Who or what is Coney in the Bible?

Ancient Context: Coney

⚡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)

The coney refers to the Syrian hyrax (Procavia capensis syriaca), a small, rock-dwelling mammal native to Syria, Palestine, and Arabia. Although it resembles rabbits and hares, it is biologically distinct from them.

What is the meaning of Coney in the Bible?

The coney refers to the Syrian hyrax (Procavia capensis syriaca), a small, rock-dwelling mammal native to Syria, Palestine, and Arabia. Although it resembles rabbits and hares, it is biologically distinct from them.

SIGNIFICANCE

Identifying the coney as the Syrian hyrax rather than a rabbit allows for a more accurate understanding of biblical descriptions of animal behavior and anatomy, leading to clearer interpretation of relevant scriptural passages.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Coney were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.

Bible Study Reflection Prompts:

Why did the biblical author mention Coney in this passage?
What cultural or historical assumption does Coney clarify?

Source Attribution & Provenance

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.

How to Cite This Entry

          "Coney." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/coney/
        

Coney