The term "ossifrage" appears in the context of dietary laws given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. The ossifrage is listed among the birds that are considered unclean and therefore forbidden for consumption. The Hebrew word translated as "ossifrage" is "peres," which is generally understood to refer to a type of vulture, specifically the bearded vulture or lammergeier. This bird is known for its distinctive habit of dropping bones from great heights to crack them open and consume the marrow, which is reflected in the name "ossifrage," meaning "bone breaker."

Biblical References:

The ossifrage is mentioned in the book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where God provides Moses with a list of clean and unclean animals. In Leviticus 11:13-19, the ossifrage is included among the birds that are detestable and not to be eaten:

"These you shall regard as detestable among the birds; they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the 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." (Leviticus 11:13-19)

Similarly, in Deuteronomy 14:12-18, the ossifrage is again listed among the unclean birds:

"But these you may not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, the black kite, any kind of falcon, any kind of raven, the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." (Deuteronomy 14:12-18)

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The dietary laws given to the Israelites served multiple purposes, including health, hygiene, and the setting apart of God's people as holy. The prohibition against eating certain birds, such as the ossifrage, is often understood to be related to their scavenging nature. Birds of prey and scavengers were considered unclean because they consumed carrion, which was associated with death and impurity.

The ossifrage, as a bird that feeds on bones and carrion, fits this category. Its inclusion in the list of unclean birds underscores the broader principle of separation from death and decay, which is a recurring theme in the Levitical laws. By abstaining from such animals, the Israelites were reminded of their call to holiness and their distinct identity as God's chosen people.

Symbolic Interpretations:

In addition to the practical and hygienic reasons for the dietary laws, some scholars and theologians have explored symbolic interpretations. The ossifrage, with its bone-breaking habits, can be seen as a symbol of destruction and death. By avoiding such creatures, the Israelites were symbolically rejecting the forces of death and aligning themselves with the God of life.

The ossifrage's role in the biblical dietary laws highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the pursuit of holiness. These laws served as a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the need for purity and separation from the practices of surrounding nations.Leviticus 11:13
And these are they which you shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,
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Deuteronomy 14:12
But these are they of which you shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,
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