Original Word: אֲנָקָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: anaqah
Pronunciation: ah-naw-kaw'
Phonetic Spelling: (an-aw-kaw')
Definition: Groaning, Sighing
Meaning: some kind of lizard, the gecko

ferret

The same as 'anaqah; some kind of lizard, probably the gecko (from its wail) -- ferret.

see HEBREW 'anaqah

Word Origin
from anaq
Definition
a ferret, shrewmouse
NASB Translation
gecko (1).

II. אֲנָקָה noun feminine ferret, or shrew-mouse, unclean animal Leviticus 11:30 (Tristr^{FFP 24}; ᵑ7 אקמתא).

Word Origin: Derived from the root אָנַק (anák), which means "to groan" or "to sigh."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent in the Strong's Concordance for the Hebrew אֲנָקָה, as the specific term for "gecko" does not appear in the Greek New Testament. However, the concept of unclean animals is addressed in the New Testament, particularly in discussions about the Law and purity, such as in Acts 10:14-15, where Peter is told, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."

Usage: The term אֲנָקָה appears in the context of unclean animals in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus.

Context: The Hebrew word אֲנָקָה (anakáh) is mentioned in Leviticus 11:30, where it is listed among the creatures considered unclean under Mosaic Law. The passage reads: "the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon." In this context, אֲנָקָה is translated as "gecko," a small to medium-sized lizard known for its vocalizations, which may be the reason for its name, as it is derived from a root meaning "to groan" or "to sigh." The gecko's inclusion in the list of unclean animals highlights the detailed nature of the dietary laws given to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity. The gecko, like other reptiles mentioned, was not to be eaten or touched when dead, as it would render a person ceremonially unclean.

וְהָאֲנָקָ֥ה והאנקה vehaanaKah wə·hā·’ă·nā·qāh wəhā’ănāqāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts