The term "buzzard" in the context of the Bible typically refers to a type of bird that is often associated with unclean animals according to the dietary laws given to the Israelites. While the specific term "buzzard" is not directly mentioned in most English translations of the Bible, it is generally understood to be included among the birds of prey that are considered unclean.

Biblical References:

In the Old Testament, the dietary laws are outlined in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. These laws specify which animals are clean and unclean for consumption. Birds of prey, which would include buzzards, are listed among the unclean birds. Leviticus 11:13-19 states:

"These you shall regard as detestable among the birds; they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the kite, any kind of falcon, every kind of raven, the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat."

Similarly, Deuteronomy 14:12-18 reiterates this list, emphasizing the prohibition against consuming these birds.

Symbolism and Cultural Context:

In biblical symbolism, birds of prey, including buzzards, often represent desolation, judgment, and the consequences of sin. They are seen as scavengers, feeding on carrion, which aligns with their depiction as unclean. This imagery is used in various prophetic and apocalyptic passages to convey the severity of divine judgment.

For example, in Isaiah 34:11 , the desolation of Edom is described with imagery of birds of prey inhabiting the land: "The desert owl and screech owl will possess it, and the great owl and the raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom the measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of destruction."

Natural History:

Buzzards are part of the Accipitridae family, which includes hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey. They are known for their keen eyesight and ability to soar at great heights. In the ancient Near East, buzzards would have been a common sight, often seen circling in the sky as they searched for food.

Theological Implications:

The classification of buzzards as unclean highlights the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation. The dietary laws served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of their distinct identity as God's chosen people, set apart from the surrounding nations. The prohibition against consuming unclean animals, including birds of prey, was a tangible expression of this call to holiness.

In the New Testament, the ceremonial laws, including dietary restrictions, are fulfilled in Christ. As such, the specific prohibitions against eating certain animals, including buzzards, are no longer binding on Christians. However, the underlying principle of living a life set apart for God remains a central tenet of Christian faith.

Conclusion:

While the buzzard is not explicitly named in most English translations of the Bible, its inclusion among the unclean birds in the dietary laws underscores its symbolic role in biblical literature. As a bird of prey, the buzzard serves as a powerful image of judgment and desolation, while also reminding believers of the call to holiness and separation from sin.1. (n.) A bird of prey of the Hawk family, belonging to the genus Buteo and related genera.

2. (n.) A blockhead; a dunce.

3. (a.) Senseless; stupid.

5822. ozniyyah -- (a bird of prey) perhaps vulture
... 5821, 5822. ozniyyah. 5823 . (a bird of prey) perhaps vulture. Transliteration:
ozniyyah Phonetic Spelling: (oz-nee-yaw') Short Definition: buzzard. ...
/hebrew/5822.htm - 6k

Preface. What is Sanctification?
... speed. THE BUZZARD AND VULTURE. The buzzard and the vulture will find food
if they look for it, but with them we are not concerned. ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/preface what is sanctification.htm

June.
... singing since midnight in the "blank height of the dark," suddenly hushes his carol
and drops headlong among the corn, as a broad-winged buzzard swings from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /june.htm

Buzzard (3 Occurrences)
... related genera. 2. (n.) A blockhead; a dunce. 3. (a.) Senseless; stupid.
Multi-Version Concordance Buzzard (3 Occurrences). Leviticus 11 ...
/b/buzzard.htm - 7k

Glede (1 Occurrence)
... The bird intended is probably the buzzard, of which there are three species found
in Palestine. ... This name is also sometimes applied to the buzzard. ...
/g/glede.htm - 8k

Dor (7 Occurrences)
... The name is also applied to allied American species, as the June bug. Called also
dorr, dorbeetle, or dorrbeetle, dorbug, dorrfly, and buzzard clock. ...
/d/dor.htm - 13k

Buzzing (1 Occurrence)

/b/buzzing.htm - 6k

Buzite (2 Occurrences)

/b/buzite.htm - 8k

Buzzard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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