Topical Encyclopedia
The domestic cat, a small carnivorous mammal belonging to the Felidae family, is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, its presence in the ancient Near East and its significance in various cultures during biblical times provide a context for understanding its potential role and symbolism.
Historical ContextCats were domesticated in ancient Egypt, where they were revered and often associated with the goddess Bastet. Their ability to control vermin populations made them valuable in agrarian societies. While the Bible does not mention cats directly, their presence in neighboring cultures suggests that they were known to the Israelites.
Symbolism and Cultural InfluenceIn biblical times, animals often carried symbolic meanings. While the Bible does not attribute specific symbolism to cats, their characteristics—such as independence, agility, and nocturnal nature—might have been observed by biblical peoples. In a broader cultural context, cats were sometimes seen as mysterious or even mystical creatures.
Biblical References to Similar AnimalsThough cats are not mentioned, other members of the Felidae family, such as lions, are frequently referenced in the Bible. Lions are often used symbolically to represent strength, power, and sometimes danger. For example, in
1 Peter 5:8 , it is written, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This metaphorical use of a feline creature highlights the cultural awareness of such animals.
Cats in Apocryphal and Extrabiblical TextsWhile the canonical Bible does not mention cats, some apocryphal and extrabiblical texts from the same era may include references to them. These texts can provide additional insights into how cats were perceived in the broader cultural and religious milieu of the time.
Modern Interpretations and SymbolismIn contemporary Christian thought, cats are often seen as part of God's creation, reflecting His creativity and the diversity of life. While not directly mentioned in Scripture, they are appreciated for their role in the ecosystem and as companions to humans.
ConclusionThe absence of direct references to cats in the Bible does not diminish their historical and cultural significance in the ancient world. Understanding the broader context of animals in biblical times can enrich one's appreciation of the text and the world in which it was written.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) An animal of various species of the genera Felis and Lynx. The domestic cat is Felis domestica. The European wild cat (Felis catus) is much larger than the domestic cat. In the United States the name wild cat is commonly applied to the bay lynx (Lynx rufus) See Wild cat, and Tiger cat.
2. (n.) A strong vessel with a narrow stern, projecting quarters, and deep waist. It is employed in the coal and timber trade.
3. (n.) A strong tackle used to draw an anchor up to the cathead of a ship.
4. (n.) A double tripod (for holding a plate, etc.), having six feet, of which three rest on the ground, in whatever position in is placed.
5. (n.) An old game; (a) The game of tipcat and the implement with which it is played. See Tipcat. (c) A game of ball, called, according to the number of batters, one old cat, two old cat, etc.
6. (n.) A cat o' nine tails. See below.
7. (v. t.) To bring to the cathead; as, to cat an anchor. See Anchor.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CAT(ailouros): The only mention of this animal is in Baruch 6:22. It is not mentioned in the canonical Scriptures, though Bochart (Hieroz., 862) gives "wild cats" as the equivalent of tsyim inIsaiah 13:21;Isaiah 34:14Jeremiah 50:39Psalm 74:19, where English Versions of the Bible gives "wild beasts of the desert." Mention is, however, made of cats, cathod, in the Welsh Bible (Isaiah 34:14). The only mention of the catta in classical Latin writers is in Martial xiii0.69. How the cat was regarded in Egypt is described in Herod. ii.66 and Rawlinson's notes. In Baruch 6:22 cats are mentioned with "bats, swallows and birds" as sitting with impunity on the images of the heathen gods which are unable to drive them off.
See alsoZOOLOGY.
J. Hutchison
Library
TheCat came Back
... THECAT CAME BACK. Jimmy was lying on an old cot out in the orchard, getting some
of the nice spring sunshine on his thin body.... "I know, but she's an oldcat....
The Eternal Revolution
... She does not even say that thecat is enviable or the mouse pitiable.... He might
think he had beaten thecat by getting to the grave first....
The Time and Arrangement of S. Cyril's Lectures.
... in which they were delivered. InCat. xiv.14, Cyril speaks... been delivered
before that year. InCat. xv. Sec. 6, Cyril asks, "Is...
When one at the Back of the North Wind Wanted to Know How Things...
... And the weasel grew, and grew, and grew, till all at once Diamond saw that the weasel
was not a weasel but acat. And away went thecat, and Diamond after it....
Special Preparation for Baptism.
...Cat. i. 5. [120] De Baptismo, c. 20. Cf. Justin M. Apol. I. c. 61; Const.... 22. [121]
Compare his teaching on Prayer, Procat. 16;Cat. ix. 7: and on FastingCat....
Place of S. Cyril's Lectures.
... InCat. xiv. Sec. 5, he says, "It was a garden where He was crucified.... II. 2. [308]
See above, Ch. I. p. 2. Cf.Cat. iv. 10; x. 19; xiii. 4, 22, 39; xiv....
Natural Love.
... The same hen which at other times runs away at the distant approach of dog orcat,
flies at the ugliestcat or fiercest bulldog when she has chickens to defend...
Additions to the Literature
... Hungar. Conf. of 1562, pp.376-448; the Larger WestminsterCat., pp.612-643;
the NassauCat. of 1578, pp.720-738, and the HesseCat. of...
"The Dust of the Actual"
... The Calvinists illustrate their belief by a single illuminating word,Cat-hold,
and the Arminians by another, Monkey-hold. Could you find better illustrations?...
The Task of Modern Idealists Indeed is Made Much Too Easy for them...
... The old French monarchy was founded on the excellent principle that acat
may look at a king. But nowadays acat may not look at...
Thesaurus
Cat... The domestic
cat is Felis domestica. The European wild
cat (Felis catus)
is much larger than the domestic
cat. In the United States
...Pi-beseth (1 Occurrence)
... (Ezek. 30:17), supposed to mean. "acat," or a deity in the form of acat, worshipped
by the Egyptians. It was called by the Greeks Bubastis....
Pibeseth (1 Occurrence)
... (Ezek. 30:17), supposed to mean. "acat," or a deity in the form of acat, worshipped
by the Egyptians. It was called by the Greeks Bubastis....
Zoology
... MOLE (which see) not found in Palestine CHIROPTERA: Bat CARNIVORA (a) Felidae,Cat,
Lion, Leopard (b) Hyaenidae, Hyena (c) Canidae, Dog (including Greyhound...
Pur (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (vi) To utter a low, murmuring, continued sound, as
acat does when pleased. 2. (vt) To signify or express by purring....
Casualties (7 Occurrences)
Lick (8 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To draw or pass the tongue over; as, a dog licks his master's hand. 2.
(vt) To lap; to take in with the tongue; as, a dog orcat licks milk....
Gods (310 Occurrences)
... Many of these were animals, birds and natural objects. Horus, the hawk, was one
of the earliest of all. Thecat, the bull, etc., were worshipped at times....
Wild (147 Occurrences)
... haunts, as the forest or open field; not familiar with, or not easily approached
by, man; not tamed or domesticated; as, a wild boar; a wild ox; a wildcat....
Flea (2 Occurrences)
... A flea that is often commoner in houses than Pulex irritans is the "dog andcat
flea," variously known as Pulex serraticeps, Pulex canis, Pulex felis or...
Resources
Did God create the universe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an omen? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about pets? | GotQuestions.orgCat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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