from רָאָה; a bird of prey (probably the vulture, from its sharp sight); glede. Compare דָּאָה.
Transliteration:râʼâh
Pronunciation:raw-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7201 (רָאָה, râʼâh) denotes a specific type of bird of prey. Its etymological root is the verb H7200 (רָאָה, râʼâh), meaning "to see" or "to perceive." This derivation is crucial, as it directly links the bird to its most prominent characteristic: exceptionally keen eyesight. The base definition suggests it is likely a vulture or a glede, both known for their sharp vision, enabling them to spot carrion or prey from great distances. The semantic range is narrow, referring exclusively to this particular avian species within the context of biblical purity laws.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H7201 appears in two primary passages within the Pentateuch, both detailing lists of animals forbidden for consumption by the Israelites:
* [[Leviticus 11:14]]: "and the glede, and the kite after its kind;" Here, H7201 is listed among other unclean birds, specifically following the kite (H1772, דָּאָה, dâʼâh), which is also a bird of prey. The context is the Mosaic dietary law, establishing clear boundaries for what is considered ritually clean or unclean.
* [[Deuteronomy 14:13]]: "and the glede, and the kite, and the falcon after its kind;" Similar to the Leviticus passage, H7201 is again enumerated within a list of prohibited birds. This reiteration in Deuteronomy underscores the consistent nature of these purity regulations across the covenant.
In both occurrences, H7201 is embedded within a broader category of birds of prey and scavengers, which are uniformly declared unclean. Their inclusion in these lists signifies their unsuitability for consumption by a people called to holiness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic connection for H7201 is its verbal root, H7200 (רָאָה, râʼâh), "to see." This etymological link highlights the bird's acute vision as its defining characteristic. The base definition also explicitly invites comparison with H1772 (דָּאָה, dâʼâh), often translated as "kite." These two terms frequently appear together in the lists of unclean birds, suggesting they may refer to similar or closely related species of raptors, or perhaps different types within the broader category of "glede" or "kite." The broader conceptual field includes other terms for unclean birds, such as the eagle, osprey, buzzard, raven, and various owls, all of which are categorized as unfit for Israelite consumption due to their predatory or scavenging nature. This categorization reflects a theological distinction between clean and unclean, separating Israel from the practices of surrounding nations.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of H7201 among the forbidden animals carries significant theological weight within the Mosaic covenant. The prohibition of birds like the *râʼâh* is not merely arbitrary but serves to reinforce the concept of holiness (H6944, קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) and separation (H914, בָּדַל, badal) for the people of Israel. Birds of prey, by their nature, consume carrion or shed blood, which were associated with defilement and death in the ancient Near East. By forbidding the consumption of such creatures, YHWH established tangible boundaries that distinguished His covenant people from the nations around them. This distinction was a constant reminder of Israel's unique calling to reflect God's own purity and set-apartness. The dietary laws, including the prohibition of the *râʼâh*, functioned as a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel to discern between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean, thereby cultivating a mindset of reverence and obedience to divine commands in all aspects of life.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H7201 (רָאָה, râʼâh) identifies a bird of prey, likely a vulture or glede, named for its keen eyesight, derived from the verb H7200 (to see). It consistently appears in the biblical dietary laws ([[Leviticus 11:14]], [[Deuteronomy 14:13]]) as an unclean animal, forbidden for Israelite consumption. Its prohibition, alongside other birds of prey and scavengers, underscores the theological principles of holiness, distinction, and obedience that were central to the Mosaic covenant, serving to set Israel apart as a people consecrated to YHWH.
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