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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Rats</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/r/rats.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/1_samuel/6-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/r/rats.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Rats</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/r/rations.htm" title="Rations">◄</a> Rats <a href="/topical/r/rattle.htm" title="Rattle">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Rats, as a specific term, are not directly mentioned in the Bible. However, they are often associated with the broader category of "vermin" or "unclean animals" that are referenced in various biblical texts. In the ancient Near East, rats were known to be common pests, and their presence was often linked to disease and destruction, which aligns with the biblical themes of impurity and judgment.<br><br><b>Biblical Context and Symbolism</b><br><br>In the Bible, rodents, including rats, are generally considered unclean animals. <a href="/leviticus/11-29.htm">Leviticus 11:29-31</a> lists creatures that are detestable and should not be eaten, including "the weasel, the mouse, and the great lizard of any kind." While the term "mouse" is used, it is understood to encompass various small rodents, potentially including rats. These animals are associated with impurity and are not to be consumed or touched when dead, as they would render a person ceremonially unclean.<br><br>Rats, as part of the broader category of vermin, symbolize destruction and divine judgment. In <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/6.htm">1 Samuel 6</a>, the Philistines, after capturing the Ark of the Covenant, are struck by a plague. In an attempt to appease the God of Israel, they send the Ark back with a guilt offering that includes golden images of tumors and rats, acknowledging the devastation brought upon them. <a href="/1_samuel/6-4.htm">1 Samuel 6:4-5</a> states, "The Philistines asked, 'What guilt offering should we send to Him?' And they replied, 'Five gold tumors and five gold rats, according to the number of the Philistine rulers, because the same plague has struck both you and your rulers. Make images of your tumors and of the rats that are destroying the land, and give glory to the God of Israel.'"<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Background</b><br><br>In the ancient world, rats were known for their ability to spread disease and cause agricultural damage. Their presence in grain stores and living quarters would have been a significant concern for ancient peoples, including the Israelites. The destructive nature of rats made them a fitting symbol for divine retribution and the consequences of sin.<br><br>The association of rats with plagues and destruction is consistent with their role in the narrative of the Philistines and the Ark. The golden rats sent as part of the guilt offering symbolize the acknowledgment of the calamity that befell them due to their actions against the God of Israel.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, the mention of rats and other unclean animals in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of purity and obedience to God's commandments. The laws concerning clean and unclean animals in Leviticus are part of the broader covenantal relationship between God and His people, emphasizing holiness and separation from the practices of surrounding nations.<br><br>The account of the Philistines and the Ark highlights the sovereignty of God and the futility of opposing His will. The use of rats as a symbol of judgment underscores the consequences of defying God's holiness and the necessity of repentance and restitution.<br><br>In summary, while rats are not explicitly named in the Bible, their symbolic presence in the narrative underscores themes of impurity, judgment, and the need for reverence toward God.<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/7518.htm"><span class="l">7518. <b>rats</b> -- perhaps piece, bar</span></a><br><b>...</b> 7517, 7518. <b>rats</b>. 7519 . perhaps piece, bar. Transliteration: <b>rats</b> Phonetic<br> Spelling: (<b>rats</b>) Short Definition: pieces. <b>...</b> 7517, 7518. <b>rats</b>. 7519 . <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/7518.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/6206.htm"><span class="l">6206. arats -- to cause to tremble, tremble</span></a><br><b>...</b> 6205, 6206. arats. 6207 . to cause to tremble, tremble. Transliteration: arats<br> Phonetic Spelling: (aw-<b>rats</b>') Short Definition: tremble. Word Origin a prim. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6206.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/2782.htm"><span class="l">2782. charats -- to cut, sharpen, decide</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2781, 2782. charats. 2783 . to cut, sharpen, decide. Transliteration: charats<br> Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-<b>rats</b>') Short Definition: decreed. Word Origin a prim <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/2782.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/8317.htm"><span class="l">8317. sharats -- to swarm, teem</span></a><br><b>...</b> 8316, 8317. sharats. 8318 . to swarm, teem. Transliteration: sharats Phonetic<br> Spelling: (shaw-<b>rats</b>') Short Definition: swarms. Word Origin a prim. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/8317.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/4834.htm"><span class="l">4834. marats -- to be sick</span></a><br><b>...</b> 4833, 4834. marats. 4835 . to be sick. Transliteration: marats Phonetic Spelling:<br> (maw-<b>rats</b>') Short Definition: painful. Word Origin a prim. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/4834.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/6555.htm"><span class="l">6555. parats -- to break through</span></a><br><b>...</b> 6554, 6555. parats. 6556 . to break through. Transliteration: parats Phonetic<br> Spelling: (paw-<b>rats</b>') Short Definition: down. Word Origin a prim. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6555.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/7169.htm"><span class="l">7169. qarats -- to nip, pinch</span></a><br><b>...</b> 7168, 7169. qarats. 7170 . to nip, pinch. Transliteration: qarats Phonetic<br> Spelling: (kaw-<b>rats</b>') Short Definition: winks. Word Origin a prim. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/7169.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/kennedy/life_and_work_in_benares_and_kumaon_1839-1877/chapter_xxii_ranee_khet_mission.htm"><span class="l">Ranee Khet Mission.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> In the heavy rains the house leaked in such a degree that there was scarcely a dry<br> spot in it; and, what was worse, the <b>rats</b> got into the open roof, and by <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter xxii ranee khet mission.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maspero/history_of_egypt_chaldaea_syria_babylonia_and_assyria_v_1/chapter_iii_-the_legendary_history_of.htm"><span class="l">the Legendary History of Egypt</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The same story is told, but with reference to <b>rats</b> only, by Pliny, by Diodorus,<br> by AElianus, by Macrobius, and by other Greek or Latin writers. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/farrar/gathering_clouds_a_tale_of_the_days_of_st_chrysostom/chapter_xvi_tales_by_the.htm"><span class="l">Tales by the Way</span></a> <br><b>...</b> In a minute or two the hollow head of the image rolled with a clang on the marble<br> floor, and out sprang an immemorial colony of <b>rats</b>, whose home had been thus <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter xvi tales by the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/corelli/the_master-christian/xxi_gherardi_sat_for_two.htm"><span class="l">Gherardi Sat for Two or Three Minutes in Absolute Silence. ...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But the <b>rats</b> are in the house, and the rooms want cleaning!". "In <b>...</b> Republic?<br> In every quarter the <b>rats</b> squeal, and the dirt gathers! <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxi gherardi sat for two.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kleiser/fifteen_thousand_useful_phrases/section_viii_striking_similes.htm"><span class="l">Striking Similes</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Brown as the sweet smelling loam. Brute terrors like the scurrying of <b>rats</b><br> in a deserted attic. <b>...</b> Drowned like <b>rats</b>. Dull as champagne. E. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm</font><p><a href="/library/williamson/have_we_no_rights/chapter_10_the_right_to.htm"><span class="l">The Right to Feel Superior</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Do you have to eat with chopsticks? Don't they serve you <b>rats</b> and mice and<br> all sorts of horrible things?". "Of course not, you silly! <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 10 the right to.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hutton/history_of_the_moravian_church/chapter_vii_the_pilgrim_band.htm"><span class="l">The Pilgrim Band, 1736-1743.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> They heard the <b>rats</b> and mice hold revels on the worm-eaten staircases, and heard<br> the night wind howl and sough between the broken windows; and from those <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the pilgrim band.htm</font><p><a href="/library/roberston/sketches_of_church_history_from_ad_33_to_the_reformation/chapter_xvi_the_temple_of.htm"><span class="l">The Temple of Serapis (Ad 391)</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The soldier worked away manfully, and, after a while, the huge head of the idol<br> came crashing down, and a swarm of <b>rats</b>, which had long made their home in it <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter xvi the temple of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingsley/andromeda_and_other_poems/the_weird_lady.htm"><span class="l">The Weird Lady</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 'Thy steed is dead in his stall, Earl Harold, Since thou hast been with me; The<br> rust has eaten thy harness bright, And the <b>rats</b> have eaten thy greyhound light <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the weird lady.htm</font><p><a href="/library/ugolino/the_little_flowers_of_st_francis_of_assisi/chapter_xix_how_the_vine.htm"><span class="l">How the vine of the Priest of Rieti, Whose House St Francis <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> cell of reeds, in order that he might repose the better; but St Francis, owing partly<br> to the pain he suffered, and partly to the multitude of <b>rats</b>, which much <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xix how the vine.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/r/rats.htm"><span class="l"><b>Rats</b> (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Rats</b> (5 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 6:4 Then they<br> said, "What shall be the trespass offering which we shall <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rats.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/mole.htm"><span class="l">Mole (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> In Isaiah 2:20, this word is the rendering of two words _haphar peroth_, which are<br> rendered by Gesenius "into the digging of <b>rats</b>", ie, <b>rats</b>' holes. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/mole.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/money.htm"><span class="l">Money (284 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Another word used in a similar way is <b>rats</b>, from ratsats, "to break in pieces,"<br> hence, <b>rats</b> is "a piece" or "fragment of silver" used as money. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/money.htm - 69k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rattle.htm"><span class="l">Rattle (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rattle.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/v/vermin.htm"><span class="l">Vermin (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Noxious, troublesome or mischievous animals<br> such as squirrels, <b>rats</b>, mice, flies, and lice. 2. (n. sing. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/v/vermin.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/kid.htm"><span class="l">Kid (42 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> imposed on. 3. (n.) A kind of leather made of the skin of the young goat,<br> or of the skin of <b>rats</b>, etc. 4. (n.) Gloves made of kid. 5 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kid.htm - 20k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/guard.htm"><span class="l">Guard (185 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2:14). (2.) Hebrews <b>rats</b>, properly a "courier," one whose office was to run before<br> the king's chariot (2 Samuel 15:1; 1 Kings 1:5). The couriers were also <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/guard.htm - 55k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/weasel.htm"><span class="l">Weasel (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> They have a slender, elongated body, and are noted for the quickness of their movements<br> and for their bloodthirsty habit in destroying poultry, <b>rats</b>, etc. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/weasel.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/ferret.htm"><span class="l">Ferret (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> eyes. It is a native of Africa, but has been domesticated in Europe. Ferrets<br> are used to drive rabbits and <b>rats</b> out of their holes. 2 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/ferret.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rat.htm"><span class="l">Rat (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> established by a trades union. 5. (vi) To catch or kill <b>rats</b>. Multi-Version<br> Concordance Rat (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:29 "'These <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rat.htm - 7k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/emerods.html">What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-littering.html">What does the Bible say about littering? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/who-Dagon.html">Who was Dagon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Rats (5 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/6-4.htm">1 Samuel 6:4</a></span><br />Then they said, "What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him?" They said, "Five golden tumors, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines; for one plague was on you all, and on your lords.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/6-5.htm">1 Samuel 6:5</a></span><br />Therefore you shall make images of your tumors, and images of your mice that mar the land; and you shall give glory to the God of Israel: perhaps he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/6-11.htm">1 Samuel 6:11</a></span><br />and they put the ark of Yahweh on the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold and the images of their tumors.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/6-18.htm">1 Samuel 6:18</a></span><br />and the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fortified cities and of country villages, even to the great stone, whereon they set down the ark of Yahweh, which stone remains to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/66-17.htm">Isaiah 66:17</a></span><br />As for those who keep themselves separate, and make themselves clean in the gardens, going after one in the middle, taking pig's flesh for food, and other disgusting things, such as the mouse: their works and their thoughts will come to an end together, says the Lord.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/r/rats.htm">Rats</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rats.htm">Rats (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thunder.htm">Thunder (48 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rattles.htm">Rattles (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/clatter.htm">Clatter (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/halbert.htm">Halbert (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rattling.htm">Rattling (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/flame.htm">Flame (61 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/r/rations.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Rations"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Rations" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/r/rattle.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Rattle"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Rattle" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>