LEOPARD (lep'grd), (Heb. naw-mare', Cant. iv:8; Is. xi:6; Jen v:6, xiii:23; Hos. xiii:7; Hab. i:8; Dan. vii:6; Rev. xiii:2; Ecclus. xxviii:23).
Though zoologists differ in opinion respecting the identity of the leopard and the panther, and dispute, supposing them to be distinct, how these names should be respectively applied, and by what marks the animals should be distinguished, never theless there can be no doubt that the tam,- of the Bible is that great spotted feline which anciently infested the Syrian mountains, and even now oc curs in the wooded ranges of Libanus. The va riety of leopard, or rather panther, of Syria, is considerably below the stature of a lioness, but very heavy in proportion to its bulk. Its general form is so well known as to require no descrip tion beyond stating, that the spots are rather more irregular, and the color more mixed with whitish, than in the other pantherine felidx, excepting the Felis Uncia, or Felis I rbis, of High Asia, which is shaggy and almost white. It is a nocturnal, cat like animal in habits, dangerous to all domestic cattle, and sometimes even to man. In the Scrip tures it is constantly placed in juxtaposition with the lion or the wolf ; which last, if the hyena he intended, forms a natural association. There is in Asia Minor a species or variety of panther, much larger than the Syrian, not unfrequent on the borders of the snowy tracts even of Mount Ida, above ancient Troy; and the group of these spotted animals is spread over the whole of southern Asia to Africa. From seve.ral names of
places, it appears that, in the earlier ages of Israel itish dominion, it was sufficiently numerous in Palestine. Leopard skins were worn as a part of ceremonial costume by the superiors of the Egyp tian priesthood, and by other personages in Nu bia; and the animal itself is represented in the processions of tributary nations. (Wood, Bible Animals, p. 29 sq.; Thomson, Land and Book, ii. 156 sq.) C. H. S.
FiguratiVe. (1) God compares himself to a "leofiard;" with what patience he waits for the manifestation of his judgments (Hos. xiii 7). (2) Wicked men are likened to "leopards:" how spotted with corruptions in heart and life! how fierce and untractable to what is good. till God by his grace subdue them (Is. xi :6; Jer. xiii:23). (3) Nebuchadnezzar and his army are likened to "kopards;" with what guileful cruelty, and fierce rage, they watched over and besieged the cities of Judah, and nations around, till they took them, and murdered the inhabitants (Jer. v: 6; Hab. i:8). (4) The Grecian empire is likened to a "leopard with four wings and four heads;" it arose from small beginnings, and was founded with much craft. rapidity, and bloodshed.
LEPER (16p'Er), (Heb. tsaw-rah', intran sitive, smitten). See LEPROSY.