Topical Encyclopedia The hoopoe is a bird mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of dietary laws. It is listed among the unclean birds that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. The hoopoe is known for its distinctive crown of feathers and its unique call, making it a recognizable species in the regions of the Middle East.Biblical References: The hoopoe is mentioned in the Old Testament in the book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. In Leviticus 11:19, the Berean Standard Bible states: "the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." Similarly, Deuteronomy 14:18 includes the hoopoe in the list of birds that are considered unclean: "the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." Cultural and Historical Context: The hoopoe, known scientifically as Upupa epops, is a bird that inhabits Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is easily identified by its striking appearance, with a long, slender bill, a fan-like crest, and a distinctive black-and-white striped pattern on its wings and tail. The hoopoe's diet consists mainly of insects, which it forages from the ground using its long bill. In ancient Israel, the dietary laws given to the Israelites were part of the covenantal relationship between God and His people. These laws served to set the Israelites apart from other nations and to promote holiness and purity. The classification of the hoopoe as unclean may have been due to its feeding habits or its association with certain cultural or religious practices of neighboring peoples. Symbolism and Interpretation: The hoopoe's inclusion in the list of unclean birds has been the subject of various interpretations. Some scholars suggest that the bird's scavenging behavior and its habitat in unclean places, such as refuse heaps, contributed to its classification. Others propose that the hoopoe's appearance and behavior might have been associated with pagan rituals or superstitions, further justifying its status as unclean. In Jewish tradition, the hoopoe is sometimes seen as a symbol of wisdom and protection. According to folklore, King Solomon is said to have admired the hoopoe for its wisdom and ability to find water in the desert. However, these traditions are not directly supported by the biblical text. Modern Observations: Today, the hoopoe remains a bird of interest due to its unique characteristics and behaviors. Birdwatchers and ornithologists continue to study the hoopoe, appreciating its role in the ecosystem as a controller of insect populations. Despite its unclean status in biblical times, the hoopoe is now admired for its beauty and ecological significance. The hoopoe's presence in the Bible serves as a reminder of the detailed and specific nature of the dietary laws given to the Israelites, reflecting the broader themes of holiness and separation that are central to the biblical narrative. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Alt. of Hoopoo.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HOOPOEhoo'-po; -poo (dukhiphath; epops; Latin Upupa epops): One of the peculiar and famous birds of Palestine, having a curved bill and beautiful plumage. It is about the size of a thrush. Its back is a rich cinnamon color, its head golden buff with a crest of feathers of gold, banded with white and tipped with black, that gradually lengthen as they cover the head until, when folded, they lie in lines of black and white, and, when erect, each feather shows its exquisite marking. Its wings and tail are black banded with white and buff. It nests in holes and hollow trees. All ornithologists agree that it is a "nasty, filthy bird" in its feeding and breeding habits. The nest, being paid no attention by the elders, soon becomes soiled and evil smelling. The bird is mentioned only in the lists of abomination (Leviticus 11:19; and Deuteronomy 14:18). One reason why Moses thought it unfit for food was on account of its habits. Quite as strong a one lay in the fact that it was one of the sacred birds of Egypt. There the belief was prevalent that it could detect water and indicate where to dig a well; that it could hear secrets and cure diseases. Its head was a part of the charms used by witches. The hoopoe was believed to have wonderful medicinal powers and was called the "Doctor Bird" by the arabs. Because it is almost the size of a hoopoe and somewhat suggestive of it in its golden plumage, the lapwing was used in the early translations of the Bible instead of hoopoe. But when it was remembered that the lapwing is a plover, its flesh and eggs especially dainty food, that it was eaten everywhere it was known, modern commentators rightly decided that the hoopoe was the bird intended by the Mosaic law. It must be put on record, however, that where no superstition attaches to the hoopoe and where its nesting habits are unknown and its feeding propensities little understood, as it passes in migration it is killed, eaten and considered delicious, especially by residents of Southern Europe. Strong's Hebrew 1744. dukiphath -- perhaps hoopoe (a ceremonially unclean bird)... dukiphath. 1745 . perhaps hoopoe (a ceremonially unclean bird). Transliteration: dukiphath Phonetic Spelling: (doo-kee-fath') Short Definition: hoopoe. ... /hebrew/1744.htm - 6k Library Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... The Political Constitution of Egypt Thesaurus Hoopoe (2 Occurrences)... of Hoopoo. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HOOPOE. ... The hoopoe was believed to have wonderful medicinal powers and was called the "Doctor Bird" by the arabs. ... /h/hoopoe.htm - 9k Lapwing (2 Occurrences) Bat (2 Occurrences) Heron (2 Occurrences) Stork (6 Occurrences) Kinds (110 Occurrences) Birds (125 Occurrences) Zoology Unclean (393 Occurrences) Sea-mew (2 Occurrences) Resources Hoopoe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hoopoe (2 Occurrences)Leviticus 11:19 Deuteronomy 14:18 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |