The term "fallowdeer" appears in the context of biblical texts, specifically within the Old Testament, and is often associated with the fauna of the ancient Near East. The fallow deer is mentioned in the context of dietary laws and descriptions of the land's abundance, reflecting its significance in the cultural and religious life of the Israelites.

Biblical References:

The fallow deer is mentioned in Deuteronomy 14:5, where it is listed among the clean animals that the Israelites were permitted to eat: "the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep." . This inclusion highlights the fallow deer's status as a permissible source of food under Mosaic Law, emphasizing its role in the diet of the ancient Israelites.

Identification and Characteristics:

The identification of the "fallowdeer" in biblical texts has been a subject of scholarly discussion. The Hebrew term often translated as "fallow deer" is "yachmur," which some scholars suggest may refer to a specific species of deer native to the region, possibly the Persian fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica). This species is known for its distinctive antlers and spotted coat, characteristics that align with descriptions of deer in ancient texts.

The fallow deer is a symbol of grace and beauty, often associated with the pastoral and idyllic landscapes of the Promised Land. Its presence in the biblical narrative underscores the richness and fertility of the land that God provided to His people.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In the broader cultural and religious context, the fallow deer, like other clean animals, represents God's provision and the abundance of His creation. The dietary laws, including the permission to eat fallow deer, were part of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, setting the Israelites apart from other nations and teaching them principles of holiness and obedience.

The fallow deer's mention in the Bible also serves as a reminder of the harmony and order within God's creation, where each creature has its place and purpose. The inclusion of such animals in the biblical text reflects the interconnectedness of life and the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world as part of God's divine plan.

Symbolism and Imagery:

In biblical literature, deer are often used symbolically to convey ideas of swiftness, agility, and longing. While the specific term "fallowdeer" may not be used in these symbolic contexts, the imagery of deer in general can be seen in passages such as Psalm 42:1: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God." . This verse captures the deep spiritual yearning and dependence on God, using the metaphor of a deer's thirst to illustrate the soul's desire for divine presence and sustenance.

Overall, the fallow deer in the Bible is a testament to the richness of God's creation and His provision for His people, serving as both a literal and symbolic element within the scriptural narrative.Deuteronomy 14:5 (R.V., "Wild goat"); 1 Kings 4:23 (R.V., "roebucks"). This animal, called in Hebrew yahmur, from a word meaning "to be red," is regarded by some as the common fallow-deer, the Cervus dama, which is said to be found very generally over Western and Southern Asia. It is called "fallow" from its pale-red or yellow colour. Some interpreters, however, regard the name as designating the bubale, Antelope bubale, the "wild cow" of North Africa, which is about the size of a stag, like the hartebeest of South Africa. A species of deer has been found at Mount Carmel which is called yahmur by the Arabs. It is said to be similar to the European roebuck. Fallowdeer (1 Occurrence)
... by the Arabs. It is said to be similar to the European roebuck. Multi-Version
Concordance Fallowdeer (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:23 ...
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Fallow (5 Occurrences)

/f/fallow.htm - 9k

Fallow-deer (2 Occurrences)
Fallow-deer. Fallowdeer, Fallow-deer. Fallowground . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(DBY WBS YLT). Fallowdeer, Fallow-deer. Fallowground . Reference Bible.
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Fatted (17 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 1 Kings 4:23 Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred
sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl. ...
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Deer (15 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Kings 4:23 Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an
hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl. ...
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