from דָּאָה; the kite (from its rapid flight); vulture. See רָאָה.
Transliteration:dâʼâh
Pronunciation:daw-aw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma דָּאָה (dâʼâh, `{{H1676}}`) is a noun derived from the verbal root דָּאָה (dâʼâh), which signifies "to fly swiftly" or "to dart." This etymological connection directly informs the identification of the bird, emphasizing its characteristic rapid and agile flight. The primary definitions provided are "the kite" or "vulture." Both birds are known for their soaring capabilities and predatory or scavenging habits. Kites are typically smaller birds of prey, renowned for their graceful, effortless gliding, while vultures are larger scavengers. The underlying sense of swift, darting motion is central to the word's meaning. The cross-reference to רָאָה (râʼâh, `{{H7200}}`) in the Strong's definition may suggest a phonetic similarity or a conceptual link to "seeing" or "appearance," possibly alluding to the bird's keen eyesight, though its primary derivation is from the verb of swift flight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term דָּאָה (dâʼâh, `{{H1676}}`) appears exclusively in two passages within the Pentateuch, both detailing the dietary laws given to Israel:
* [[Leviticus 11:14]]: "and the kite, and the falcon after its kind" (וְהַדָּאָה וְאֶת־הָאַיָּה לְמִינָהּ)
* [[Deuteronomy 14:13]]: "and the kite, and the falcon after its kind" (וְהַדָּאָה וְאֶת־הָאַיָּה לְמִינָהּ)
In both instances, דָּאָה is listed among a series of birds designated as "unclean" (טָמֵא, *ṭāmēʼ*, `{{H2931}}`) and therefore forbidden for consumption by the Israelites. It is consistently paired with אַיָּה (ʼayyah, `{{H344}}`), often translated as "falcon" or "kite," suggesting a close association or even a categorization of similar raptors. The phrase "after its kind" (לְמִינֵהוּ) indicates that the prohibition extends to all species within that particular family or type of bird. The context of these lists is the establishment of ritual purity, distinguishing Israel from the surrounding nations and setting them apart as a holy people unto Yahweh. The דָּאָה, like other birds of prey and scavengers (e.g., eagles, vultures, owls), would have been considered unclean due to their predatory nature, consumption of carrion, or association with death.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct related words are the other birds listed as unclean in [[Leviticus 11]] and [[Deuteronomy 14]]. These include a range of raptors, scavengers, and nocturnal birds, such as:
* נֶשֶׁר (nesher, `{{H5404}}`): often translated as "eagle" but can also refer to a large vulture.
* פֶּרֶס (peres, `{{H6538}}`): ossifrage or bearded vulture.
* עָזְנִיָּה (ʻozniyyah, `{{H5822}}`): osprey.
* אַיָּה (ʼayyah, `{{H344}}`): falcon or kite, frequently paired with דָּאָה.
* תַּחְמָס (tachmas, `{{H8464}}`): night-hawk or owl.
Beyond specific avian species, דָּאָה is conceptually linked to the broader biblical themes of:
* **Ritual Purity and Impurity:** The system of *kashrut* (dietary laws) and other purity regulations that defined the boundaries of holiness for the Israelite community.
* **Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, *qōḏeš*, `{{H6944}}`):** The overarching concept of being set apart for God's purposes, which these laws were designed to cultivate.
* **Divine Law and Covenant:** The Mosaic Law as a whole, representing God's instructions for His people's conduct and their relationship with Him.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of דָּאָה (dâʼâh, `{{H1676}}`) in the list of unclean birds carries significant theological weight. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **holiness and distinction** for the people of Israel. By prohibiting the consumption of certain animals, God was establishing clear boundaries that separated His chosen people from the practices and defilements of the surrounding pagan cultures. These dietary laws were not arbitrary but served as tangible reminders of Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and their calling to be a "holy nation" ([[Exodus 19:6]]).
Furthermore, the characteristics of the דָּאָה (whether kite or vulture) contribute to its designation as unclean. Birds of prey and scavengers, by their nature, are associated with death, carrion, or the shedding of blood, which were often linked to ritual impurity in the ancient Near East. Their inclusion in the forbidden list reinforces the symbolic importance of **life and purity** in the Israelite cultus. The laws implicitly teach that God's people are to align themselves with life, order, and that which is wholesome, rather than with death, decay, or predatory violence.
Finally, the very act of God defining what is clean and unclean demonstrates His **sovereignty and authority** over creation and over His people. The laws were an expression of divine wisdom, designed not only for physical health but, more importantly, for spiritual formation and the cultivation of a reverent and obedient heart. The דָּאָה, though a creature of God's making, serves as a small but poignant example of how even the natural world was utilized to instruct Israel in the ways of holiness and devotion.
### Summary
The Hebrew word דָּאָה (dâʼâh, `{{H1676}}`) refers to a bird of prey, identified as a "kite" or "vulture," whose name is derived from its characteristic swift flight. Its occurrences are limited to the dietary laws in [[Leviticus 11:14]] and [[Deuteronomy 14:13]], where it is consistently listed among the birds forbidden for consumption by the Israelites. The prohibition of דָּאָה and other similar birds of prey or scavengers served to establish and reinforce Israel's ritual purity and their distinct identity as a holy people set apart for Yahweh. This distinction underscored divine sovereignty, the importance of holiness, and the symbolic rejection of practices or associations deemed impure within the covenant community.
TRV