Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the bat is mentioned specifically in the Old Testament as part of the dietary laws given to the Israelites. The bat is classified among the unclean animals that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. This classification is found in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, which outline the dietary restrictions intended to set the Israelites apart as a holy people.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 11:19 · In the list of birds that are considered detestable and not to be eaten, the bat is included: "the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." 2. Deuteronomy 14:18 · Similarly, the bat is listed among the unclean birds: "the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." These passages indicate that the bat, although not a bird in the modern scientific sense, was grouped with birds in the biblical classification system. This reflects the ancient understanding of animal taxonomy, which was based more on observable characteristics and habitats than on modern biological classifications. Symbolism and Cultural Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, the bat may have been associated with darkness and impurity, given its nocturnal habits and preference for dwelling in caves and other dark places. This association with darkness could have contributed to its classification as unclean. The bat's inclusion in the list of unclean animals underscores the broader biblical theme of distinguishing between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean. Theological Implications: The dietary laws, including the prohibition against eating bats, served as a tangible expression of Israel's covenant relationship with God. By adhering to these laws, the Israelites demonstrated their obedience and commitment to living according to God's standards. The distinction between clean and unclean animals also served to remind the Israelites of the holiness required to approach God and the need for purity in their daily lives. Modern Considerations: While the specific dietary laws of the Old Testament are not binding on Christians today, as articulated in the New Testament (see Acts 10:9-16, where Peter's vision declares all foods clean), the principles underlying these laws continue to hold spiritual significance. They remind believers of the call to holiness and the importance of living a life set apart for God. In summary, the bat's mention in the Bible as an unclean animal reflects the broader biblical themes of holiness, purity, and the distinct identity of God's people. Smith's Bible Dictionary Bat(Leviticus 11:19; 14:18) Many travellers have noticed the immense numbers of bats that are found in caverns in the East, and Mr. Layard said that on the occasion of a visit to a cavern these noisome beasts compelled him to retreat. Easton's Bible Dictionary The Hebrew word (atalleph') so rendered (Leviticus 11:19; Deuteronomy 14:18) implies "flying in the dark." The bat is reckoned among the birds in the list of unclean animals. To cast idols to the "moles and to the bats" means to carry them into dark caverns or desolate places to which these animals resort (Isaiah 2:20), i.e., to consign them to desolation or ruin. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A large stick; a club; specifically, a piece of wood with one end thicker or broader than the other, used in playing baseball, cricket, etc.2. (n.) Shale or bituminous shale. 3. (n.) A sheet of cotton used for filling quilts or comfortables; batting. 4. (n.) A part of a brick with one whole end. 5. (v. t.) To strike or hit with a bat or a pole; to cudgel; to beat. 6. (v. i.) To use a bat, as in a game of baseball. 7. (n.) One of the Cheiroptera, an order of flying mammals, in which the wings are formed by a membrane stretched between the elongated fingers, legs, and tail. The common bats are small and insectivorous. See Cheiroptera and Vampire. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAT(`aTaleph; Leviticus 11:19 Deuteronomy 14:18 Isaiah 2:20): Bats are the most widely distributed of mammals, reaching even the oceanic islands, and modern science has revealed the existence of an astonishing number of species, nearly twenty being recorded from Palestine. These include both fruit-eating and insect-eating bats, the latter being the smaller. It has not always been realized that they are mammals, and so it is not surprising that they should be mentioned at the end of the list of unclean birds in Leviticus 11:19 and Deuteronomy 14:18. It may, however, be significant that they are at the end of the list and not in the middle of it. The fruit bats are a pest to horticulturists and often strip apricot and other trees before the fruit has ripened enough to be picked. On this account the fruit is often enclosed in bags, or the whole tree may be surrounded with a great sheet or net. They commonly pick the fruit and eat it on some distant perch beneath which the seeds and the ordure of these animals are scattered. The insect bats, as in other countries, flit about at dusk and through the night catching mosquitoes and larger insects, and so are distinctly beneficial. Greek 4520. sabbatismos -- a sabbath rest ... a sabbath rest. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: sabbatismos Phonetic Spelling: (sab-bat-is-mos') Short Definition: a Sabbath rest Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4520.htm - 6k 1687. embateuo -- to set foot upon 4315. prosabbaton -- the day before the Sabbath 944. batrachos -- a frog 945. battalogeo -- to stammer 2895. krabattos -- a camp bed 943. batos -- a bath, an Israelite liquid measure 4521. sabbaton -- the Sabbath, ie the seventh day (of the week) 942. batos -- a bramble bush Strong's Hebrew 5847. atalleph -- a bat... 5846, 5847. atalleph. 5848 . a bat. Transliteration: atalleph Phonetic Spelling: (at-al-lafe') Short Definition: bat. Word Origin ... /hebrew/5847.htm - 5k 3832. labat -- to thrust down, out, or away 6642. tsabat -- to reach, hold out 1327. battah -- a precipice 987. battuchoth -- security, safety 2251. chabat -- to beat off, beat out 5027. nabat -- to look 5670. abat -- to take or give a pledge Library On Deck Moreover, Since Celsus Asserts that "The Soul is the Work of God.. ... God in Human Garb. The Arminian Controversy. AD 1604-1619. The Old Testament and Comparative Religion The Helvetic Consensus Formula. AD 1675. Survival of the Fittest Fearlessness. John 3:3; 2 Cor. 5:17 Questions About Regeneration New Shoes Thesaurus Bat (2 Occurrences)... The Hebrew word (atalleph') so rendered (Leviticus 11:19; Deuteronomy 14:18) implies "flying in the dark." The bat is reckoned among the birds in the list of ... /b/bat.htm - 10k Lapwing (2 Occurrences) Receive (350 Occurrences) Batanaea Arbatta Sebat (1 Occurrence) Heron (2 Occurrences) Stork (6 Occurrences) Hoopoe (2 Occurrences) Kinds (110 Occurrences) Resources What is a bar mitzvah? What is a bat mitzvah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Wailing Wall / Western Wall? | GotQuestions.org Jewish Questions - questions from Jews and about Judaism | GotQuestions.org Bat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bat (2 Occurrences)Leviticus 11:19 Deuteronomy 14:18 Subtopics Bat: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |