The Hebrew word shâlâk, represented by H7994, is a bird of prey identified as the cormorant. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The name is derived from a root word meaning to cast, which is thought to refer to the way a pelican casts itself into the sea to catch fish.
Both occurrences of H7994 are found within lists of unclean birds that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. In Leviticus 11:17, the cormorant is listed alongside the little owl H3563 and the great owl H3244. In the parallel list in Deuteronomy 14:17, it appears with the pelican H6893 and the gier eagle H7360.
Several related words appear alongside shâlâk in these lists of unclean birds:
- H3563 kôwç (from an unused root meaning to hold together; a cup (as a container), often figuratively, a lot (as if a potion); also some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye); cup, (small) owl. Compare כִּיס.): It is listed as the "little owl" immediately before the cormorant in the list of unclean birds Leviticus 11:17.
- H3244 yanshûwph (or יַנְשׁוֹף; apparently from נָשַׁף; (compare נֶשֶׁף); an unclean (acquatic) bird; probably the heron (perhaps from its blowing cry, or because the nightheron is meant )); (great) owl.): This term, translated as "great owl," is named directly after the cormorant in Leviticus, helping to define a group of forbidden fowl Leviticus 11:17.
- H6893 qâʼath (from קוֹא; probably the pelican (from vomiting); cormorant.): Translated as "pelican," this bird is listed with the cormorant in the dietary laws found in Deuteronomy Deuteronomy 14:17.
- H7360 râchâm (or (feminine) רָחָמָה; from רָחַם; a kind of vulture (supposed to be tender towards its young); gier-eagle.): The "gier eagle" is also grouped with the cormorant in the list of unclean birds Deuteronomy 14:17.
The significance of H7994 is exclusively tied to the Mosaic law concerning clean and unclean animals.
- Inclusion in Dietary Law: The primary function of this word is its inclusion in the list of birds declared ceremonially unclean and therefore forbidden for consumption by the Israelites.
- Symbol of the Unclean: The cormorant, alongside other birds of prey and aquatic birds, is specifically prohibited, establishing a clear boundary between what is acceptable to eat and what is not (Leviticus 11:17, Deuteronomy 14:17).
- Context of Separation: Its presence in these legal texts reinforces the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation, where dietary laws served as a daily reminder to Israel of their unique covenant status before God.
In summary, H7994 shâlâk is a specific term used to identify the cormorant as an unclean bird. Its only two appearances in Scripture are within the legal codes of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The word serves a narrow but important function, helping to define the dietary restrictions that were a key part of Israel's covenant relationship with God and its identity as a people set apart.
TRV