Lectionary Calendar

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026
the Second Week of Lent

There are 32 days til Easter!

video advertismenet

Attention!

For 10¢ a day you can enjoy StudyLight.org ads
free while helping to build churches and support pastors in Uganda.
Click here to learn more!

Bible Dictionaries
Hyena

Holman Bible Dictionary

Search for…

1 2 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Prev Entry
Hyacinth

Next Entry
Hyksos

Resource Toolbox

Print Article

Additional Links

Any of a group of stockily-built, carnivorous mammals of the genus Hyaena , located zoologically between the felines and canines. Hyena feed on carrion and are known for their cowardice, cruelty, and disagreeable cry. All the scriptural references concern judgment on foreign nations (Babylon or Edom) which are left desolate (Isaiah 13:22; Isaiah 34:14; Jeremiah 50:39 ). KJV translated the term for hyena as “wild beasts of the islands.” The REB identifies this animal with the jackal (so NAS Jeremiah 50:39 ). NAS uses wolves in Isaiah 34:14 .

The Hebrew term for hyena is used as a man's name (Zibeon, Genesis 36:20 ) and as the name for a town (Zeboim, Nehemiah 11:34 ) and valley (1 Samuel 13:18 ) in the territory of Benjamin.

Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Hyena'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/h/hyena.html. 1991.

Bible Dictionaries Hyena

Holman Bible Dictionary

Bible Dictionaries
Hyena