סׇלְעָם (sol.am)
sol.am
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 sol’am refers specifically to a type of locust that is both winged and considered edible under biblical dietary laws. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Leviticus 11:22 among the list of clean insects permitted for consumption.
While other Hebrew terms exist for various swarming creatures or creeping things, sol’am denotes a specific category of locust that fits within the allowances for food. Its singular usage highlights its distinct classification in the ancient Israelite understanding of permissible animals, setting it apart from unclean pests.
This rare term underscores the precision of Levitical law regarding what could be eaten. By naming this particular winged insect, the text provides a clear boundary for dietary practice, distinguishing acceptable food sources from those deemed forbidden.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Leviticus 11 lists creatures that were considered clean for the ancient Israelites to eat. Among these, the word sol’am refers to a specific type of winged locust or grasshopper. This rare term appears only once in the Old Testament, marking it as a distinct category within dietary laws.
For modern readers, this detail highlights the precision of biblical instruction. It shows that God cared about the specifics of daily life, including what people put on their tables. While we do not follow these ceremonial laws today, the text reminds us of the care taken in defining community boundaries and purity.
This single verse invites us to appreciate the richness of Scripture’s language. Each word carries weight, helping us understand the world as it was known then. We can find peace in knowing that God provided clear guidance for His people, even in small matters like food.
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/סָּלְעָ֖ם1×
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 is the only occurrence of sol’am in Scripture, where it identifies a specific clean insect permitted for consumption alongside other locusts and crickets.