from an unused root meaning to contract, i.e.; spring forward; an arrow-snake (as darting on its prey); great owl.
Transliteration:qippôwz
Pronunciation:kip-poze'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7091 (qippôwz) derives from an unused root signifying "to contract" or "to spring forward," conveying a sense of rapid, sudden movement. This etymological root strongly suggests a creature known for its swift, darting motion. The base definition offers two primary interpretations for the creature itself: an "arrow-snake" or a "great owl." This semantic range highlights the ambiguity inherent in identifying some ancient fauna. If an "arrow-snake," the name would describe its quick, striking attack. If a "great owl," it would refer to its swift, silent flight and predatory pounce. Both interpretations align with the underlying sense of sudden, forceful movement, making precise identification challenging but not critical to understanding its symbolic function within its sole biblical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H7091 (qippôwz) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Isaiah:
* [[Isaiah 34:15]]: "There the qippôwz shall make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there also shall the vultures be gathered, every one with her mate."
This verse is part of a prophetic oracle against Edom, describing its utter desolation and transformation into a wilderness inhabited solely by wild and unclean creatures. The immediate context of [[Isaiah 34]] portrays a land subjected to divine judgment, where human habitation gives way to the domain of untamed nature. The mention of the qippôwz building its nest, laying eggs, hatching, and gathering its young "under her shadow" emphasizes the complete abandonment of the land by humans and its reclamation by the wild. Whether understood as a snake or an owl, the creature's presence signifies the triumph of desolation. The imagery of nesting and hatching might slightly favor a bird, but snakes also lay eggs and seek shelter. The overarching theme is one of irreversible ruin, where the once-proud land becomes a haven for creatures associated with wilderness and ruin.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H7091 (qippôwz) is unique in its specific form and singular occurrence, it belongs to a broader category of words describing wild animals that inhabit desolate places, particularly in prophetic literature. These often serve as markers of divine judgment and the reversal of creation's order. Related concepts include:
* **Creatures of Desolation:** Other animals mentioned alongside the qippôwz in [[Isaiah 34]] include the jackal (`{{H8577}}` *tannim*), ostrich (`{{H3284}}` *ya'anah*), wild goats (`{{H8163}}` *sa'ir*), and night creatures/owls (`{{H3867}}` *liylith*). These collectively paint a picture of utter abandonment and wildness.
* **Unclean Animals:** Many of the creatures listed in such passages are considered unclean under the Mosaic Law, further emphasizing the defilement and curse upon the land.
* **Ambiguous Fauna:** Like H7091, several other biblical animal names present challenges for precise modern identification (e.g., `{{H3867}}` *liylith* or `{{H8581}}` *tahmas*). This ambiguity often contributes to the mystical or ominous atmosphere of the prophetic text rather than detracting from it.
* **Root `{{H6906}}` (qaphaz):** While not directly related by Strong's, the unused root of H7091 suggests a connection to the idea of "leaping" or "springing," which is also found in `{{H6906}}` (qaphaz), "to leap" or "to skip," seen in texts like [[2 Samuel 6:16]] (David leaping before the Lord). This reinforces the sense of dynamic, sudden movement.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7091 (qippôwz) is primarily derived from its singular appearance within the context of divine judgment. It serves as a vivid symbol within the prophetic landscape of desolation:
* **Consequence of Rebellion:** The presence of the qippôwz and other wild creatures in Edom underscores the dire consequences of human rebellion against God. The land, once inhabited and perhaps productive, is returned to a primal, untamed state as a direct result of divine wrath.
* **Completeness of Judgment:** The imagery of these creatures nesting and thriving in the ruins signifies the utter and irreversible nature of the judgment. Human civilization is erased, and the land is given over to the dominion of the wild, a testament to God's ultimate sovereignty over creation and history.
* **Symbol of Desolation:** Regardless of whether it is an "arrow-snake" or a "great owl," the qippôwz functions as an embodiment of the desolate, eerie, and wild character of a cursed land. Its secretive, swift movements contribute to the sense of an abandoned place, unfit for human dwelling.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** Ultimately, the prophecy demonstrates God's absolute power to bring about His purposes, whether in judgment or restoration. The qippôwz is a small but potent detail in the larger tapestry of God's just and mighty acts.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H7091 (qippôwz), transliterated as *qippôwz*, describes a creature characterized by a swift, darting motion, likely an "arrow-snake" or "great owl," though its precise identity remains debated. Its sole occurrence in [[Isaiah 34:15]] places it firmly within a prophetic oracle detailing the divine judgment and subsequent desolation of Edom. In this context, the qippôwz nesting and thriving in the ruins symbolizes the utter abandonment of the land by humans and its reclamation by wild, untamed nature. Theologically, it serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God, illustrating the completeness and irreversible nature of divine judgment. The creature, whatever its exact form, contributes to the powerful imagery of a land given over to wildness, a testament to God's sovereign will and the ultimate triumph of His righteous decree.
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