Deuteronomy 14:15
And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּ֣ת
And the owl
H1323
בַּ֣ת
And the owl
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
2 of 10
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַתַּחְמָ֖ס
and the night hawk
H8464
הַתַּחְמָ֖ס
and the night hawk
Strong's:
H8464
Word #:
5 of 10
a species of unclean bird (from its violence), perhaps an owl
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Ancient cultures associated night birds with omens and demons (Lilith, the 'night demon,' connected with owls in Isaiah 34:14). By prohibiting their consumption, God distanced Israel from occult practices and superstitions surrounding nocturnal creatures.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'works of darkness' (hidden sins, secret habits) must you 'cast off' to walk as a child of light?
- How does the modern entertainment industry romanticize spiritual darkness (occult, horror, 'dark' themes)?
- In what practical ways can you guard against 'nocturnal' spiritual activity (temptations strongest when alone or tired)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind—Nocturnal and predatory birds continue the list: bat hayya'anah (בַּת הַיַּעֲנָה, ostrich or owl), tahmas (תַּחְמָס, night hawk), shahaf (שָׁחַף, seagull or cuckoo), nets (נֵץ, hawk). Night hunters symbolized spiritual darkness and danger—realms of demons in ancient Near Eastern thought.
Israel must have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). The prohibition against night creatures taught constant vigilance: The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness (Romans 13:12). Christians are children of light (1 Thessalonians 5:5), called to walk in daytime ethics even in a dark world.