When reading through the Bible, especially the Old Testament, you may encounter references to an unusual creature that modern translations call a “rock badger,” “coney,” or by its scientific name, the “hyrax.” What is a hyrax in the Bible?
This small, furry mammal appears in several biblical passages, yet many readers today have never seen one or know little about it. Understanding what a hyrax is and why it appears in Scripture provides valuable insight into the natural world of biblical times and the practical wisdom God communicated through His Word.
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Biblical References to the Hyrax
The hyrax appears in four primary passages in the Bible. The first time they are mentioned is in Leviticus 11:5. Moses lists the hyrax among the unclean animals that the Israelites were forbidden to eat: “And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.” The same prohibition appears in Deuteronomy 14:7, reinforcing the dietary laws given to God’s people.
Beyond the dietary laws, the hyrax receives mention in two other significant passages. Psalm 104:18 describes God’s provision for His creation: “The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.” This poetic passage celebrates how God designed specific habitats for different creatures.
Perhaps most memorably, Proverbs 30:26 praises the wisdom of the hyrax: “The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks.”
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What Exactly Is a Hyrax?
The hyrax are scientifically known as Procavia capensis, rock badgers, or rock hyraxes. They are a small mammal roughly the size of a rabbit, typically weighing between four and twelve pounds.
Despite its rodent-like appearance, the hyrax is surprisingly related to elephants and manatees, sharing certain skeletal and dental features with these much larger animals. This connection demonstrates the incredible diversity of God’s creation.
These creatures have compact, furry bodies with short legs, small rounded ears, and no visible tail. Much like a guinea pig. Their fur ranges from brown to gray, providing excellent camouflage among the rocky environments they inhabit.
They are creatures of little power and small size who live in rocky terrain and clefts of the rocks. Some of these small animals are even found in high mountains.
Hyraxes possess specialized padded feet with moist, rubbery soles that create suction, enabling them to climb steep rock faces and cliffs with remarkable agility. This physical design perfectly suits their habitat, as Scripture notes. God’s providential care of all different animals reflects His attention to every detail and His great love.
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Habitat and Behavior
Hyraxes are native to Africa and the Middle East, including the land of Israel where the biblical events took place. They live in colonies among rocky outcrops, cliffs, and boulder fields, exactly as the Bible describes. The African Wildlife Foundation provides much information about the hyrax.
These social animals typically gather in groups of ten to eighty individuals, with a dominant male leading the colony. Isn’t that just like our Heavenly Father to create social community even among little creatures? Their choice to dwell in rocks of desert cliffs provides protection as easy prey from predators such as leopards, eagles, and snakes.
The behavioral patterns of hyraxes align with the biblical descriptions of their wisdom. Despite being small and physically vulnerable, they survive through intelligent use of their environment. They post sentries in their rocky crags to watch for danger while others feed. They retreat quickly into rock crevices as a safe refuge when threatened.
This demonstrates the practical wisdom praised in Proverbs. They compensate for physical weakness through strategic living in their natural habitat and difficult terrain. God’s care of these little wise creatures beautifully reflects God’s love.
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Coney, Rock Badger, or Hyrax?
Different Bible translations use various terms for the hyrax, which can create confusion for modern readers. The King James Version uses “coney,” an old English word for rabbit. Other translations employ “rock badger,” “rock hyrax,” or simply “hyrax.”
The original Hebrew word is “shaphan.” In terms of its biblical name it means “the hidden one” or “one who hides.” It perfectly describing this obscure creature’s habit of disappearing into rock crevices and rocky cliffs when danger approaches.
Historical translations faced challenges because translators in England and Europe had never encountered hyraxes since they don’t live in those regions. They used familiar animals as substitutes, leading to terms like “coney” or “rock coney.”
Modern English translations benefit from better zoological knowledge and typically use more accurate terminology. But the variety of names can still perplex readers unfamiliar with Middle Eastern wildlife.
The Dietary Law Classification
The Word of God lists the hyrax as unclean for consumption which has sparked discussion among scholars. Leviticus states that this animal of the desert “chews the cud” but doesn’t have a divided hoof.
Scientifically, hyraxes are not true ruminants and don’t chew cud in the technical sense that cattle do. However, they do practice a behavior called refection, moving their jaws in a chewing motion and re-ingesting certain materials, which to ancient observers would appear similar to cud-chewing.
This classification system helped the Israelites maintain their distinct identity as God’s chosen people. They promoted health practices that set them apart from surrounding nations. Whether the description represents phenomenological language (describing what appears to be) or addresses the hyrax’s actual digestive behaviors, the dietary restriction was clear and purposeful.
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Lessons from the Hyrax
The biblical mentions of the hyrax contain practical spiritual applications for believers today. Proverbs 30:24-28 lists four creatures, including the hyrax, as examples of wisdom despite apparent weakness. The hyrax teaches us that physical strength isn’t necessary for survival and success—wisdom, community, and proper use of resources matter more.
The “rock rabbit” finds safety in the rocks, just as believers find refuge in God, our Rock. Psalm 18:2 declares, “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.” The parallel is striking. Just as the hyrax would perish without rocky refuges, believers need God as their foundation and protection.
Modern Understanding and Biblical Accuracy
Archaeological and zoological research has confirmed the presence of hyraxes throughout Israel’s history and today. Visitors to Israel today can still observe hyrax colonies living among the rocks at sites like Ein Gedi, Masada, and various locations throughout the Judean wilderness.
These observations validate the biblical descriptions and demonstrate Scripture’s reliability in describing the natural world.
The accuracy of biblical references to the hyrax, including its habitat, behavior, and characteristics, strengthens confidence in Scripture’s overall trustworthiness. God’s Word speaks truthfully about all subjects it addresses, from salvation to zoology.
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Bottom Line
The hyrax in the Bible represents far more than a curious footnote in Scripture. This small mammal illustrates important principles about wisdom, refuge, and God’s creative design. Understanding what a hyrax is enriches our reading of passages like Proverbs and Psalms, connecting ancient wisdom to observable creation.
Whether called a coney, rock badger, or hyrax, this remarkable creature continues pointing readers toward practical wisdom and the greater truth that our ultimate refuge is found not in rocks, but in the Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ.
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About the Author
Donna is an award-winning author, sought-after speaker, and Bible teacher. Her path from unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was difficult. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, visit her here.
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