Leviticus 11:16

And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,

And the owl {H1323}{H3284}, and the night hawk {H8464}, and the cuckow {H7828}, and the hawk {H5322} after his kind {H4327},

the ostrich, the screech-owl, the seagull, the various kinds of hawks,

the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk,

and the ostrich, and the night-hawk, and the sea-mew, and the hawk after its kind,

Commentary

Leviticus 11:16 is part of a detailed chapter outlining the dietary laws given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Specifically, this verse continues a list of birds that were considered "unclean" and therefore forbidden for consumption.

Context

Chapter 11 of Leviticus provides an extensive catalog of animals, birds, fish, and creeping things, categorizing them as either "clean" (permissible to eat) or "unclean" (forbidden). This distinction was fundamental to the covenant God made with Israel, setting them apart from other nations. The laws were not merely about diet but served a deeper purpose in defining the Israelites' identity as a holy people dedicated to the Lord. The list of unclean birds, including the owl, night hawk, cuckow, and hawk mentioned here, typically includes predatory or scavenging birds, which were often associated with impurity in ancient cultures. These regulations underscored the importance of making a distinction between the clean and the unclean, a principle repeated throughout the chapter.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Purity: The overarching theme of Leviticus 11 is God's call for His people to be holy, just as He is holy. Dietary laws were a tangible way for the Israelites to demonstrate their obedience and their separation from the practices of surrounding pagan nations. They were to be a holy people to the Lord.
  • Obedience: Adhering to these specific commands was an act of faith and submission to God's authority, reinforcing the covenant relationship.
  • Distinction: These laws taught the Israelites to discern and differentiate, not just in their diet, but in all areas of life, between what was acceptable to God and what was not.

Linguistic Insights

The precise identification of some birds listed in ancient Hebrew texts can be challenging, and translations vary. The KJV terms "owl," "night hawk," "cuckow," and "hawk" represent birds generally understood to be nocturnal, predatory, or carrion-eaters. The Hebrew term for "unclean" (tameh - ื˜ึธืžึตื) signifies a state of ritual impurity or unsuitability, not necessarily toxicity, but rather something unfit for consumption or for bringing into God's presence.

Practical Application

While these specific dietary restrictions were largely fulfilled for believers under the New Covenant, as illustrated in Peter's vision in Acts 10 and Jesus' teaching in Mark 7:19, the underlying principles remain relevant. Believers are still called to a life of holiness and distinction. This means:

  • Spiritual Discernment: We are to discern what is spiritually "clean" or "unclean" in our livesโ€”what influences, entertainment, relationships, and thoughts honor God and build us up, versus those that defile or pull us away from Him.
  • Obedience to God's Word: Though the specific laws have changed, the call to obey God's commands and live according to His will is constant.
  • Living Set Apart: Christians are called to be "in the world but not of the world," reflecting God's character and values in a way that distinguishes them from secular culture.

Thus, Leviticus 11:16, while detailing ancient dietary rules, serves as a reminder of God's enduring call for His people to live lives of purity, discernment, and devotion.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 34:11 (2 votes)

    But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.

  • Isaiah 34:15 (2 votes)

    There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.

  • Deuteronomy 14:15 (2 votes)

    And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,

  • Deuteronomy 14:18 (2 votes)

    And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.

  • John 3:19 (2 votes)

    And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

  • John 3:21 (2 votes)

    But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

  • Revelation 18:2 (2 votes)

    And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.