The time period “coney” because it seems in some English translations of the Bible refers to a small, rabbit-like mammal. Particularly, the Hebrew phrase shphn () is usually translated as “coney” in older variations, such because the King James Model. Trendy translations typically render shphn as “rock badger” or “hyrax,” as these animals are extra correct representations of the creature described within the unique Hebrew textual content. These animals are small, herbivorous mammals present in Africa and the Center East, recognized for his or her agility in rocky terrain.
Understanding the right identification of the animal is important for biblical interpretation as a result of references to it are sometimes used as an instance particular factors. For instance, Proverbs 30:26 describes the shphn as being “exceeding smart” as a result of it makes its home within the rocks, a testomony to its instinctive self-preservation. The animals presence in Leviticus 11:5 and Deuteronomy 14:7, which lists animals deemed unclean for consumption below Mosaic Legislation, additionally underscores its integration inside the broader context of historical Israelite life and dietary rules. Due to this fact, precisely translating the Hebrew time period sheds mild on the meant that means of the scriptures.
