### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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