probably feminine of עֹז; probably the sea-eagle (from its strength); ospray.
Transliteration:ʻoznîyâh
Pronunciation:oz-nee-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5822 (ʻoznîyâh) is understood to denote a specific bird of prey, most commonly identified as the osprey or sea-eagle. Its etymological root is believed to be H5797 (ʻoz), meaning "strength" or "might." The feminine ending suggests a creature characterized by this powerful attribute. The base definition "probably the sea-eagle (from its strength)" strongly supports this interpretation, pointing to a large, predatory bird known for its formidable hunting capabilities, particularly its strong talons and powerful flight, which enable it to capture fish. The semantic range of H5822 is therefore narrow, primarily identifying this particular species of raptor within the context of biblical zoology.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H5822 (ʻoznîyâh) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the Levitical and Deuteronomic lists of unclean animals that the Israelites were forbidden to eat.
* In [[Leviticus 11:13]], ʻoznîyâh is enumerated among the "fowls" that are an "abomination" and "shall not be eaten." It is listed immediately following the eagle (`{{H5404}}`, *nesher*) and the ossifrage (`{{H6538}}`, *peres*), indicating its classification as a large, predatory scavenger. The context is the establishment of dietary laws for the nascent nation of Israel, designed to distinguish them as a holy people.
* Similarly, in [[Deuteronomy 14:12]], ʻoznîyâh is again included in a parallel list of birds that the Israelites "shall not eat." This repetition reinforces its status as an unclean bird, consistently grouped with other raptors and carrion-eaters. The Deuteronomic context reiterates the importance of these laws as a sign of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh and their identity as a "holy people" (Deuteronomy 14:2).
In both occurrences, the ʻoznîyâh is part of a category of birds deemed ritually impure (טָמֵא, *ṭāmēʼ*), signifying that their consumption would defile an Israelite. This classification is not based on biological characteristics alone but on the theological principles of purity and separation that underpinned the Mosaic covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root עֹז (`{{H5797}}`, *ʻoz*):** The direct linguistic antecedent of ʻoznîyâh, this root signifies "strength," "might," or "power." This etymological connection highlights the physical prowess of the bird, particularly its powerful hunting abilities.
* **Other Birds of Prey:** ʻoznîyâh is consistently listed alongside other large predatory birds such as the eagle (`{{H5404}}`, *nesher*), ossifrage (`{{H6538}}`, *peres*), and various species of vultures and kites. This grouping underscores its identity as a raptor, often associated with scavenging or preying on other animals. The prohibition against consuming these birds reflects a broader principle regarding creatures that are either predators or carrion-eaters, which were generally considered unclean.
* **Dietary Laws (Kashrut) and Purity (Ṭumʼah vāṬahorāh):** The most significant conceptual link for ʻoznîyâh is its place within the Mosaic dietary laws. These laws, known as kashrut, were part of a larger system of purity (ṭumʼah vāṭahorāh) designed to set Israel apart from the surrounding nations. The distinction between clean and unclean animals served as a constant reminder of Israel's unique covenant relationship with God and their call to holiness. The ʻoznîyâh, as an unclean bird, represents a category of life that was not to be assimilated by the holy community.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻoznîyâh is primarily derived from its inclusion in the lists of unclean animals. This designation is not arbitrary but serves several profound theological purposes within the Mosaic covenant:
1. **Holiness and Separation:** The dietary laws, including the prohibition of ʻoznîyâh, were fundamental to teaching Israel about holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, *qōdeš*) and separation. By distinguishing between clean and unclean, God impressed upon His people the need to be distinct from the defiled practices and customs of the surrounding nations. Eating unclean animals would symbolically blur the lines between the sacred and the profane, which God strictly forbade.
2. **Discernment and Obedience:** The detailed regulations concerning clean and unclean animals cultivated a habit of discernment and obedience among the Israelites. They were called to make careful distinctions in their daily lives, reflecting God's own meticulous order and purity. This training in discernment extended beyond diet to all areas of life, shaping their moral and spiritual conduct.
3. **Symbolism of Life and Death:** Birds of prey, like the ʻoznîyâh, are often associated with death, either as predators that kill or as scavengers that consume carrion. Their classification as unclean might reflect a theological aversion to the consumption of creatures associated with death, contrasting with the life-giving principles of the covenant. Clean animals were often those associated with domestication, sacrifice, or a more "orderly" existence.
4. **Pedagogical Purpose:** While the ceremonial dietary laws were fulfilled and transcended in the New Covenant (e.g., [[Mark 7:19]], [[Acts 10:15]]), their original purpose was pedagogical. They served as object lessons, preparing Israel for a deeper understanding of spiritual purity and the nature of sin and holiness. The ʻoznîyâh, as a forbidden creature, thus contributes to this rich tapestry of Old Testament instruction on what it means to be God's holy people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5822 (ʻoznîyâh), likely referring to the osprey or sea-eagle due to its etymological connection to "strength" (`{{H5797}}`, *ʻoz*), appears exclusively in the biblical lists of unclean birds. In both [[Leviticus 11:13]] and [[Deuteronomy 14:12]], it is grouped with other predatory and scavenging raptors, explicitly forbidden for consumption by the Israelites. This prohibition places ʻoznîyâh squarely within the broader framework of Israel's purity laws (kashrut), which served as foundational instruction for the nation's identity, holiness, and obedience to God. The theological significance of ʻoznîyâh lies not in the bird itself, but in its role as a tangible example within a divinely ordained system designed to teach Israel about distinction, discernment, and the sacredness of their covenant relationship with a holy God. Though the specific dietary regulations are no longer binding for New Covenant believers, the underlying principles of spiritual purity and separation from defilement remain eternally relevant.
TRV