Lexical Summary atalleph: Bat Original Word: עֲטַלֵּף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bat Of uncertain derivation; a bat -- bat. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a bat NASB Translation bat (2), bats (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עֲטַלֵּף noun [masculine] bat (quadriliteral, Ges§ 85w Sta§ 243, 8; Late Hebrew id.; Phoenician οθολαβαδ GesMon. Phoenician 391; LewyFremdw. 17 compare ἀττέλεβος, name of a locust in North Africa Herodiv. 172); — ׳ע absolute Leviticus 11:19 (H), = Deuteronomy 14:18 (unclean creature); plural עֲטַלֵּפִים Isaiah 2:20. עטן (√ of following; Late Hebrew עָמַן put olives into vat or press, or in vessel; Arabic Topical Lexicon Natural IdentityThe creature denoted by עֲטַלֵּף is the bat, the only true flying mammal. Its nocturnal habits, leathery wings, and habitation in caves, ruins, and crevices set it apart from the diurnal birds with which it is grouped in Scripture. Bats feed chiefly on insects, though larger Near-Eastern species consume fruit. Their preference for darkness, sudden darting flight, and eerie cries made them an object of dread and superstition in many ancient cultures. Biblical Classification In the Mosaic dietary laws the bat is listed among “the birds” (Leviticus 11:19; Deuteronomy 14:18), because Moses categorizes creatures by mode of locomotion rather than modern taxonomy. Every winged creature not explicitly permitted is forbidden; the bat is specified to remove any doubt. This prohibition underscores Israel’s distinctiveness, training the nation to discern between what is holy and what is common (Leviticus 10:10). Occurrences and Thematic Usage Leviticus 11:19 and Deuteronomy 14:18 place the bat in the catalog of unclean animals. Its uncleanness is practical (carrion, disease risk) and symbolic (association with darkness and waste places). Isaiah 2:20 employs the bat figuratively: “In that day men will cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and their idols of gold, which they made to worship”. When the LORD arises to shake the earth (Isaiah 2:19), worthless idols are thrown into the deepest recesses, shared by creatures of perpetual night. The bat thus becomes an emblem of spiritual blindness and the futility of idolatry. Historical Context Archaeological digs in Judea and Transjordan reveal bat bones in refuse pits but never in household food debris, confirming Israel’s obedience, at least in later periods, to the dietary ban. Neighboring nations often viewed bats ambivalently—sometimes protective spirits, sometimes harbingers of doom—yet Israel’s Law left no room for such syncretism. Theological Reflections 1. Holiness and Separation: The bat’s classification as unclean teaches that God’s people must avoid what symbolizes darkness and moral impurity (2 Corinthians 6:14). Ministry and Application • Preaching: The bat serves as a vivid illustration when teaching on spiritual blindness, the perils of syncretism, and the call to walk in the light (Ephesians 5:8). Summary Though mentioned only three times, the bat frames lessons on holiness, the danger of darkness, and the vanity of idols. From the tents of Sinai to the prophetic vision of Isaiah, this nocturnal creature silently testifies that the LORD alone is worthy of trust, and that all who seek His light will never dwell in the shadows with moles and bats. Forms and Transliterations הָעֲטַלֵּֽף׃ העטלף׃ וְהָעֲטַלֵּֽף׃ וְלָעֲטַלֵּפִֽים׃ והעטלף׃ ולעטלפים׃ hā‘ăṭallêp̄ hā·‘ă·ṭal·lêp̄ haatalLef vehaatalLef velaatalleFim wə·hā·‘ă·ṭal·lêp̄ wə·lā·‘ă·ṭal·lê·p̄îm wəhā‘ăṭallêp̄ wəlā‘ăṭallêp̄îmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 11:19 HEB: הַדּוּכִיפַ֖ת וְאֶת־ הָעֲטַלֵּֽף׃ NAS: and the hoopoe, and the bat. KJV: and the lapwing, and the bat. INT: kinds and the hoopoe and the bat Deuteronomy 14:18 Isaiah 2:20 3 Occurrences |
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put skin into tan).