Leviticus 11 16

Leviticus 11:16 kjv

And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckoo, and the hawk after his kind,

Leviticus 11:16 nkjv

the ostrich, the short-eared owl, the sea gull, and the hawk after its kind;

Leviticus 11:16 niv

the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk,

Leviticus 11:16 esv

the ostrich, the nighthawk, the sea gull, the hawk of any kind,

Leviticus 11:16 nlt

the eagle owl, the short-eared owl, the seagull, hawks of all kinds,

Leviticus 11 verses

Leviticus 11 16 Meaning

Leviticus 11:16 identifies specific birds—the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, and various species of hawk—as ritually unclean, making them forbidden for consumption by the Israelites. This verse is part of a broader set of dietary laws given by God through Moses, outlining which animals are clean and fit for consumption, and which are unclean and to be avoided. The declaration of these particular birds as unclean signifies their unsuitability within God's covenant for His chosen people, marking them as distinct from surrounding nations.

Leviticus 11 16 Context

Leviticus 11:16 is situated within the extensive and detailed "clean and unclean" laws found in Leviticus chapter 11, specifically focusing on birds (verses 13-19). This chapter defines what animals are permissible for the Israelites to eat and what are prohibited. The primary purpose of these laws was not solely about physical health, though that might have been a secondary benefit. Their fundamental aim was to distinguish Israel as a holy people set apart by God (Lev 11:44-47), defining their unique identity and behavior under the Mosaic covenant. These dietary regulations created a visible and tangible separation between the Israelites and the surrounding pagan nations, whose practices often included consuming all sorts of animals, some of which were used in idol worship or had associations with fertility cults or divinatory practices. By establishing specific food laws, God provided a constant reminder of His presence among them and their unique covenant relationship with Him, training them in discernment and obedience.

Leviticus 11 16 Word analysis

• and the owl, (וְאֶת־הַיַּנְשׁוּף֙ - və’eṯ-hayyanšūf): The Hebrew yanšūf (יַנְשׁוּף֙) is commonly translated as "great owl," "horned owl," or simply "owl." It refers to a large, nocturnal bird known for its distinct call. Owls are often associated with darkness, solitude, and sometimes, ill omen in ancient cultures, traits which might contribute to their categorization as unclean. Their predatory and scavenging nature could also be a factor, as many unclean animals in this list share similar characteristics.
• and the nighthawk, (וְאֶת־הַתַּחְמָס֙ - və’eṯ-hattaḥmās): The Hebrew taḥmās (תַּחְמָס֙) is debated in identification, translated variously as "nighthawk," "cormorant," "screech owl," or "short-eared owl." The name might be derived from a root meaning "violence" or "to treat with violence," possibly referring to a predatory nature, or related to its breathing/panting sounds, characteristics of certain birds of prey or those that hunt by night. Its inclusion emphasizes the exclusion of certain aerial predators or night hunters.
• and the cuckoo, (וְאֵת֙ הַשָּׁ֔חַף - və’ēṯ haššāḥaf): The Hebrew šāḥaf (שָׁחַף֙) is often identified as "sea gull" or "sea-mew" rather than "cuckoo" (as in KJV). Cormorant and other water birds are also proposed. Sea gulls are scavengers, often consuming refuse, which aligns with the pattern of excluding animals that are associated with impurity or decay. This highlights the breadth of the prohibition beyond just land animals.
• and the hawk (וְאֶת־הַנֵּ֖ץ - və’eṯ-hannēṣ): The Hebrew nēṣ (נֵ֖ץ) specifically denotes "hawk," a bird of prey. This term, unlike the preceding ones, has fairly consistent identification. Hawks are aggressive hunters and predatory, directly consuming flesh and blood. Their inclusion here confirms the prohibition of carnivorous birds.
• after his kind, (לְמִינֵ֑הוּ - ləmīnēhū): This phrase, le-mino, literally means "according to its species/kind." It signifies that the prohibition extends beyond the specific examples listed to encompass all related species or varieties within that broad category (e.g., all types of hawks, not just one specific breed). This general clause serves to ensure comprehensive coverage, preventing legal loopholes and reinforcing the overarching principle of distinction.

Leviticus 11 16 Bonus section

The challenges in precisely identifying all the birds listed in Leviticus 11, including those in verse 16, reflect the dynamic nature of ancient Hebrew and the often limited modern understanding of the specific fauna in the ancient Near East. Rabbinic traditions and various Septuagint translations attempt to categorize these birds further, often based on observed characteristics like predatory habits, nocturnal activity, or consumption of carrion, rather than strict biological classifications. The focus of the biblical law remains on establishing a moral and spiritual boundary for Israel through physical means, teaching discernment and obedience in all areas of life, from the dinner table to their interactions and worship. This emphasis on separation, while seemingly external, was meant to foster an internal posture of reverence and purity before God.

Leviticus 11 16 Commentary

Leviticus 11:16 contributes to God's detailed instructions for the Israelites on clean and unclean animals, a fundamental aspect of their covenant with Him. The designation of owls, nighthawks (or similar nocturnal/predatory birds), cuckoos (or gulls), and hawks as unclean serves primarily to promote ritual holiness and a distinct identity for Israel. These birds, often predatory or scavengers, represent a class of creatures associated with death, decay, or behaviors seen as incompatible with the life and purity God commanded for His people. The "after its kind" clause underscores the comprehensive nature of the prohibition, extending to all variants of these avian types, emphasizing a broad principle of separation rather than a mere list of specific animals. While practical benefits like health might have been tangential, the core theological purpose was to impress upon Israel the sacredness of life, the call to discern good from bad, and their unique status as God's chosen people, set apart from the nations that might consume such creatures without reservation. This dietary law thus acted as a continuous, tangible reminder of their covenant obligations and God's holiness.