Jump to: Smith's • ATS • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The osprey, a bird of prey known for its distinctive appearance and fishing prowess, is mentioned in the Bible as part of the list of unclean birds that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. The osprey is included in the dietary laws given to the Israelites, highlighting its significance in the biblical context.Biblical References: The osprey is specifically mentioned in the book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where it is listed among the birds that are considered unclean: · Leviticus 11:13-19 : "These are the birds you are to detest and not eat 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." · Deuteronomy 14:12-18 : "But these you may not eat: 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 great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." Description and Characteristics: The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a large raptor, reaching up to 24 inches in length with a wingspan of up to 71 inches. It is easily recognizable by its white underparts, dark brown upperparts, and a distinctive dark eye stripe that runs from its beak to the back of its head. The osprey is unique among North American raptors for its diet, which consists almost exclusively of fish. It is often seen hovering over water bodies before diving feet-first to catch its prey with its sharp talons. Symbolism and Significance: In the biblical context, the osprey's inclusion in the list of unclean birds underscores the importance of dietary laws in maintaining the distinctiveness and holiness of the Israelite community. The laws served as a constant reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God and their call to be set apart from other nations. The osprey's role as a skilled hunter and its association with water may also carry symbolic meanings. Water is often a symbol of life and sustenance in the Bible, and the osprey's dependence on aquatic environments for survival can be seen as a reflection of the believer's reliance on God's provision. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, birds of prey were often associated with power and might due to their hunting abilities and dominance in the skies. The osprey, with its impressive fishing skills, would have been a familiar sight in regions near large bodies of water, such as the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River. The classification of the osprey as unclean may also reflect practical considerations, as birds of prey often consume carrion and other animals that could carry disease. By prohibiting the consumption of such birds, the dietary laws helped protect the health and well-being of the Israelite community. Modern Observations: Today, the osprey is a widely distributed bird, found on every continent except Antarctica. It is a migratory species, traveling long distances between breeding and wintering grounds. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize osprey populations, which were once threatened by habitat loss and pesticide use. The osprey's presence in the Bible serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between God's creation and His laws, illustrating the care and intentionality with which He designed the world and its inhabitants. Smith's Bible Dictionary OspreyThe Hebrew word occurs in (Leviticus 11:13) and Deuteronomy 14:12 So the name of some unclean bird. It's probably either the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) or the white-tailed eagle (Haliaetus albicella). ATS Bible Dictionary OspreyA bird of the eagle kind, unfit for food, Le 11:13. It is thought to be the sea eagle, or the black eagle of Egypt. See BIRDS. Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrews `ozniyyah, an unclean bird according to the Mosaic law (Leviticus 11:13; Deuteronomy 14:12); the fish-eating eagle (Pandion haliaetus); one of the lesser eagles. But the Hebrew word may be taken to denote the short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus of Southern Europe), one of the most abundant of the eagle tribe found in Palestine. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Alt. of Ospray.Library Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals. The Clean and the Unclean Andromeda Thesaurus Osprey (4 Occurrences)... (n.) Alt. of Ospray. Multi-Version Concordance Osprey (4 Occurrences). ... Leviticus 11:18 the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, (WEB NIV). ... /o/osprey.htm - 8k Ospray (2 Occurrences) Ossifrage (2 Occurrences) Eagle (27 Occurrences) Birds (125 Occurrences) Abomination (78 Occurrences) Vulture (16 Occurrences) Zoology Unclean (393 Occurrences) Buzzard (3 Occurrences) Resources Osprey: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Osprey (4 Occurrences)Leviticus 11:13 Leviticus 11:18 Deuteronomy 14:12 Deuteronomy 14:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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