### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâgûwr**, represented by `{{H5693}}`, is identified as the **swallow**. Its definition is derived from an unused root that means "to twitter." It is a rare term, appearing only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, each time listed with other birds to create a powerful illustration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H5693}}` is used metaphorically. In Isaiah, King Hezekiah, in his distress, likens his own desperate cries to the **chatter** of a swallow [[Isaiah 38:14]]. In Jeremiah, the **swallow** is included in a list of migratory birds—the stork, the turtle, and the crane—that instinctively know and observe the seasons of their coming, which serves as a stark contrast to the people of Israel, who do not know the judgment of the LORD [[Jeremiah 8:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other words for birds and sounds are used in conjunction with **ʻâgûwr**:
* `{{H5483}}` **çûwç** (crane, horse): Appearing alongside the swallow in both of its occurrences, this word is translated as **crane** in these contexts. It is part of the collective of birds whose sounds or behaviors are being described ([[Isaiah 38:14]], [[Jeremiah 8:7]]).
* `{{H6850}}` **tsâphaph** (to coo or chirp): This is the verb used to describe the sound of the swallow, translated as **chatter** in Isaiah's lament [[Isaiah 38:14]].
* `{{H3123}}` **yôwnâh** (dove): In [[Isaiah 38:14]], the mourning sound of the dove is contrasted with the chattering of the crane and swallow to describe the depth of Hezekiah's sorrow.
* `{{H2624}}` **chăçîydâh** (stork): This bird is listed with the swallow in [[Jeremiah 8:7]] as a creature that is aware of its appointed migratory times.
* `{{H8449}}` **tôwr** (turtle dove): Also mentioned in Jeremiah's prophecy, the turtle dove is another example of a bird that instinctively follows the seasons set by God [[Jeremiah 8:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5693}}` is seen in its symbolic usage:
* **A Metaphor for Anguish:** The swallow's "chatter" is used to represent the sound of human suffering. It is not a song of joy but a depiction of the anxious, almost frantic, sounds made by a person in deep distress [[Isaiah 38:14]].
* **A Rebuke to Spiritual Ignorance:** The swallow's instinctual knowledge of seasons serves as a powerful rebuke. Jeremiah uses its predictable migration to condemn the people of Israel, who, unlike the birds, fail to recognize God's timing and judgment [[Jeremiah 8:7]].
* **An Illustration of Natural Law:** The swallow is presented as a creature that perfectly adheres to the natural law established by its Creator. This obedience in nature highlights the disobedience of humanity, which has been given a greater revelation but fails to follow it.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H5693}}` **ʻâgûwr** appears infrequently, it functions as a potent symbol in Scripture. The swallow is used to articulate the sounds of deep personal pain and to serve as a natural parable contrasting the inherent wisdom of God's creation with humanity's spiritual blindness. Its distinctive cry and migratory patterns become poignant illustrations for both individual lament and prophetic critique.
TRV