Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, claws are mentioned in the context of animals, often highlighting characteristics that distinguish clean from unclean animals according to Mosaic Law. The term "claws" refers to the sharp, curved nails found on the feet of certain animals, which are often used for hunting, climbing, or defense.
Biblical References:1.
Leviticus 11:20-23 · In the dietary laws given to the Israelites, certain animals are deemed unclean, including those with specific types of claws. The passage states: "All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you. However, you may eat the following kinds of flying insects that walk on all fours: those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground. Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper. But all other flying insects that have four legs are detestable to you." Here, the distinction is made between insects with jointed legs, which may include claws, and those without, emphasizing the importance of specific physical traits in determining cleanliness.
2.
Daniel 4:33 · The transformation of King Nebuchadnezzar is described with vivid imagery, including the growth of claws: "At that moment the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven away from mankind, ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird." This description serves as a metaphor for his humbling and dehumanization, illustrating the consequences of pride and the sovereignty of God over human affairs.
3.
Deuteronomy 14:12-18 · Similar to Leviticus, this passage lists unclean birds, many of which are birds of prey with prominent claws. The text reads: "But these you may not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, the black kite, any kind of falcon, any kind of raven, the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." The emphasis on birds of prey, which use their claws for hunting, underscores the distinction between clean and unclean animals.
Symbolism and Interpretation:In biblical symbolism, claws can represent power, ferocity, and the predatory nature of certain animals. They are often associated with creatures that are unclean or dangerous, serving as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance and discernment. The presence of claws in biblical narratives can also highlight themes of transformation and judgment, as seen in the account of Nebuchadnezzar.
From a theological perspective, the mention of claws in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's creation order and the distinctions He established within it. The laws concerning clean and unclean animals were not only practical but also served to set the Israelites apart as a holy people, dedicated to God and His commandments.
Strong's Hebrew
2953. tephar -- a nail, claw... 2952, 2953. tephar. 2954 . a nail, claw. Transliteration: tephar Phonetic
Spelling: (tef-ar') Short Definition:
claws. Word Origin
...Library
Why Man is Destitute of Natural Weapons and Covering
... destitute of all things useful, worthy, according to appearances, of pity rather
than of admiration, not armed with prominent horns or sharpclaws, nor with...
ii.
... [1318] Then after all this the torturers, according to their orders, lacerated with
the sharp ironclaws [1319] the whole body, not merely, as in the case of...
Of the Need for Some Protest against the Psychics and their Self...
... him, so that the tortures may not even have material to work on, since he is cuirassed
in a mere dry skin, and cased in horn to meet theclaws, the succulence...
On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to...
... man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable, and say, Thus saith the Lord God:
A great eagle, with great wings, and long extended, full ofclaws." [1771] Here...
The Tomb of the Pharaoh
... On one end of the short pole of the torch was a knot of flaming pitch, on
the other was a bronze ring fitted with sprawlingclaws....
The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals.
... Rapacious birds have pointedclaws to enable them to close on their prey; to the
rest has been given the indispensable ministry of feet to seek their food and...
Preface
... in the most glowing and impressive terms remain themselves sad examples of human
futility in the struggle to disengage the spirit from theclaws of dragging...
The Birth of Saint George.
... To nurse a small crocodile or alligator, or even a young hippopotamus, would have
been bad enough, but a green dragon, withclaws and a long wriggling fork...
The Work Awaiting the Worker
... came to Jerusalem after his conversion and assayed to join himself to the Christians
there, they were all afraid of him, suspecting the teeth andclaws of the...
Of the Production of the Beasts and of Man.
... For if He had given to man the teeth of wild beasts, or horns, orclaws, or hoofs,
or a tail, or hairs of various colour, who cannot perceive how misshapen an...
Thesaurus
Claws (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Claws (5 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 14:6 And every
beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into
...Claw
... base of petals of the pink. 5. (n.) To pull, tear, or scratch with, or as
with,claws or nails. 6. (n.) To relieve from some uneasy...
Birds (125 Occurrences)
... This bird had 13 teeth above and 3 below, each set in a separate socket, wings ending
in three-fingeredclaws much longer than theclaws of the feet, and a...
Camel (13 Occurrences)
... forming oblique slits, the upper lip divided and separately movable and extensile,
the soles of the feet horny, with two toes covered byclaws, the limbs long...
Nail (9 Occurrences)
... committed in the agony of their grief. Aramaic Tephar (Daniel 4:33, "his
nails like birds'claws"). (2) As pin or peg (for tents...
Nails (16 Occurrences)
... from men, and ate grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky, until
his hair was grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds'claws....
Unarmed (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (a.) Not armed or armored; having no arms or weapons. 2. (a.) Having no hard
and sharp projections, as spines, prickles, spurs,claws, etc....
Feathers (9 Occurrences)
... from men, and ate grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky, until
his hair was grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds'claws....
Falcon (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One of a family (Falconidae) of raptorial birds,
characterized by a short, hooked beak, strongclaws, and powerful flight....
Retract (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To take back; as to retract a statement; to draw
up or shorten; as, the cat can retract itsclaws; to retract a muscle....
Resources
The missing link'has it been found? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the little horn in the book of Daniel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the four beasts in Daniel chapter 7? | GotQuestions.orgClaws: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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