Chameleon

The chameleon (Hebrew koah or tinshemeth, depending on the verse) is mentioned in Leviticus 11:30 among the unclean creeping things that Israel was forbidden to eat. It is a species of lizard known for its remarkable ability to change color to match its surroundings. Palestine hosts several species of chameleon, making its presence in the Mosaic food regulations fitting. The precise identification of which Hebrew word corresponds to the chameleon remains debated, as ancient versions render the terms differently. Its listing in the Mosaic code reflects the comprehensive character of the dietary laws governing all land creatures that move along the ground.