### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nôwtsâh**, represented by `{{H5133}}`, refers to a **pinion**, **plumage**, or **feathers**. It can also refer to the **ostrich**. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses, used to describe the physical attributes of birds in both symbolic and practical contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the book of Ezekiel, `{{H5133}}` is used twice to describe the majestic appearance of great eagles in a parable from the Lord GOD. One eagle is described as "full of **feathers**, which had divers colours" [[Ezekiel 17:3]], and another is noted for its "great wings and many **feathers**" [[Ezekiel 17:7]], illustrating grandeur and might. In a different context, Leviticus details part of a sacrificial ritual where the priest must "pluck away his crop with his **feathers**" and discard them by the altar [[Leviticus 1:16]]. Finally, in Job, the word is used to identify the **ostrich** itself in a question about God's creation [[Job 39:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of `{{H5133}}`:
* `{{H5404}}` **nesher** (eagle): This word is directly associated with **nôwtsâh** in Ezekiel's parables, where the eagle's magnificent **feathers** are a key feature of its description ([[Ezekiel 17:3]], 17:7).
* `{{H3671}}` **kânâph** (wing): Often appearing alongside `{{H5133}}`, this word for **wing** provides the anatomical context for feathers, such as in the description of the great eagle's "great **wings**" which were "full of **feathers**" [[Ezekiel 17:3]].
* `{{H84}}` **ʼebrâh** (pinion): A similar term also meaning **feather** or **wing**, used in parallel contexts to describe a bird's covering and ability to fly ([[Job 39:13]], [[Psalms 91:4]]).
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (altar): This word provides a ritual setting for **nôwtsâh**, as the place where the feathers of a sacrificed bird are cast away, highlighting their role as a disposable part of the offering [[Leviticus 1:16]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5133}}` varies greatly depending on its context.
* **Symbol of Majesty and Power:** In Ezekiel's prophetic parables, the abundance and colorfulness of an eagle's **feathers** symbolize the wealth, complexity, and impressive nature of the kingdom being described [[Ezekiel 17:3]].
* **Ritual Waste:** In Leviticus, the **feathers** are grouped with the bird's crop and removed from the sacrifice, indicating they were not part of the sacred offering presented on the altar but were instead discarded material [[Leviticus 1:16]].
* **Evidence of Divine Creation:** In Job, the reference to the ostrich's features, including its wings and **feathers**, is part of God's discourse on the wonders of His creation that surpass human understanding [[Job 39:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5133}}` is a specific term for **feathers** or **plumage** that carries different weights in scripture. It can represent the majestic and powerful appearance of symbolic creatures like the great eagles in Ezekiel, or it can denote the mundane, disposable parts of an animal in a ritual context as seen in Leviticus. This demonstrates how a single physical attribute can be used to convey concepts ranging from divine glory to earthly refuse.
TRV