Leviticus 11:16

Authorized King James Version

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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)
הַֽיַּעֲנָ֔ה H3284
הַֽיַּעֲנָ֔ה
Strong's: H3284
Word #: 3 of 10
owl
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)
הַשָּׁ֑חַף and the cuckow H7828
הַשָּׁ֑חַף and the cuckow
Strong's: H7828
Word #: 7 of 10
the gull (as thin)
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)
הַנֵּ֖ץ and the hawk H5322
הַנֵּ֖ץ and the hawk
Strong's: H5322
Word #: 9 of 10
a hawk (from it flashing speed)
לְמִינֵֽהוּ׃ after his kind H4327
לְמִינֵֽהוּ׃ after his kind
Strong's: H4327
Word #: 10 of 10
a sort, i.e., species

Analysis & Commentary

And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,

This verse falls within the section on Clean and Unclean Animals. Dietary laws distinguishing clean from unclean animals, teaching Israel holiness and separation from pagan practices.


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

Historical Context

Dietary laws distinguishing clean from unclean animals, teaching Israel holiness and separation from pagan practices. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Questions for Reflection

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