lizards in the Bible

Hebrew: לְטָאָה —transliteration: letaah

The ancient Hebrew word letaah appears only in Leviticus 11:30. It comes from a now unused Hebrew root word meaning “to hide” or “hiding.” So it is apparently an unclean creature known for its covert habits.

The King James Version translates letaah as “lizard.” The New King James Version is more specific, saying “the sand lizard.” The New American Standard Version and the Legacy Standard Bible say “the sand reptile,” with a note stating, “Species as yet undefined.”

More information

• chameleon
• mole
• What is “clean” and “unclean” in the Bible?
• Animals of the Bible