Topical Encyclopedia The term "night-bird" is not explicitly found in most English translations of the Bible, but it is often associated with certain creatures mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly in the context of desolation and judgment. The Hebrew word often translated as "night-bird" or "owl" is "lilith," which appears in Isaiah 34:14. The Berean Standard Bible translates this verse as follows: "The desert creatures will meet with hyenas, and one wild goat will call to another. There the night creature will settle and find her place of repose."In this passage, the "night creature" is part of a prophetic vision concerning the judgment and desolation of Edom. The imagery used in Isaiah 34 is rich with symbolism, depicting a land laid waste and inhabited by wild and unclean animals. The "night creature" or "night-bird" is often interpreted as a symbol of desolation and chaos, fitting into the broader biblical theme of divine judgment against nations that oppose God's will. The identity of the "night-bird" has been the subject of much scholarly debate. Some interpretations suggest it refers to a specific type of owl or nocturnal bird, while others propose it may symbolize a demonic entity or mythological figure. The ancient Near Eastern context provides some insight, as similar creatures appear in the mythologies of surrounding cultures, often associated with the night and wilderness. In the broader biblical narrative, birds of the night are sometimes used metaphorically to represent spiritual darkness or evil. For instance, in the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of birds to describe the forces that snatch away the word of God sown in people's hearts (Matthew 13:4, 19). While not directly related to the "night-bird," this metaphorical use of avian imagery underscores the biblical theme of spiritual vigilance and the ever-present reality of spiritual warfare. The "night-bird" also serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Throughout Scripture, God uses the natural world to communicate His sovereignty and the reality of His judgments. The presence of such creatures in prophetic literature highlights the stark contrast between the order of God's creation and the chaos that ensues when humanity rebels against Him. In summary, the "night-bird" in biblical literature is a multifaceted symbol that conveys themes of judgment, desolation, and spiritual darkness. Its presence in the prophetic texts serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the ultimate sovereignty of God over creation. Library The Night Bird: a Myth Andromeda and Other Poems Thesaurus Night-bird (1 Occurrence)Night-bird. Night, Night-bird. Nightfall . Multi-Version Concordance Night-bird (1 Occurrence). Psalms 102:6 I am like ... /n/night-bird.htm - 6k Nightfall (9 Occurrences) Night (3322 Occurrences) Little (2458 Occurrences) Owl (11 Occurrences) Sand (40 Occurrences) Bird (65 Occurrences) Resources What were the quail mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the four beasts in Daniel chapter 7? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Assyrians in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Night-bird (1 Occurrence)Psalms 102:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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