Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the owl is often associated with desolation and is classified among the unclean birds. The owl's presence in Scripture is symbolic of solitude and desolation, often inhabiting ruins and deserted places. This symbolism is consistent with the owl's nocturnal nature and its haunting calls, which evoke a sense of mystery and isolation.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 11:13-19 · In the Mosaic Law, the owl is listed among the birds that are considered unclean and not to be eaten by the Israelites. The passage states: "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 red kite, any kind of black kite, any kind of raven, the horned owl, 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." 2. Deuteronomy 14:12-18 · This passage reiterates the list of unclean birds, including various species of owls, emphasizing the prohibition against consuming them: "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." 3. Isaiah 34:11 · The owl is mentioned in a prophetic context, symbolizing desolation and judgment. The verse describes the aftermath of divine judgment: "The desert owl and screech owl will possess it; 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 desolation." 4. Psalm 102:6 · The psalmist uses the imagery of an owl to express feelings of loneliness and abandonment: "I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins." 5. Job 30:29 · Job, in his lament, compares himself to an owl, highlighting his sense of isolation and despair: "I have become a brother to jackals and a companion of owls." Symbolism and Interpretation: In the biblical narrative, the owl's classification as unclean is consistent with its symbolic representation of desolation and abandonment. The owl's association with ruins and deserted places underscores its role as a creature of the night, often linked with themes of judgment and divine retribution. The owl's haunting presence in Scripture serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the desolation that follows divine judgment. The owl's nocturnal habits and eerie calls contribute to its portrayal as a symbol of solitude and desolation. In the biblical worldview, the owl's unclean status reflects the broader theme of separation from God and the community, as represented by the dietary laws given to the Israelites. These laws served to distinguish the people of God from the surrounding nations and to promote holiness and purity in their daily lives. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 11:16,17And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 14:16 Strong's Hebrew 3244. yanshuph -- (a ceremonially unclean bird) perhaps an owl... (a ceremonially unclean bird) perhaps an owl. Transliteration: yanshuph or yanshoph Phonetic Spelling: (yan-shoof') Short Definition: owl. ... /hebrew/3244.htm - 6k 8580. tinshemeth -- (an animal) perhaps owl, chameleon 3563. kowc -- a cup 8464. tachmas -- male ostrich Library Argument. --And Thus Unclean Animals are not to be Reproached ... Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... Oh, How He Loves! On the Animals Isaiah's Discourse The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals. A vision of the Latter-Day Glories A Discourse Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. The Immaculate Conception Resources Is there any special meaning/symbolism to owls in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a succubus? What is an incubus? | GotQuestions.org Who was Lilith / Lillith? Does the Bible say anything about Adam having another wife before Eve? | GotQuestions.org Owl: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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