Topical Bible: The Owl: Unclean and not to be Eaten

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Topical Encyclopedia

The owl is mentioned in the Bible as one of the unclean birds that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. This classification is found within the dietary laws given to the Israelites, which are detailed in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. These laws were part of the covenantal stipulations that set the Israelites apart as a holy people unto the Lord.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 11:13-19 : "Additionally, you are to detest the following birds, and they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded 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."

2. Deuteronomy 14:12-18 : "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 ostrich, 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."

Symbolism and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, owls were often associated with desolation and ruin. Their nocturnal nature and haunting calls contributed to their perception as creatures of ill omen. This cultural backdrop may have influenced their inclusion in the list of unclean animals, as they were often seen as symbols of death and desolation.

Theological Implications:

The designation of the owl as unclean is part of the broader Levitical code that distinguished between clean and unclean animals. These laws served multiple purposes: they were a means of ritual purity, a way to promote health and hygiene, and a symbolic representation of the separation between the holy and the profane. By adhering to these dietary restrictions, the Israelites demonstrated their obedience to God and their distinct identity as His chosen people.

Modern Considerations:

While the dietary laws, including the prohibition against eating owls, were specific to the covenant with Israel, they hold theological significance for understanding the holiness and separateness that God required of His people. In the New Testament, the ceremonial laws, including dietary restrictions, are fulfilled in Christ, and thus, Christians are not bound by these specific regulations (see Acts 10:9-16, Mark 7:18-19). However, the principles of holiness and obedience to God remain central to Christian life.

The owl, as an unclean bird, serves as a reminder of the meticulous care with which God instructed His people to live, setting them apart for His purposes and glory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 11:13,16
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,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ...
... The screech-owl, which seeks its food by night but hides by ... in the milk of its dam,
ie should not be cajoled ... fruits of the first three years as unclean: for in ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there was any reasonable.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... lion shall be there; the unclean shall no more tread in the paths of God's people,
but the ransomed of the Lord shall walk there. Glory that has not been seen ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... they did not, their sin should remain upon them (Leviticus 17:15,16). So again,
'the soul that hath touched any such' uncleanness 'shall be unclean until even ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... God has told us who they are-not those who have been cherished by the
state-clothed with honour, who have eaten the bread of idleness. No. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Not but that they learn to sin by example too, but example is not the root, but ... Man
in his birth is compared to an ass, an unclean beast, and to a wretched ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... and by their resistance to all unclean temptations; and ... small pieces, which were
distributed among them and eaten. ... himself, but at first he seemed not to know ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

A Discourse
... The objections made by our commentators to the plain testimony of the Scriptures
are, that Solomon would not have built this beautiful house at so great a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm