Topical Bible: Beasts: Unclean: Coney

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "coney" refers to a small, rock-dwelling mammal mentioned in the Bible, often identified with the hyrax or rock badger. The coney is classified among the unclean animals in the Mosaic Law, which prohibited the Israelites from consuming it. This classification is found in the dietary laws given to the Israelites, which are detailed in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 11:5 : "The coney, though it chews the cud, does not have a split hoof; it is unclean for you." This verse is part of the larger context in Leviticus 11, where God provides Moses and Aaron with a list of animals that are considered clean and unclean. The coney is specifically mentioned as unclean because, although it chews the cud, it does not have a split hoof, which is a requirement for land animals to be considered clean.

2. Deuteronomy 14:7 : "But of those that chew the cud or have split hooves, you are not to eat the following: the camel, the rabbit, and the coney." In this passage, the coney is again listed among the animals that are not to be eaten by the Israelites. The repetition of this dietary restriction underscores the importance of adhering to the laws that distinguish between clean and unclean animals.

Characteristics and Identification:

The coney, or hyrax, is a small, herbivorous mammal that inhabits rocky terrains. It is known for its ability to climb and its social behavior, often living in colonies. Despite its appearance, the coney is not a rodent but is more closely related to elephants and manatees. The biblical description of the coney as an animal that "chews the cud" is understood in a broader sense, as the hyrax exhibits a form of pseudo-rumination, where it re-chews its food to aid in digestion.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In the context of ancient Israel, the dietary laws served not only as health guidelines but also as a means of setting the Israelites apart from other nations. The distinction between clean and unclean animals was a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The coney, as an unclean animal, symbolizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the call to holiness.

The mention of the coney in the Bible also reflects the Israelites' familiarity with the fauna of the region and their understanding of the natural world. The coney's inclusion in the list of unclean animals highlights the comprehensive nature of the dietary laws, which covered a wide range of creatures and emphasized the need for discernment in daily living.

Conclusion:

The coney, as described in the Bible, serves as a reminder of the intricate laws that governed the lives of the Israelites and their relationship with God. Its classification as unclean underscores the broader theological themes of purity, obedience, and the distinct identity of God's chosen people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 11:5
And the coney, because he chews the cud, but divides not the hoof; he is unclean to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 104:18
The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Clean and the Unclean
... the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ...
cheweth the cud but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean." The coney was a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the clean and the unclean.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... Ross, in his View of all Religions:""The Ranters are a sect of beasts that neither
divide the hoof, nor chew the cud; that is to say, very unclean ones. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm