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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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