The term "skink" refers to a type of lizard, and while the specific word "skink" does not appear in the Bible, lizards are mentioned in the context of unclean animals. In the ancient Near East, various reptiles, including lizards, were common and would have been familiar to the people of biblical times.

Biblical References:

In the Mosaic Law, certain reptiles are listed among the creatures that are considered unclean. Leviticus 11:29-30 states: "Of the animals 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 skink as one of the creatures that the Israelites were to regard as unclean, meaning they were not to be eaten or touched after death.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the context of the ancient Israelites, the designation of certain animals as unclean served both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, it may have been related to health and hygiene, as many reptiles can carry diseases. Symbolically, the distinction between clean and unclean animals was a way to set the Israelites apart from other nations and to remind them of their covenant relationship with God.

The skink, as a type of lizard, would have been a common sight in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East. Skinks are known for their smooth, shiny scales and their ability to move quickly, often burrowing into the ground or hiding under rocks. Their presence in the biblical text underscores the comprehensive nature of the dietary laws given to the Israelites, covering a wide range of creatures.

Theological Implications:

The inclusion of the skink in the list of unclean animals reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation. The laws concerning clean and unclean animals were part of the holiness code that called the Israelites to live distinctively as God's chosen people. These laws were not merely about dietary restrictions but were deeply connected to the identity and spiritual life of the community.

In the New Testament, the issue of clean and unclean foods is addressed, particularly in the context of the early church's mission to the Gentiles. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision in which God declares all foods clean, symbolizing the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles and the inclusion of all people in the new covenant through Christ.

Conclusion:

While the skink itself is a small and seemingly insignificant creature, its mention in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the comprehensive nature of God's laws and the call to holiness that permeates the Scriptures. The skink, along with other unclean animals, points to the broader theological themes of separation, identity, and ultimately, the fulfillment of the law in Christ.1. (n.) Any one of numerous species of regularly scaled harmless lizards of the family Scincidae, common in the warmer parts of all the continents.

2. (v. t.) To draw or serve, as drink.

3. (v. i.) To serve or draw liquor.

4. (n.) Drink; also, pottage.

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

Lizard (3 Occurrences)
... Bochart as referring to a word meaning "sand." Hence, perhaps the Revised Version
(British and American) "sand-lizard." If by this is meant the skink, there is ...
/l/lizard.htm - 16k

Gecko (1 Occurrence)
... Gecko (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:30 the gecko, and the monitor lizard, the wall
lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/gecko.htm - 7k

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

Skin-mark (1 Occurrence)
Skin-mark. Skink, Skin-mark. Skinned . Multi-Version Concordance Skin-mark
(1 Occurrence). ... (BBE). Skink, Skin-mark. Skinned . Reference Bible.
/s/skin-mark.htm - 6k

Skin-disease (2 Occurrences)
Skin-disease. Skin-bottles, Skin-disease. Skink . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Skin-bottles, Skin-disease. Skink . Reference Bible.
/s/skin-disease.htm - 7k

Sand-lizard (1 Occurrence)
... else. It is probably a skink or some species of Lacerta. See LIZARD.
Multi-Version Concordance Sand-lizard (1 Occurrence). Leviticus ...
/s/sand-lizard.htm - 7k

Sandlizard
... creeping things" in Leviticus 11:29, 30, and occurs nowhere else. It is
probably a skink or some species of Lacerta. See LIZARD. ...
/s/sandlizard.htm - 6k

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