or קִפֹּדlemma קִכֹּד kaf, corrected to קִפֹּד; from קָפַד; a species of bird, perhaps the bittern (from its contracted form); bittern.
Transliteration:qippôwd
Pronunciation:kip-pode'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קִפּוֹד (qippôwd, `{{H7090}}`) is derived from the root קָפַד (qāpaḏ), which conveys the sense of "to contract," "to draw together," or "to shrink." This etymological connection strongly suggests that the name of the bird refers to a characteristic physical posture or appearance, such as drawing its neck in or presenting a generally hunched form. The base definition identifies qippôwd as a species of bird, specifically "perhaps the bittern." The semantic range is therefore quite narrow, referring to this particular avian species, known for inhabiting desolate, marshy, or overgrown areas. The identification as a bittern is widely accepted due to its habits and the contextual use in the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term qippôwd appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within prophetic pronouncements of judgment against nations:
* In [[Isaiah 14:23]], it is prophesied concerning Babylon: "I will make it a possession for the qippôwd and pools of water, and I will sweep it with the broom of destruction, declares the Lord of hosts." Here, the presence of the qippôwd signifies the utter desolation and transformation of a mighty empire into an uninhabitable wasteland.
* [[Isaiah 34:11]] describes the judgment upon Edom: "But the desert owl and the qippôwd will possess it; the screech owl and the raven will dwell in it. He will stretch over it the measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of emptiness." This verse reinforces the imagery of ruin, listing qippôwd among other birds and creatures associated with desolate, abandoned places. The "measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of emptiness" further emphasizes the complete and irreversible nature of the destruction.
* Finally, in [[Zephaniah 2:14]], concerning Nineveh: "And flocks shall lie down in her midst, all kinds of beasts; the qippôwd and the owl shall lodge in her capitals; their voice shall hoot in the windows; devastation will be on the thresholds, for he has laid bare the cedar work." This passage vividly portrays the former grandeur of Nineveh's palaces becoming a dwelling for wild creatures, with the qippôwd inhabiting its very capitals, underscoring the depth of its fall and the triumph of wilderness over human habitation.
In all three contexts, qippôwd consistently functions as a powerful symbol of divine judgment, desolation, and the complete reversal of human glory into ruin and abandonment. Its presence signifies the ultimate end of human pride and the triumph of God's sovereign will.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for qippôwd is its root, קָפַד (qāpaḏ), which denotes the physical act of contracting or shrinking. This root provides insight into the naming of the bird, likely due to its appearance or behavior.
Conceptually, qippôwd is closely associated with other creatures that inhabit desolate and ruined places, often appearing alongside them in prophetic texts to amplify the imagery of destruction:
* `{{H3244}}` *qā'ath* (pelican or desert owl)
* `{{H3654}}` *kôs* (owl)
* `{{H6202}}` *ōaḥ* (screech owl)
* `{{H6190}}` *ʿōrēḇ* (raven)
These creatures collectively paint a picture of uninhabited wilderness and the decay of once-thriving civilizations. The presence of qippôwd is intrinsically linked to the concepts of:
* **Desolation:** `{{H2721}}` *ḥorbah* (ruin, waste)
* **Judgment:** `{{H4941}}` *mišpāṭ* (judgment, justice)
* **Chaos and Emptiness:** `{{H8414}}` *tōhû* (formlessness, chaos) and `{{H922}}` *bōhû* (emptiness, void), as seen in [[Isaiah 34:11]].
### Theological Significance
The consistent placement of qippôwd within prophecies of judgment lends it significant theological weight. It is not merely an incidental detail but a potent symbol of God's righteous wrath and the inevitable consequences of human arrogance and rebellion against divine will. The transformation of magnificent cities and nations into habitats for creatures like the qippôwd underscores several profound truths:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's power is absolute; He can reduce the mightiest human achievements to dust, demonstrating that all earthly power is transient before Him.
* **Consequences of Sin:** The desolation marked by the qippôwd serves as a tangible manifestation of the curse brought about by sin and idolatry. It is a visible sign of a land "swept with the broom of destruction" ([[Isaiah 14:23]]).
* **Irreversible Judgment:** The presence of the qippôwd in these ruins implies a state of permanent abandonment. The land is not merely temporarily laid waste but is given over to the wild, a place where human habitation will not return.
* **Symbol of Decay:** The qippôwd, a creature of the desolate and often marshy places, embodies the decay and putrefaction of what was once vibrant. Its hooting or presence contributes to an eerie, mournful atmosphere, signaling the end of human activity and the reign of silence.
The qippôwd thus stands as a stark reminder that God's judgments are thorough and that no human empire, however grand, can ultimately withstand His decree.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קִפּוֹד (qippôwd, `{{H7090}}`), likely identifying the bittern, derives its name from a root signifying "to contract," perhaps alluding to the bird's characteristic posture. Appearing exclusively in prophetic passages concerning divine judgment ([[Isaiah 14:23]], [[Isaiah 34:11]], [[Zephaniah 2:14]]), qippôwd consistently symbolizes utter desolation and the complete overthrow of proud nations. Its presence signifies the transformation of once-mighty cities into uninhabitable ruins, fit only for creatures of the wilderness. Theologically, qippôwd serves as a potent emblem of God's absolute sovereignty, the severe consequences of sin, and the irreversible nature of divine judgment, emphasizing the transience of human power and the ultimate triumph of God's righteous will.
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