The Hebrew word arnebeth refers to the hare or rabbit, a creature mentioned in the Mosaic dietary law. It appears in Leviticus and Deuteronomy as one of the animals declared unclean for Israel's consumption, identified as one that chews the cud but does not have a split hoof.
Though a minor zoological term, arnebeth carries theological significance within Israel's purity laws. The dietary restrictions in the Torah served as boundary markers between Israel and the nations, reinforcing the call to holiness. The distinction between clean and unclean creatures taught Israel to discern and choose what is set apart for God. The New Testament fulfillment of these laws (Acts 10; Mark 7) reveals that the deeper principle was always spiritual purity of heart.