The term "land-crocodile" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, it is often associated with creatures mentioned in the Old Testament that are subject to various interpretations. In the context of biblical texts, particularly those dealing with unclean animals, the land-crocodile may be considered analogous to certain reptiles or large lizards that inhabit dry regions.

Biblical References and Context

The Bible, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, provides detailed laws concerning clean and unclean animals. In Leviticus 11, a list of unclean animals is provided, which includes various reptiles. Leviticus 11:29-30 states: "These are the creatures that swarm on the ground that are unclean for you: the mole, the mouse, any kind of great lizard, the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon."

While the term "land-crocodile" is not used, the description of "great lizard" and "monitor lizard" could be seen as encompassing large reptilian creatures that might be similar in nature to what one might consider a land-crocodile. These creatures are deemed unclean, and the Israelites were instructed to avoid contact with them to maintain ritual purity.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

In the ancient Near East, the understanding of animal species and their classifications might differ from modern taxonomy. The Hebrew word "tinshemeth," found in Leviticus 11:30, is often translated as "chameleon" or "mole," but its exact identification remains uncertain. Some scholars suggest that it could refer to a type of large lizard or reptile, possibly akin to what might be colloquially referred to as a land-crocodile.

The land-crocodile, as a concept, may also draw from the broader cultural milieu of the ancient world, where large reptiles were often seen as symbols of chaos or danger. This perception aligns with the biblical portrayal of certain creatures as unclean, emphasizing the need for separation from elements associated with disorder or impurity.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the classification of certain animals as unclean serves as a reminder of the holiness and distinctiveness required of God's people. The laws concerning clean and unclean animals are part of the broader Levitical code, which underscores the importance of purity and obedience to God's commandments.

The mention of reptiles and other creatures in these laws highlights the comprehensive nature of God's instructions to Israel, covering all aspects of life, including dietary practices. The avoidance of unclean animals, such as those potentially identified as land-crocodiles, is a reflection of the covenant relationship between God and His people, calling them to live in a manner that is set apart from surrounding nations.

Conclusion

While the specific term "land-crocodile" is not found in the biblical text, the concept can be understood within the broader framework of unclean animals described in the Old Testament. These creatures, whether large lizards or other reptiles, serve as a symbol of the need for ritual purity and the distinctiveness of God's covenant people.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)

Land-crocodile (1 Occurrence)
Land-crocodile. Land, Land-crocodile. Landed . Multi-Version
Concordance Land-crocodile (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11 ...
/l/land-crocodile.htm - 6k

Chameleon (1 Occurrence)
... It is ranked among the unclean animals in Leviticus 11:30, where the Hebrew
word so translated is coah (RV, "landcrocodile"). In ...
/c/chameleon.htm - 11k

Lizard (3 Occurrences)
... British and American) "gecko" (which see); (5) koach, the King James Version
"chameleon," the Revised Version (British and American) "land-crocodile" (which ...
/l/lizard.htm - 16k

Tortoise (1 Occurrence)
... The LXX. renders the word by "landcrocodile." The word, however, more probably
denotes a lizard, called by the modern Arabs dhabb. Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/t/tortoise.htm - 9k

Land (19790 Occurrences)
... Alfred Ely Day LAND-CROCODILE (Revised Version (British and American))
land-crok'-o-dil (koach; Septuagint chamaileon, Leviticus 11:30; the King James ...
/l/land.htm - 21k

Landed (10 Occurrences)

/l/landed.htm - 9k

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

Ferret (1 Occurrence)
... Version (British and American) "gecko"; (5) koach the King James Version "chameleon,"
the Revised Version (British and American) "landcrocodile"; (6) leTa'ah ...
/f/ferret.htm - 11k

Crocodile (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CROCODILE. krok'-o-dil. See LEVIATHAN; DRAGON. CROCODILE,
LAND. See CHAMELEON. Multi-Version Concordance Crocodile (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/crocodile.htm - 7k

Sand-lizard (1 Occurrence)
... Sand-lizard (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:30 and the gecko, and the land-crocodile,
and the lizard, and the sand-lizard, and the chameleon. (See JPS ASV BBE). ...
/s/sand-lizard.htm - 7k

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