לְטָאָה
𐤋𐤈𐤀𐤄
lᵉṭâʼâh
H3911 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A type of reptile, especially a lizard, referenced in the Hebrew Bible among unclean animals. The term denotes a specific kind of lizard, likely recognized in the ancient Near Eastern context as a ground-dwelling, elusive reptile. Its semantic range includes the general sense of 'lizard' and possibly specific subtypes known for their secretive behavior.
Semantic Range
lizard, kind of lizard, burrowing or ground-dwelling reptile, possibly monitor lizard; unclean animal mentioned in Levitical laws
Root / Etymology
Root/etymology uncertain. Strong's suggests a connection with an unused root meaning 'to hide,' possibly alluding to the animal's reclusive behavior; however, this is not etymologically established. The formation לְטָאָה does not clearly derive from a productive Hebrew root, and its ultimate origin remains uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
לְטָאָה appears in Leviticus 11:30, within the context of ritually unclean animals. The precise identification is debated; while most modern translations render it as 'lizard,' the variety of lizard referenced is unclear, as ancient Israelite taxonomy differed from modern biological categories. Some have suggested it refers specifically to the monitor lizard (Varanus griseus), common in the Levant, or to another large, burrowing lizard. Unlike some reptile terms with broader or different connotations in surrounding Semitic languages, לְטָאָה is unique in Hebrew and unattested elsewhere, suggesting a specialized or regionally specific usage. Its inclusion in priestly legislation illustrates knowledge of local fauna and ritual distinctions. Later Jewish interpretation and Greek translation (e.g., LXX σαῦρα, 'lizard') associated it with various lizards, but earlier readers may not have equated it directly with modern taxonomic categories. The term is not used outside of purity regulations, and later English translations sometimes use narrowly defined species names that do not correspond precisely to the biblical context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to hide; a kind of lizard (from its covert habits); lizard.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
לטא (uncertain) (l-ṭ-ʾ (uncertain)) — concealment (uncertain), elusive reptile
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3911-01 |
וְ/הַ/לְּטָאָ֑ה | vehaletaah | HC/Td/Ncfsa |
and the wall lizard | lizard | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3911-01 |
Leviticus 11:30 | וְ/הַ/לְּטָאָ֑ה | vehaletaah | HC/Td/Ncfsa |
and the wall lizard | lizard |