Definition and Etymology:
The term "hoot" does not appear directly in the Bible; however, it is often associated with the sound made by an owl. In biblical times, the owl was considered an unclean bird and often symbolized desolation and loneliness. The word "hoot" itself is derived from Middle English "houten," which means to shout or call out, often in a mocking or derisive manner.

Biblical Context and Symbolism:
Owls are mentioned in several passages in the Bible, often in contexts that emphasize desolation or judgment. For example, in Isaiah 34:11 , the prophet describes the desolation of Edom: "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 destruction." Here, the presence of owls signifies a place abandoned and left to ruin.

In Leviticus 11:16-17 , owls are listed among the birds that are considered unclean: "the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl." This classification underscores the owl's association with impurity and its symbolic role in representing spiritual desolation.

Cultural and Historical Significance:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the owl was often seen as a creature of the night, associated with mystery and the unknown. Its nocturnal nature and haunting call contributed to its reputation as a symbol of desolation and judgment. In biblical literature, the owl's "hoot" can be seen as a metaphor for the cries of a land laid waste or a people under divine judgment.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the imagery of the owl and its hoot serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience to God. The desolation symbolized by the owl's presence in prophetic literature calls believers to repentance and a return to righteousness. It serves as a warning of the spiritual barrenness that can result from turning away from God's commandments.

Related Biblical Themes:
· Desolation and Judgment: The owl's association with desolation is a recurring theme in the Bible, often linked to God's judgment on nations and peoples who have turned away from Him.
· Unclean Animals: The classification of the owl as an unclean bird in Levitical law highlights the importance of purity and holiness in the life of the believer.
· Repentance and Restoration: The desolate imagery associated with the owl serves as a call to repentance, encouraging believers to seek restoration and renewal through faith and obedience to God.

Conclusion:
While the term "hoot" itself is not found in the Bible, its association with the owl provides rich symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. The owl's haunting call serves as a metaphor for desolation and judgment, reminding believers of the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of turning away from God.1. (v. i.) To cry out or shout in contempt.

2. (v. i.) To make the peculiar cry of an owl.

3. (v. t.) To assail with contemptuous cries or shouts; to follow with derisive shouts.

4. (n.) A derisive cry or shout.

5. (n.) The cry of an owl.

Two Young Men.
... The Family that Hooted at Moody. I remember a family in Chicago that used to
hoot at me and my scholars as we passed their house sometimes. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/two young men.htm

Behind the Door
... It is a rough market town, and the people, after the first converts came, used to
hoot us through the streets, and throw handfuls of sand at us, and shower ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxii behind the door.htm

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
... strokes of trial; and wherever they are, in the hut or in the ancestral hall, in
the climates of the snow or of the sun, whether society hoot them or honour ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the lively stones rev w.htm

Looking unto Jesus
... and spitting, the plucking off the hair, the reviling of the soldiers; think thou
of that fearful march through the streets, when every man did hoot him, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/looking unto jesus.htm

Concluding Remarks on the Importance of Orthodoxy
... If a man comes into Hyde Park to preach it is permissible to hoot him; but
it is discourteous to applaud him as a performing bear. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/xx concluding remarks on the.htm

The Adventures of Saint David of Wales.
... Few noble enterprises have ever been undertaken without numbers of people, like
those hideous night-owls, endeavouring to hoot them down.". ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter ten the adventures of.htm

The Friend of Sinners
... They thrust out the tongue; they hoot; they laugh; they cry, "Let him deliver him,
seeing he delighted in him." His name is written in the calendar of crime by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the friend of sinners.htm

A Prospect of Revival
... Though foes may hoot and fiends may howl, he will keep his word; it shall come to
pass, and he will get to himself renown in fulfilling his own good pleasure. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a prospect of revival.htm

Lorimer -- the Fall of Satan
... All is hushed now, and the silence is broken only by the hoot and screech of
the owl, or by the rustle of the nightbat's leathern wing. ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/lorimer the fall of.htm

Sovereignty and Salvation
... If every one applauded, if all were gratified, we should think ourselves God;
but, when they hiss and hoot, we turn to our God, and cry,. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/sovereignty and salvation.htm

Hoot (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hoot (1 Occurrence). Zephaniah 2:14 Herds will lie
down in the midst of her, all the animals of the nations. ...
/h/hoot.htm - 7k

Owl (11 Occurrences)
... It is found frequenting the ruins of Egypt and also of the Holy Land. "Its
cry is a loud, prolonged, and very powerful hoot. I know ...
/o/owl.htm - 18k

Hoopoe (2 Occurrences)

/h/hoopoe.htm - 9k

Hop (1 Occurrence)

/h/hop.htm - 7k

Is there any special meaning/symbolism to owls in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Hoot: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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