKO

gek'-o (the Revised Version (British and American) for 'anaqah, only in Leviticus 11:30; Septuagint mugale, "shrew mouse" or "field mouse"; the King James Version ferret): Probably a shrew or a field mouse.

See FERRET; LIZARD; SPIDER.

604. anaqah -- a ferret, shrewmouse
... 603, 604. anaqah. 605 . a ferret, shrewmouse. Transliteration: anaqah
Phonetic Spelling: (an-aw-kaw') Short Definition: gecko. Word ...
/hebrew/604.htm - 6kGecko (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GECKO. ...Gecko (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:30 the
gecko, and the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. ...
/g/gecko.htm - 7k

Ferret (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Leviticus 11:30 (RV, "gecko"), one of the unclean
creeping things. It was perhaps the Lacerta gecko which ...
/f/ferret.htm - 11k

Lizard (3 Occurrences)
... Only in Leviticus 11:30, as rendering of Hebrew letaah, so called from its "hiding."
Supposed to be the Lacerta gecko or fan-foot lizard, from the toes of ...
/l/lizard.htm - 16k

Zoology
... Leviathan) CHELONIA: Tortoise OPHIDIA: Serpent, Fiery Serpent, Adder, Asp, Vipet
(sv SERPENT) LACERTILIA: Lizard, Great Lizard, Gecko, Chameleon, Land Crocodile ...
/z/zoology.htm - 18k

Land-crocodile (1 Occurrence)
... Land-crocodile (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:30 and the gecko, and the land-crocodile,
and the lizard, and the sand-lizard, and the chameleon. (ASV JPS). ...
/l/land-crocodile.htm - 6k

Gebo (1 Occurrence)

/g/gebo.htm - 6k

Reptile (3 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEY NAS RSV NIV). Leviticus 11:30 the gecko, and the monitor lizard,
the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. (See NAS). ...
/r/reptile.htm - 8k

Monitor (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Monitor (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:30 the gecko, and
the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. (WEB NIV). ...
/m/monitor.htm - 7k

Chameleon (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Chameleon (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:30 the gecko, and
the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. ...
/c/chameleon.htm - 11k

Crocodile (1 Occurrence)
... Crocodile (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:30 and the gecko, and the land-crocodile,
and the lizard, and the sand-lizard, and the chameleon. (ASV BBE JPS NAS RSV). ...
/c/crocodile.htm - 7k

What does the Bible say about pets? | GotQuestions.org

Gecko: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus