תַּנְשֶׁמֶת
𐤕𐤍𐤔𐤌𐤕
tanshemeth
H8580 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A type of animal designated as unclean within Israelite dietary regulations; the term's lexical sense refers to one or more non-kosher creatures mentioned in biblical lists (Leviticus 11:18; Deuteronomy 14:16), most likely a specific bird and/or lizard, though the precise zoological identification is uncertain in modern scholarship. Depending on context, the term may refer either to a large water bird (possibly a swan or pelican) or a type of lizard (possibly the chameleon), reflecting translation uncertainties rather than multiple uses in Hebrew itself.
Semantic Range
an unclean bird (possibly swan, pelican, or heron); an unclean lizard (possibly chameleon); animal associated with heavy breathing or panting
Root / Etymology
Root is נָשַׁם (n-sh-m), 'to pant, breathe hard.' The noun תַּנְשֶׁמֶת likely arises as a designation for an animal associated with heavy or loud breathing, possibly based on observed animal behavior. The formation is a feminine noun pattern typical for animal names.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Torah, תַּנְשֶׁמֶת appears in lists of animals prohibited to eat, but the exact species is unclear. In Leviticus 11:18 and Deuteronomy 14:16, it is classified among unclean birds, whereas in Leviticus 11:30, it shifts to the list of unclean lizards, suggesting an ambiguity in ancient Israelite animal classification or in textual tradition. Rabbinic interpretations range widely, with Targum and Septuagint versions differing, rendering swan, mole, pelican, or chameleon. English translations thus vacillate between 'swan,' 'pelican,' 'mole,' and 'chameleon,' none capturing the full ambiguity. In the monarchic and post-exilic periods, increased contact with surrounding cultures may have altered how such animal names were understood or translated. The modern term 'mole' is not accurate; the ancient word more likely refers either to a water bird (possibly pelican or heron) or a lizard (possibly chameleon), reflecting the fluidity of ancient zoological categories. The inconsistent use of 'swan' or 'mole' in older English Bibles should not be seen as precise identification.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from נָשַׁם; properly, a hard breather, i.e. the name of two unclean creatures, a lizard and abird (both perhaps from changing color through their irascibility), probably the tree-toad and the water-hen; mole, swan.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נשׁם (n-š-m) — panting, heavy breathing, hard breath
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H5395 | נָשַׁם | I will pant |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8580-02 |
וְ/הַ/תִּנְשָֽׁמֶת | vehatineshamet | HC/Td/Ncfsa |
and the chameleon | and the panting-creature | 2 |
H8580-01 |
הַ/תִּנְשֶׁ֥מֶת | hatineshemet | HTd/Ncfsa |
swan | the heavy-breather | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8580-01 |
Leviticus 11:18 | הַ/תִּנְשֶׁ֥מֶת | hatineshemet | HTd/Ncfsa |
swan | the heavy-breather |
H8580-02 |
Leviticus 11:30 | וְ/הַ/תִּנְשָֽׁמֶת | vehatineshamet | HC/Td/Ncfsa |
and the chameleon | and the panting-creature |
H8580-02 |
Deuteronomy 14:16 | וְ/הַ/תִּנְשָֽׁמֶת | vehatineshamet | HC/Td/Ncfsa |
and the white owl | and the panting-creature |