Lectionary Calendar
Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
the Week of Proper 25 / Ordinary 30
Attention!
StudyLight.org has pledged to help build churches in Uganda. Help us with that pledge and support pastors in the heart of Africa.
Click here to join the effort! Bible Encyclopedias
Weasel
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Search for…
or
wē´z ' 50 ( חלד , ḥōledh ; compare Arabic khuld , "mole-rat"): (1) Ḥōledh is found only in Leviticus 11:29 , where it stands first in the list of eight unclean "creeping things that creep upon the earth." the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) agree in rendering ḥōledh by "weasel," and the Septuagint has γαλῆ , galḗ , "weasel" or "marten." According to Gesenius, the Vulgate, Targum, and Talmud support the same rendering. In spite of this array of authorities, it is worth while to consider the claims of the mole-rat, Spalax typhlus , Arabic khuld . This is a very common rodent, similar in appearance and habits to the mole, which does not exist in Palestine. The fact that it burrows may be considered against it, in view of the words, "that creepeth upon the earth." The term "creeping thing" is, however, very applicable to it, and the objection seems like a quibble, especially in view of the fact that there is no category of subterranean animals. See MOLE . (2) The weasel, Mustela vulgaris , has a wide range in Asia, Europe, and North America. It is from 8 to 10 inches long, including the short tail. It is brown above and white below. In the northern part of its range, its whole fur, except the tail, is white in winter. It is active and fearless, and preys upon all sorts of small mammals, birds and insects. See LIZARD .
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain and were generously provided by the folks at WordSearch Software.
Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Weasel'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/w/weasel.html. 1915.
