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The hyena

Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia

(Sirach 13:18 [as given]) (variegated, spotted) — a nocturnal predatory animal, resembling in appearance, size, and partly also in habits, the wolf. By day it hides in caves, and by night comes out for prey, feeding on all manner of carrion and even digging up corpses from the earth; it is found in Arabia, Syria, Africa, and also in Palestine. The hatred and enmity between the dog and the hyena is especially notable, and has even become proverbial: “What peace hath the hyena with the dog? and what peace hath the rich with the poor?” says Jesus, son of Sirach (13:18 [as given]).

Scripture cited

Sirach 13:18
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