אַרְנֶבֶת
𐤀𐤓𐤍𐤁𐤕
ʼarnebeth
H768 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A species of small, long-eared, leaping mammal (Leporidae family), identified traditionally as a 'hare.' In biblical usage, refers to the hare as an animal category, particularly in lists of unclean animals according to dietary laws. The term conveys a specific non-domesticated, herbivorous animal recognized for its characteristic shape, movement, and habits.
Semantic Range
hare; possibly rabbit (by later extension); non-domesticated, long-eared leaping mammal; unclean animal under dietary laws
Root / Etymology
Root uncertain. The internal structure of אַרְנֶבֶת does not correspond clearly to any known Semitic root, and the word’s ultimate etymology remains obscure. May be a borrowing or a regional animal term. Some have suggested possible connections to Egyptian or other Afroasiatic languages, but there is no consensus.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אַרְנֶבֶת appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible (Leviticus 11:6, Deuteronomy 14:7), both in the context of dietary laws listing animals considered unclean for consumption. The term is traditionally identified as the hare (Lepus spp.), an animal with certain ruminating behaviors observed but lacking a divided hoof, and thus prohibited under Israelite law. Rabbinic sources attempt to explain the 'chewing the cud' description by observing hares' behavior, but this does not precisely reflect modern zoological classification. Translational traditions, including the Septuagint and later English versions, often render the term as 'hare;' however, the designation does not always correspond strictly to species recognized in modern zoology. The term is not used as a cultural or symbolic term beyond dietary contexts. No evidence suggests broader metaphorical or ritual usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain derivation; the hare; hare.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ארנבת (uncertain) (ʾ-r-n-b-t (uncertain)) — uncertain; possibly leaping, swiftness, long-earedness (conjectural)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H768-01 |
הָ/אַרְנֶ֗בֶת | haarenevet | HTd/Ncfsa |
hare | the hare | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H768-01 |
Leviticus 11:6 | הָ/אַרְנֶ֗בֶת | haarenevet | HTd/Ncfsa |
hare | the hare |
H768-01 |
Deuteronomy 14:7 | הָ/אַרְנֶ֨בֶת | haarenevet | HTd/Ncfsa |
the hare | the hare |