Chameleon
Summary
A small lizard famous for changing color, listed among the unclean animals forbidden as food under the Mosaic law.
☩Identification
The Hebrew word tinshemeth, rendered 'chameleon' in modern translations, appears in the list of unclean creeping things. The word seems derived from a root meaning 'to breathe,' possibly referring to the chameleon's habit of puffing up its body and hissing. Some scholars identify the Hebrew word koach (translated 'chameleon' in older versions) with the large monitor lizard instead.
☩Description
The common chameleon is abundant in Palestine, being found also in North Africa and Spain. It is a harmless, even useful creature that feeds on insects, catching them by rapidly darting out its long, viscous tongue. Its pigment cells enable it to change color from pale yellow to green, dark green, and almost black, harmonizing with its surroundings. Its peculiar toes and prehensile tail fit it for life in trees, and its prominent eyes can move independently of each other.
Related Verses1 mention
Leviticus· 1 verse
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Chameleon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Chameleon," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Chameleon," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).