Bible Dictionary
Beetle
The “beetle” of the Authorized Version is probably not the modern beetle. It refers to a winged jumping insect, most likely a kind of locust, permitted as food under the law.
Definition
Beetle is the rendering in the Authorized Version of a Hebrew term meaning “leaper.” The creature described is not properly the modern beetle. It was a winged jumping insect with legs suited for leaping, probably a kind of locust; the Revised Version renders the word “cricket.”
Biblical Usage
The beetle is mentioned only in the dietary regulations of Leviticus, among the winged jumping insects permitted as food.
Historical Background
Locusts have been used as food from ancient times in the East. The sources note that many locust species occur in Syria and Palestine.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. hargol, meaning “leaper”). Mention of it is made only in Lev. 11:22, where it is obvious the word cannot mean properly the beetle. It denotes some winged creeper with at least four feet, “which has legs above its feet, to leap withal.” The description plainly points to the locust (q.v.). This has been an article of food from the earliest times in the East to the present day. The word is rendered “cricket” in the Revised Version.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Locust]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>be'-t'-l (the Revised Version (British and American) CRICKET; chargol; See LOCUST): This name occurs only in Le 11:22 as one of four winged Jumping insects (sherets ha-`oph) which may be eaten. It certainly is not a beetle and is probably not a cricket. Probably all four are names of locusts, of which more than 30 species have been described from Syria and Palestine, and for which there are at least 8 Arabic names in use, though with little distinction of species. Closely allied to chargol are the Arabic charjalet, a troop of horses or a flight of locusts, from charjal, "to gallop," and harjawan, "a wingless locust."</p><p>Alfred Ely Day</p>