frog

Hebrew: tsepharde'a, meaning a “marsh-leaper”

This amphibian is mentioned in the Old Testament only in connection with one of the plagues which fell on the land of Egypt (Exodus 8:2-14; Psalm 78:45; 105:30). Heqet, the Egyptian goddess of fertility, was represented as a frog and was identified with false god Hathor.

In the New Testament this word occurs only in Rev. 16:13, where it is referred to as a symbol of uncleanness.

The only species of frog existing in Israel is the green frog (Rana esculenta), the well-known edible frog of the Continent.

More information

• Animals of the Bible