intensive from דָּאָה; a falcon (from its rapid flight); vulture.
Transliteration:dayâh
Pronunciation:dah-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word dayâh (`{{H1772}}`) is an intensive form derived from the verbal root dā'āh (`{{H1771}}`), meaning "to dart" or "to fly swiftly." This etymological root directly informs the primary characteristic of the bird it denotes: rapid, soaring flight. The term is generally translated as "falcon" or "vulture." In ancient Near Eastern ornithology, precise species identification for biblical terms can be challenging, and a single term might encompass a range of similar raptors. However, the consistent context of its biblical appearances points to a predatory bird, often associated with carrion or swift hunting. The intensive form of the noun emphasizes the bird's distinctive and notable aerial prowess.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word dayâh (`{{H1772}}`) appears three times in the Hebrew Bible.
1. [[Leviticus 11:14]]: "and the kite, and the falcon after its kind" (וְאֶת־הָאַיָּה וְאֶת־הַדָּיָה לְמִינָהּ). Here, dayâh is listed among other birds of prey, such as the ’ayyāh (`{{H344}}`, kite/falcon), as an "unclean" bird, forbidden for consumption by the Israelites. The phrase "after its kind" (לְמִינָהּ) suggests a broader category of similar birds rather than a single species.
2. [[Deuteronomy 14:13]]: "and the kite, and the falcon after its kind" (וְאֶת־הָאַיָּה וְאֶת־הַדָּיָה לְמִינָהּ). This passage is a parallel to [[Leviticus 11:14]], reiterating the same dietary prohibition in the context of Moses' final address to Israel. Both occurrences place dayâh firmly within the category of birds deemed ritually impure.
3. [[Job 28:7]]: "That path no bird of prey knows, nor has the falcon's eye seen it" (נָתִיב לֹא־יְדָעוֹ עָיִט וְלֹא שְׁזָפַתּוּ עֵין אַיָּה). In this poetic and philosophical book, dayâh (`{{H1772}}`) is used metaphorically. The verse speaks of a hidden path of wisdom that even the most acute vision of a bird of prey, renowned for its keen eyesight, cannot discern. This usage highlights the bird's characteristic sharp vision, leveraging it to emphasize the unsearchable depths of divine wisdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation is to the verbal root dā'āh (`{{H1771}}`), meaning "to dart" or "to fly swiftly," which underscores the bird's characteristic movement. In the context of the purity laws, dayâh (`{{H1772}}`) is consistently grouped with other birds of prey that are designated as unclean. These include:
* nesher (`{{H5404}}`): eagle
* peres (`{{H6538}}`): ossifrage or lammergeier
* ‘ozniyyah (`{{H5822}}`): osprey or sea eagle
* ’ayyāh (`{{H344}}`): kite or falcon
* ra’ah (`{{H7213}}`): glede or kite
This consistent association places dayâh (`{{H1772}}`) within a broader category of predatory or scavenging birds, which were typically considered ritually impure. In the wisdom literature, dayâh (`{{H1772}}`) is conceptually linked to the theme of divine omniscience versus human limitation, where the bird's exceptional sight serves as a benchmark for natural perception that is ultimately surpassed by God's knowledge.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of dayâh (`{{H1772}}`) unfolds in two distinct but complementary ways. Firstly, its inclusion in the lists of unclean animals in Leviticus and Deuteronomy is paramount. These dietary laws were not merely arbitrary rules but served as a foundational element of Israel's covenant identity and call to holiness. By distinguishing between clean and unclean animals, God taught His people to discern between the sacred and the profane, thereby cultivating a life set apart for Him. The predatory and often carrion-eating nature of such birds likely contributed to their designation as unclean, symbolizing a separation from behaviors or associations deemed defiling. This established a tangible boundary, reinforcing Israel's unique status as a holy nation.
Secondly, the metaphorical use of dayâh (`{{H1772}}`) in [[Job 28:7]] contributes to a profound theological statement about divine wisdom. The falcon's renowned keen eyesight, capable of discerning minute details from great heights, is presented as utterly inadequate to perceive the "path" of true wisdom. This highlights the transcendence and inscrutability of God's wisdom, which far surpasses human intellect and natural perception. It underscores the theme that ultimate wisdom is not discovered through human ingenuity or observation but is revealed by God alone, emphasizing His sovereignty and omniscience.
### Summary
The Hebrew word dayâh (`{{H1772}}`) refers to a falcon or vulture, a bird of prey characterized by its swift flight and keen eyesight. Its primary theological significance stems from its classification as an "unclean" animal in the Mosaic Law ([[Leviticus 11:14]], [[Deuteronomy 14:13]]), underscoring Israel's mandate for holiness and separation. Beyond its ritual designation, dayâh (`{{H1772}}`) is employed metaphorically in [[Job 28:7]] to illustrate the profound limitations of human perception in grasping divine wisdom, thereby accentuating God's unparalleled omniscience. Thus, dayâh (`{{H1772}}`) serves as a linguistic and theological marker for both ritual purity and the sublime, unsearchable nature of God's knowledge.
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