Hare
NatureWhat is the meaning of Hare in the Bible?
The hare is classified as an unclean animal in Leviticus 11:5-6 and Deuteronomy 14:7, listed alongside the camel, the coney, and the swine, and is distinguished by its longer legs and ears compared to rabbits.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the hare's status as ritually impure clarifies the specific dietary boundaries established in the Torah, helping readers understand the cultural and religious distinctions between clean and unclean animals in ancient Israelite society.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Hare were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Hare in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hare clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Leviticus 11:5-6Deuteronomy 14:7
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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Hare." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hare/