### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻôwph**, represented by `{{H5775}}`, is a collective term for **bird**, **fowl**, or any creature that flies. Derived from a root meaning to cover with wings, it appears 71 times in 70 verses. It functions as a general category for flying creatures, encompassing everything from birds used in sacrifice to scavengers that serve as instruments of divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5775}}` appears in several significant contexts. It is introduced in the creation account, where God creates "every winged **fowl**" [[Genesis 1:21]] and gives humanity dominion over them [[Genesis 1:26]]. Later, God brings every **fowl** of the air to Adam to be named [[Genesis 2:19-20]]. The term is central to the Levitical law, which distinguishes between clean and unclean **fowls** and what may be eaten ([[Leviticus 20:25]], [[Deuteronomy 14:20]]). A stark and recurring theme is the use of **fowls** as agents of judgment, consuming the carcasses of the unrighteous as a curse for disobedience ([[Deuteronomy 28:26]], [[Jeremiah 16:4]]). Figuratively, it is used to describe the swift carrying of a secret message, as "a **bird** of the air shall carry the voice" [[Ecclesiastes 10:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the creatures of the air:
* `{{H5774}}` **ʻûwph** (to fly): This is the primitive root from which **ʻôwph** is derived. The connection is made explicit in the creation account, which describes **fowl** `{{H5775}}` as that which "may **fly** `{{H5774}}` above the earth" [[Genesis 1:20]].
* `{{H6833}}` **tsippôwr** (a little bird): This word often refers to smaller birds. The two terms are used together to provide a comprehensive description, as when the ark was filled with "every **fowl** `{{H5775}}` after his kind, every **bird** `{{H6833}}` of every sort" [[Genesis 7:14]].
* `{{H3671}}` **kânâph** (wing): This word describes the essential feature of a fowl. Scripture speaks of "every **winged** `{{H3671}}` **fowl**" [[Genesis 1:21]] and refers to "that which hath **wings** `{{H3671}}`" in parallel with the word for bird [[Ecclesiastes 10:20]].
* `{{H8449}}` **tôwr** (turtledove) and `{{H3123}}` **yôwnâh** (dove, pigeon): These are specific types of birds that fall under the general category of **ʻôwph**. They are explicitly named as acceptable offerings when a sacrifice is to be "of **fowls**" `{{H5775}}` [[Leviticus 1:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5775}}` is demonstrated through its consistent use across different biblical contexts.
* **Divine Creation and Sovereignty:** Fowls are part of God's deliberate creation, which He blessed and commanded to multiply [[Genesis 1:22]]. God's intimate knowledge of His creation is highlighted when He states, "I know all the **fowls** of the mountains" [[Psalms 50:11]].
* **Instrument of Judgment:** The graphic depiction of fowls consuming dead bodies serves as a powerful symbol of the consequences of sin and covenant-breaking. This curse is threatened against disobedient Israel [[Deuteronomy 28:26]] and their corrupt leaders [[1 Kings 14:11]].
* **Participant in Covenant:** Fowls are explicitly included in the covenant God makes with Noah and "every living creature" after the flood [[Genesis 9:10]]. They are also part of a future covenant of peace with all creation [[Hosea 2:18]].
* **Role in Worship and Law:** By distinguishing between clean and unclean fowls, the law establishes a principle of separation and holiness for God's people [[Leviticus 20:25]]. Clean fowls were essential for the sacrificial system, providing a means of offering for the poor [[Leviticus 1:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5775}}` functions as a foundational term for flying creatures, but its significance extends far beyond simple biology. It is woven into the biblical accounts of creation, the flood, law, and prophecy. As a category of animal life, **ʻôwph** exists within God's created order under human dominion, yet it also serves as a potent instrument of divine judgment and a participant in God's covenantal promises, illustrating God's absolute sovereignty over the natural world.
TRV