The term "cuckow" appears in the King James Version of the Bible, specifically in Leviticus 11:16 and Deuteronomy 14:15, as part of the dietary laws given to the Israelites. In these passages, the cuckow is listed among the birds that are considered unclean and therefore not to be eaten by the Israelites. The Berean Standard Bible translates this bird as "cuckoo."

Biblical References:

· Leviticus 11:16 : "the ostrich, the owl, the gull, any kind of hawk."
· Deuteronomy 14:15 : "the ostrich, the owl, the seagull, any kind of hawk."

In these lists, the cuckow is grouped with other birds that are typically scavengers or birds of prey, which are often associated with death or uncleanliness in the biblical context. The specific identification of the "cuckow" in modern terms is debated among scholars, as the ancient Hebrew term "shachaf" is not definitively linked to the bird we know today as the cuckoo. Some suggest it may refer to a type of seafaring bird or a bird with similar habits to the cuckoo.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

In the biblical context, the classification of the cuckow as unclean is significant. The dietary laws in Leviticus and Deuteronomy were given to the Israelites to set them apart from other nations and to promote holiness in their daily lives. The unclean status of certain birds, including the cuckow, reflects a broader principle of distinguishing between what is considered pure and impure, both physically and spiritually.

The cuckoo bird, known for its unique reproductive behavior of laying eggs in the nests of other birds, can be seen as a symbol of deception or intrusion. While this specific behavior is not mentioned in the Bible, the general characteristics of birds listed as unclean often align with negative traits or behaviors.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of the cuckow in the list of unclean birds underscores the importance of obedience to God's commandments. The dietary laws served as a daily reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God and their call to be a holy people. By adhering to these laws, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to God's standards and their trust in His wisdom.

In the New Testament, the dietary laws are reinterpreted in light of Christ's fulfillment of the Law. In Acts 10, Peter's vision of a sheet containing all kinds of animals, including those previously deemed unclean, signifies the removal of such distinctions in the new covenant. This shift highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel and the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

Conclusion:

The mention of the cuckow in the Bible, while brief, contributes to the broader understanding of biblical purity laws and their role in the life of ancient Israel. It serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the transformative power of the Gospel in redefining purity and inclusion in the Christian faith.CUCKOW; CUCKOO

kook'-oo, kuk'-oo (shachaph; laros; Latin Cuculus canorus): The Hebrew root from which the word shachaph is derived means "to be lean" and "slender," and in older versions of the Bible was translated cuckow (cuckoo). It was mentioned twice in the Bible (Leviticus 11:16, and practically the same in Deuteronomy 14:15 the King James Version "cuckoo"), in the list of unclean birds. The Latin term by which we designate the bird is very similar to the Arabic, and all names for it in different countries are so nearly the same that they prove themselves based on its double cry, "cuck-oo," or the single note "kowk" or "gouk." The bird is as old as history, and interesting because the European species placed its eggs in the nests of other birds, which gave rise to much fiction concerning its habits. The European bird is a brownish gray with white bars underneath, and larger than ours, which are a beautiful olive gray, with tail feathers of irregular length touched with white, knee tufts, black or yellow bill, according to species, and beautiful sleek head and shining eyes. Our birds build their own nests, attend their young with care and are much loved for their beauty. Their food is not repulsive in any species; there never was any reason why they should have been classed among the abominations, and for these reasons scientists in search of a "lean, slender" bird of offensive diet and habit have selected the "sea-mew" (which see) which is substituted for cuckoo in the Revised Version (British and American) with good natural-history reason to sustain the change.

Gene Stratton-Porter

Cuckow (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CUCKOW; CUCKOO. kook ... Gene Stratton-Porter.
Multi-Version Concordance Cuckow (2 Occurrences). Leviticus ...
/c/cuckow.htm - 8k

Cuckoo (2 Occurrences)
... (n.) A bird belonging to Cuculus, Coccyzus, and several allied genera, of many
species. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CUCKOW; CUCKOO. ...
/c/cuckoo.htm - 9k

Cucumber (2 Occurrences)

/c/cucumber.htm - 8k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus