The Raven as Kind and Kinds of Ravens: A Study in the Zoological Nomenclature of Leviticus 11,2–23

Abstract

Like most societies, the Israelites formed animal classification systems consisting of broad, primary level taxa (e.g., Birds), more specific, intermediate level taxa (e.g., Carnivorous Birds), and very specific, terminal level taxa (e.g., Vultures). In the classification system found in Lev 11,2–23, three different formulas are used to refer to intermediate level taxa. One formula contains the word כל, and is used only once (to refer to Ravens [ערב]) in Lev 11,2–23 (Lev 11,15). This paper presents two possible explanations for the single use of the כל-formula in Lev 11,2–23. Hypothesis One argues that the lexeme ערב was polysemous, being used in the textual record to refer to both intermediate and terminal level taxa, and that the כל-formula was used in Lev 11,15 to clarify the intermediate level status of the ערב-taxon found there. Hypothesis Two argues that Israelite taxonomic thought developed over time, and that the כל-formula was used for a terminal level taxon (Ravens) that underwent differentiation into subclasses (Raven X and Raven Y), thereby becoming an intermediate level taxon. Hypothesis Two is the stronger explanation.