Barnabas: Connecting Men to Animal Types

The Epistle of Barnabas: Connecting Men to Animal Types

The Epistle of Barnabas, an early Christian text, uses animal symbolism to convey moral and spiritual lessons. Here, we explore how the epistle connects various men to different animal types, providing insights into the virtues and vices that should guide Christian living.

The Hare: A Symbol of Corruption

The hare symbolizes corruption and immorality. The epistle warns, "You shall not eat the hare. Why so? You shall not be a corrupter of boys, nor like such. Because the hare multiplies, year by year, the places of its conception; for as many years as it lives so many it has." This metaphor cautions against engaging in corrupt practices, especially those involving the exploitation of the young.

The Hyena: A Symbol of Adultery and Fornication

The hyena represents adultery and fornication. The text states, "You shall not eat the hyena. He means, You shall not be an adulterer, nor a corrupter, nor be like to them that are such. Wherefore? Because that animal annually changes its nature, and is at one time male and at another female." This symbol emphasizes the importance of maintaining a stable and virtuous moral character.

The Weasel: A Symbol of Uncleanness

The weasel symbolizes uncleanness and impurity. The epistle warns, "Moreover, he has rightly detested the weasel. For he means, You shall not be like to those whom we hear of as committing wickedness with the mouth, on account of their uncleanness; nor shall you be joined to those impure women who commit iniquity with their mouth. For this animal conceives by the mouth." This metaphor highlights the impurity that can result from using one's mouth for wicked purposes, such as slander or sexual misconduct.

The Lamprey, Polypus, and Cuttlefish: Symbols of Ungodliness

These sea creatures symbolize ungodly and condemned individuals. The epistle states, "You shall not eat the lamprey, or the polypus, or the cuttlefish. He means, You shall not join yourself or be like to such men as are ungodly to the end, and are condemned to death. In like manner as those fishes, above accursed, float in the deep, not swimming [on the surface] like the rest, but make their abode in the mud which lies at the bottom." These animals represent those deeply entrenched in sin and separated from God.

The Crow: A Symbol of Hypocrisy

The crow is used to symbolize hypocrisy. The epistle states, "You shall not eat the crow. He means, You shall not be like to those who are hypocrites, nor be like to them that are such. Because the crow, when it sees the eagle, crows, and the eagle, hearing it, knows that there is a snare under it, and flies away from it." This metaphor cautions against the hypocrisy of those who pretend to be virtuous but are actually leading others into sin.

Conclusion

The Epistle of Barnabas uses animal symbolism to provide a vivid and memorable way of teaching moral and spiritual lessons. By connecting specific animals to particular vices and virtues, the epistle encourages readers to reflect on their own behavior and strive for a life of holiness and righteousness. Unlike animals, which act on instinct, humans have the unique ability to use their minds to make conscious, moral choices. This capacity for reflection and self-improvement is a hallmark of human dignity and a call to live a life guided by wisdom and virtue.