Elephant
“Literally 'tooth of elephant' (ivory)”
Summary
A large mammal not directly named in canonical Scripture but referenced through the Hebrew word for ivory ('elephant's tooth') and possibly connected to the Behemoth of Job.
☩Biblical References
The word 'elephant' does not appear in the canonical Scriptures, though the adjective 'of ivory' (elephantine) occurs in Revelation 18:12. The animal is believed to be referenced in the Hebrew phrase translated 'ivory,' which literally means 'elephant's tooth.' Some scholars have identified the elephant with Behemoth in Job 40:15, though this identification remains debated—the hippopotamus being another candidate. The books of Maccabees, not part of the Protestant canon, describe elephants used in warfare, including methods of exciting them for battle.
☩Ancient Use
Elephants were anciently employed in warfare, originally in India where they were stronger and more intelligent than African elephants. They were later used in Persia, Asia Minor, and even in the western Mediterranean. The ivory trade brought elephant products into the biblical world, with Solomon's ships importing ivory along with gold, silver, apes, and peacocks from distant lands.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Elephant," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Elephant," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).