Bats in the Bible

The Hebrew word atalleph', as in (Leviticus 11:19; Deuteronomy 14:18) implies “flying in the dark.”

The bat is listed among the “birds” in the list of unclean animals.

To cast idols to the “moles and the bats” means to carry them into the dark caverns or desolate places where these animals may live (Isaiah 2:20), i.e., to consign them to desolation or ruin.

More information

• Animals of the Bible
• What is clean and unclean?