Topical Encyclopedia The term "crocodile" does not appear explicitly in most English translations of the Bible, including the Berean Standard Bible . However, the creature is often associated with the biblical "Leviathan" and "Tannin," which are sometimes interpreted as references to large, formidable aquatic creatures, possibly resembling the crocodile or other large reptiles.Leviathan The Leviathan is a creature mentioned in several passages of the Old Testament, most notably in the Book of Job. In Job 41, God describes the Leviathan in detail, emphasizing its strength and fearsome nature. The description includes attributes that could be associated with a crocodile, such as its scales, powerful limbs, and fearsome teeth. The passage highlights the creature's invincibility to human weapons and its dominance over other creatures: "Can you pull in Leviathan with a hook or tie down his tongue with a rope? Can you put a cord through his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook?" (Job 41:1-2). The Leviathan is depicted as a symbol of chaos and power, often interpreted as a representation of evil or opposition to God. Its defeat by God signifies divine sovereignty over all creation. Tannin The Hebrew word "Tannin" is another term that is sometimes translated as "crocodile" or "sea monster." It appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament. In Exodus 7:9-12, the term is used to describe the staff of Aaron turning into a serpent before Pharaoh, which some scholars suggest could be a reference to a crocodile-like creature: "When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ you are to say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh, and it will become a serpent.’” (Exodus 7:9). In other passages, "Tannin" is associated with the sea and chaos, similar to the Leviathan. Isaiah 27:1 speaks of the Lord's punishment of the "Leviathan, the gliding serpent, Leviathan, the coiling serpent; He will slay the dragon of the sea" , which may also be linked to the imagery of a crocodile or similar creature. Cultural and Symbolic Significance In the ancient Near East, crocodiles were known to inhabit the Nile River and were often feared and revered. They were symbols of power and danger, which aligns with the biblical portrayal of Leviathan and Tannin as formidable creatures. The imagery of these creatures in Scripture serves to illustrate God's ultimate authority over even the most powerful and chaotic forces in the world. The crocodile, as a symbol, underscores themes of divine power, judgment, and the subjugation of chaos, reflecting the broader biblical narrative of God's control over creation and His ability to bring order out of disorder. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A large reptile of the genus Crocodilus, of several species. They grow to the length of sixteen or eighteen feet, and inhabit the large rivers of Africa, Asia, and America. The eggs, laid in the sand, are hatched by the sun's heat. The best known species is that of the Nile (C. vulgaris, or C. Niloticus). The Florida crocodile (C. Americanus) is much less common than the alligator and has longer jaws. The name is also sometimes applied to the species of other related genera, as the gavial and the alligator.2. (n.) A fallacious dilemma, mythically supposed to have been first used by a crocodile. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CROCODILEkrok'-o-dil. CROCODILE, LAND See CHAMELEON. Strong's Hebrew 3581a. koach -- a small reptile (of unknown species)koach or koach. 3581, 3581a. koach or koach. 3581b . a small reptile (of unknown species). Transliteration: koach or koach Short Definition: crocodile. ... /hebrew/3581a.htm - 5k 3882. Livyathan -- "serpent," a sea monster or dragon 4043. magen -- a shield Library The Adventures of Saint Patrick of Ireland. The Egyptian Symbols and Enigmas of Sacred Things. The Further Adventures of Saint George. Antichrist in Isaiah The Gods of Egypt Episcopal Conspirators The Birth of Saint George. The Adventures of Saint James of Spain. Noxious Animals Worshipped by the Egyptians; Man by Arts an Evil ... Against Embellishing the Body. Thesaurus Crocodile (1 Occurrence)... The Florida crocodile (C. Americanus) is much less common than the alligator and has longer jaws. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CROCODILE. krok'-o-dil. ... /c/crocodile.htm - 7k Land-crocodile (1 Occurrence) Leviathan (5 Occurrences) Chameleon (1 Occurrence) Cockatrice (3 Occurrences) Land (19790 Occurrences) Zoology Lizard (3 Occurrences) Tortoise (1 Occurrence) Shihor-libnath (1 Occurrence) Resources What was the leviathan? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any validity to the Zeitgeist movie? | GotQuestions.org Is Jesus a myth? Is Jesus just a copy of the pagan gods of other ancient religions? | GotQuestions.org Crocodile: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Crocodile (1 Occurrence)Leviticus 11:30 Subtopics Related Terms |
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