Weasel
“Choled, possibly meaning 'gliding' from its swift motion, or related to Arabic chuld meaning 'mole'”
Summary
The weasel appears only once in Scripture as one of the small unclean animals prohibited under the Mosaic law, though some scholars believe the Hebrew word may refer to a mole.
☩Biblical Reference
The Hebrew word choled occurs only in Leviticus 11:29, where it stands first in a list of eight unclean 'creeping things that creep upon the earth.' The term is rendered 'weasel' in most ancient versions including the Septuagint (gale), Vulgate (mustela), and major English translations. The Talmud also supports this identification. However, if the word is related to the Arabic chuld and Syriac chuldo, it may indicate a mole rather than a weasel.
☩The Animal
The common weasel (Mustela vulgaris) has a wide range across Asia, Europe, and North America, measuring 8-10 inches including its short tail. It is brown above and white below, active and fearless, preying upon small mammals, birds, and insects. These animals are notable for their long, slender bodies and short legs, which allow them to glide along the ground and slip into the smallest crevices. The polecat (Mustela putorius) is found in Palestine near villages, though rarely in towns.
Related Verses1 mention
Leviticus· 1 verse
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Weasel," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Weasel," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Weasel," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).