Deuteronomy 14:16
The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan,
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכּ֥וֹס
The little owl
H3563
הַכּ֥וֹס
The little owl
Strong's:
H3563
Word #:
2 of 5
a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Owls were associated with Athena in Greek culture (wisdom) and with death omens in Roman culture. Israel's prohibition rejected both pagan wisdom traditions and superstitious fear, anchoring knowledge in covenant relationship with YHWH alone.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'ruins' in your life (broken relationships, past failures) has Christ entered to bring healing?
- How does the world's 'wisdom' (secular philosophy, self-help) resemble the owl—impressive but associated with spiritual darkness?
- Where do you see God transforming 'wilderness' (barren, dead areas) into 'pools of water' (life and fruitfulness)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan—Three water and nocturnal birds: kos (כּוֹס, little owl), yanshuf (יַנְשׁוּף, great owl or ibis), tinshemeth (תִּנְשֶׁמֶת, swan or barn owl). Owls inhabited ruins (Isaiah 34:11, Zephaniah 2:14), symbolizing desolation and God's judgment. They thrived where humans perished.
The gospel reverses this: Christ entered our ruin (He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, Luke 4:18) and transforms desolation into habitation. Where owls roosted in Babylon's ruins (Isaiah 13:21), God promises Israel: I will make the wilderness a pool of water (Isaiah 41:18). The food laws pointed Israel away from death's dwelling toward life's source.