Chameleon
NatureWhat is the meaning of Chameleon in the Bible?
Chameleons are lizards of the family Chamaeleonidae, distinguished by zygodactylous feet, a prehensile tail, and the capacity for skin color change. Although the King James Version translates the Hebrew word 'tannin' in Leviticus 11:30 as 'chameleon,' modern scholarship generally identifies this term as referring to a crocodile, sea monster, or snake, since true chameleons are not native to the Levant.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing that the 'chameleon' in Leviticus 11:30 is likely a mistranslation of a local creature like a crocodile or snake allows readers to accurately understand the dietary laws given to ancient Israelites. This clarification distinguishes between animals native to the region and those that were not, providing a more precise biological context for biblical purity regulations.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Chameleon in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Chameleon clarify?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.