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H604 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֲנָקָה
Anaqah
Noun, feminine
Gecko

Definition

Anaqah (אֲנָקָה, H604) is a homograph of H603 but refers to a different thing — a small lizard, most likely the gecko, named possibly for the sound it makes. It appears in Leviticus 11:30 in the list of swarming creatures that are unclean. Ancient rabbis and modern scholars generally identify it as a type of gecko.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Levitical purity laws regarding swarming creatures like the anaqah (gecko) taught Israel a fundamental principle: holiness means separation from what is defiling. While seemingly mundane, touching such creatures caused ritual uncleanness (Leviticus 11:31). The New Testament interprets these laws through Christ who cleanses us from all defilement (1 John 1:7), yet the principle remains — "Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God" (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Key Bible Verses

Leviticus 11:30 The gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink and the chameleon.
Leviticus 11:29 Of the animals that move along the ground, these are unclean for you.
Leviticus 11:31 Of all these creatures that move along the ground, these are unclean for you.
2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

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