Leviticus 11:17

KJV

And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the little owl {H3563}, and the cormorant {H7994}, and the great owl {H3244},

Complete Jewish Bible

the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl,

Berean Standard Bible

the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl,

American Standard Version

and the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:17 is a specific enumeration within the broader dietary laws given to Israel, identifying three particular birds—the little owl, the cormorant, and the great owl—as unclean and therefore forbidden for consumption. This verse contributes to a comprehensive list designed to distinguish the Israelites as a holy people set apart by God, emphasizing principles of purity, separation, and obedience to divine commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11 initiates a detailed exposition of the dietary laws, forming a crucial part of the Mosaic Covenant's stipulations regarding purity and holiness. This chapter meticulously categorizes animals, birds, fish, and insects into "clean" and "unclean" groups, dictating what the Israelites were permitted to eat and what they were to abstain from. The immediate preceding verses ([Leviticus 11:13-16](/leviticus/11-13-16 "Leviticus 11:13-16 - List of Unclean Birds")) list other forbidden birds, such as the eagle, vulture, and kite, establishing a pattern of proscribing birds of prey and scavengers. Following the enumeration in this verse, the list continues with additional unclean birds and then shifts to regulations concerning aquatic creatures, insects, and the handling of carcasses, all contributing to the overarching theme of ritual purity that pervades [the book of Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Introduction to Holiness Laws"). The chapter culminates in verses like [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"), which explicitly state the theological purpose of these laws: to consecrate Israel as a holy nation, mirroring God's own holiness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dietary laws in Leviticus were given to Israel shortly after their exodus from Egypt, during their time in the wilderness, serving as foundational statutes for their identity as God's chosen people. In the ancient Near East, many surrounding cultures had diverse dietary practices, often incorporating animals that Israel was forbidden to eat, and sometimes associating certain animals with pagan deities or rituals. By establishing these distinct dietary codes, God provided a tangible means for Israel to maintain their separation from the idolatrous practices and defilements of their neighbors. Birds like owls and cormorants, often associated with darkness, desolation, scavenging, or predatory behavior, were likely deemed unclean not merely for hygienic reasons, but primarily for symbolic and theological ones. Their inclusion in the unclean list would have reinforced the Israelites' understanding of what was pure and impure in God's sight, guiding their daily lives and reinforcing their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, who called them to be holy, as He is holy (cf. [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy")).

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 11:17 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's intrinsic purity and His call for His people to reflect that purity in every aspect of their lives. The dietary laws served as a daily, tangible reminder of this call to **Separation** (Hebrew: _qadosh_, "set apart"), distinguishing Israel from the surrounding nations and their defiling practices. This distinction fostered **Discernment**, training the Israelites to differentiate between clean and unclean, pure and impure, in a way that extended beyond mere food to moral and spiritual purity. Ultimately, these laws reinforced Israel's **Covenant Identity** as God's chosen people, bound to Him by His divine commands and called to demonstrate their **Obedience** through adherence to His statutes. The specific prohibitions in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals") underscored the pervasive nature of purity, affecting not just worship but daily life, shaping a people consecrated entirely to Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Little owl (Hebrew, _kôwç'_):** From an unused root meaning "to hold together," this term refers to a small owl, likely the Athene noctua. The root's connection to a "cup" (as a container) or "cup-like cavity of its eye" suggests a potential etymological link to its physical characteristics. Its inclusion as an unclean bird reinforces the theme of avoiding creatures associated with impurity or the antithesis of life and light, which are attributes of God.
* **Cormorant (Hebrew, _shâlâk'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to throw down" or "to dart," this term identifies a bird of prey, commonly understood to be the cormorant or pelican, known for its diving motion to catch fish. As a bird that often consumes carrion or lives in marshy, desolate areas, it would have been considered unclean, aligning with the broader principle of avoiding creatures that scavenge or inhabit places associated with decay and impurity.
* **Great owl (Hebrew, _yanshûwph'_):** Apparently from a root meaning "to blow" or "to hiss," this term denotes a larger species of owl, possibly the heron or a night-heron, perhaps due to its distinctive cry. Like the little owl, its association with darkness, desolate ruins, and potentially pagan symbolism would have rendered it unclean. The repeated inclusion of owls emphasizes a consistent principle against birds perceived as dark, predatory, or linked to environments of desolation and death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the little owl":** This clause introduces the first of three specific birds declared unclean in this verse. The "little owl" (Hebrew _kôwç'_) is a nocturnal bird, often associated with darkness and desolation. Its prohibition underscores the principle that creatures linked to such environments or behaviors were considered impure, setting Israel apart from practices or associations common in pagan worship.
* **"and the cormorant":** The "cormorant" (Hebrew _shâlâk'_) is a diving bird known for its predatory fishing habits and its presence in watery, sometimes desolate, environments. Its classification as unclean likely stems from its nature as a scavenger or its association with the "unclean" waters or habits of consuming fish that were themselves not clean, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the dietary laws regarding purity.
* **"and the great owl":** The "great owl" (Hebrew _yanshûwph'_) is another species of owl, likely larger than the "little owl," also characterized by its nocturnal and predatory nature. Its prohibition reiterates the consistent theme within Leviticus 11 that birds of prey, scavengers, and those associated with darkness or desolate places were forbidden, serving as a constant reminder of Israel's call to holiness and separation.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:17 primarily employs **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**, a common literary device throughout the dietary laws in Leviticus. This technique involves listing specific items (in this case, types of birds) to provide a comprehensive and unambiguous set of regulations. The precise naming of each bird ensures clarity regarding what is permitted and what is forbidden, leaving no room for ambiguity in the application of the law. Furthermore, there is an underlying element of **Symbolism** at play. While not explicitly stated, the types of birds chosen for the "unclean" list—predators, scavengers, and nocturnal creatures associated with darkness or desolate places—symbolically represent impurity, death, and the antithesis of the life and light associated with God's holiness. This symbolic dimension reinforces the theological message that Israel was to embody purity and life, distinguishing themselves from the defilements of the surrounding world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 11:17, as part of the broader dietary laws, profoundly connects to the overarching theological themes of holiness, separation, and obedience within the Old Covenant. These regulations were not arbitrary but served as a tangible, daily reminder of Israel's unique status as God's chosen people, called to be holy as He is holy. By distinguishing between clean and unclean, God impressed upon His people the pervasive nature of purity and impurity, not just in ritual but in all aspects of life. This distinction was a pedagogical tool, teaching them to discern and choose that which was set apart for God's glory, fostering a deep sense of dependence and submission to His divine will. The specific prohibitions on birds like owls and cormorants, often associated with darkness, scavenging, or desolate environments, underscored a spiritual principle: avoiding anything that symbolizes defilement, death, or practices contrary to God's life-giving nature.

* [Leviticus 20:26](/leviticus/20-26 "Leviticus 20:26 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 14:3-20](/deuteronomy/14-3-20 "Deuteronomy 14:3-20 - Clean and Unclean Animals")
* [Ezekiel 44:23](/ezekiel/44-23 "Ezekiel 44:23 - Distinguishing Between Holy and Profane")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary restrictions of Leviticus 11 are part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law and are no longer binding for New Testament believers, the profound spiritual principles they embody remain eternally relevant. We are no longer called to distinguish between clean and unclean foods, but we are still called to a life of holiness and separation from the world's defilements. This means actively discerning what influences, habits, associations, or entertainments are "unclean" in a spiritual sense—those that hinder our relationship with God, corrupt our character, or diminish our witness. Just as the Israelites' diet visibly set them apart, our choices today should visibly reflect our identity as followers of Christ, consecrated to God. The call to be distinct for God's glory is timeless, urging us to choose that which is pure, honorable, and spiritually nourishing in His sight, reflecting His character in every facet of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be unknowingly consuming or engaging with "unclean" spiritual influences that hinder my walk with God?**
* **How does the Old Testament emphasis on physical purity inform my understanding of spiritual purity in the New Covenant?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sense of discernment and intentional separation from the world's defilements, reflecting God's holiness?**

### FAQ

**Why were these specific birds (owls, cormorants) considered unclean?**

Answer: The specific reasons for each animal's inclusion on the "unclean" list are not always explicitly stated, but common interpretations suggest several factors. For birds like owls and cormorants, their predatory nature, scavenging habits, or association with darkness and desolate places likely played a significant role. Owls are nocturnal hunters, often linked with mystery, solitude, and sometimes death in ancient cultures. Cormorants are diving birds that often consume carrion or live in marshy, less "clean" environments. The overarching principle was to distinguish Israel from the practices of surrounding pagan nations and to instill a deep sense of ritual purity and holiness. These birds, by their nature or habitat, may have symbolized aspects contrary to the life-giving, pure character of God, thus reinforcing the Israelites' unique identity as a holy people.

**Are the dietary laws of Leviticus 11, including the prohibition on these birds, still binding for Christians today?**

Answer: No, the dietary laws outlined in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals") are generally not considered binding for New Testament believers. The New Testament teaches that with the coming of Christ, the ceremonial laws of the Old Covenant, including food restrictions, have been fulfilled and superseded. Jesus declared all foods clean (see [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")), and the Apostle Peter's vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of the Sheet") explicitly revealed that God had cleansed what was once considered unclean, signifying the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant and the abrogation of these particular dietary rules. Paul also affirmed this freedom in passages like [Romans 14:1-4](/romans/14-1-4 "Romans 14:1-4 - Do Not Judge Over Food") and [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom from Regulations"), emphasizing that the true focus for believers is spiritual purity and righteousness, not adherence to physical food laws.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dietary laws of Leviticus 11, including the prohibition of "unclean" birds like the little owl, cormorant, and great owl, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. These laws served as a shadow, pointing forward to a deeper spiritual reality of purity and separation from sin that could only be fully achieved through the perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). While the Old Covenant laws identified external sources of defilement, Jesus taught that true defilement comes not from what enters a person, but from what comes out of the heart (as seen in [Mark 7:15-23](/mark/7-15-23 "Mark 7:15-23 - What Defiles a Person")). He, the sinless One, perfectly embodied the holiness that the law demanded, and through His atoning death on the cross, He cleansed us from all sin, making us truly clean before God (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The distinction between clean and unclean animals, which once separated Israel from the nations and served as a constant reminder of sin's defiling power, was abolished in Christ, demonstrating that His redemptive work broke down all barriers and made a way for all people to be reconciled to God (as powerfully illustrated in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter's Vision and Cornelius's Conversion")). Thus, the spiritual reality behind the dietary laws—the call to be holy and set apart—is now fulfilled in believers who are made holy by Christ's righteousness and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of spiritual purity, reflecting the very character of God (cf. [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All You Do")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.