דּוּכִיפַת

דּוּכִיפַת

the hoopoe or else the grouse

Definition

The Hebrew word דּוּכִיפַת (dûwkîyphath) refers to a specific bird identified as unclean in the Mosaic Law. It is most commonly understood to be the hoopoe (Upupa epops), a distinctive bird with a prominent crest and a long, curved bill. The hoopoe is known for its unique appearance and behavior, which would have made it easily recognizable to the ancient Israelites. In the biblical lists of unclean birds in Leviticus 11:19 and Deuteronomy 14:18, it is prohibited for consumption, placing it among other birds considered ritually impure.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the two parallel legal passages that list birds forbidden as food: Leviticus 11:19 and Deuteronomy 14:18. In both contexts, it appears within a catalog of unclean creatures as part of the dietary laws given to Israel. There is no variation in its meaning or application between these two books; it consistently identifies a specific non-kosher bird. The usage is purely taxonomic within a legal framework.

Etymology

The etymology of דּוּכִיפַת is uncertain, with no clear Semitic root identified. Some scholars suggest it may be an onomatopoeic word, imitating the bird's call. Others propose a possible foreign loanword. The ancient Greek translation (Septuagint) renders it as ἔποψ (epops), which is the Greek term for the hoopoe, strongly supporting that traditional identification.

Semantic Range

This word matters theologically as it contributes to the understanding of the biblical concept of holiness and separation. The inclusion of the hoopoe in the list of unclean birds (Leviticus 11:19, Deuteronomy 14:18) underscores that God's covenant people were to be distinct in all areas of life, including their diet. These laws taught Israel to make deliberate, daily distinctions between the clean and the unclean, reinforcing their identity as a holy nation set apart for Yahweh. Understanding this specific term enriches reading by highlighting the concrete, tangible nature of obedience under the Mosaic covenant. In the ancient Near East, birds were often categorized by their observable characteristics and habits. The hoopoe, with its striking crown of feathers and habit of foraging in dung, may have been associated with impurity or unsavory traits, leading to its designation as unclean. Its inclusion in the list reflects an ancient Israelite cultural understanding of zoology and purity, where physical and behavioral attributes could render an animal unsuitable for sacred community life. No direct synonyms for this specific bird name exist in the biblical text. It is grouped under the broader category of unclean 'birds' (צִפּוֹר, tsippôr, H6833) or 'flying things' (עוֹף, ôph, H5775).

Word Details