חָרְגֹּל (cha.re.gol)
cha.re.gol
locust
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ḥargōl refers to a specific type of locust, described in the sources as a "leaping creature." It appears only once in the entire Old Testament, found within the dietary laws of Leviticus 11:22. In this context, it is listed alongside other permissible insects that have jointed legs for hopping.
Its inclusion highlights the precise nature of ancient Israelite food regulations. While most flying insects were considered unclean, certain locusts were permitted as clean food. The term distinguishes this particular leaping insect from other non-kosher varieties, emphasizing physical characteristics like its ability to jump rather than just fly.
Translators typically render ḥargōl simply as "locust" or "grasshopper," though the exact species identification remains debated among scholars. The text does not elaborate on its appearance beyond its leaping nature, leaving the specific biological classification to context and tradition rather than detailed description.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The dietary laws in Leviticus provided a detailed framework for ancient Israel, helping the people distinguish between clean and unclean animals. Among the flying creatures, most were prohibited, but specific types of locusts were permitted for food. This inclusion highlights that God’s instructions often included practical provisions for sustenance within a holy community.
For modern readers, this word reminds us that Scripture addresses both spiritual principles and daily life. The permission to eat certain locusts shows care for physical needs alongside religious identity. It invites reflection on how obedience can be woven into ordinary acts like choosing food, trusting that God provides guidance for every aspect of living.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ locust1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/חַרְגֹּ֣ל1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 11:22
Even of these you may eat: any kind of locust, any kind of katydid, any kind of cricket, and any kind of grasshopper.
This verse explicitly lists the ḥargōl as one of the few flying insects permitted for consumption, distinguishing it from other unclean creatures.