שָׁלָךְ

שָׁלָךְ

bird of prey, usually thought to be the pelican (from casting itself into the sea)

Definition

The Hebrew word שָׁלָךְ (shâlâk) refers to a specific type of unclean bird, likely a bird of prey or water bird, listed among the dietary prohibitions in the Mosaic Law. While traditionally translated as 'pelican' (from the idea of it 'casting' itself into the sea, related to its root), its exact species remains uncertain; other translations, including the KJV's 'cormorant,' suggest a diving seabird. It appears exclusively in the lists of forbidden birds in Leviticus 11:17 and Deuteronomy 14:17, with no variation in meaning between these passages. Its identification is grouped with other birds considered ritually unclean for the Israelites to eat.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in identical legal contexts within the Pentateuch. It appears in the lists detailing clean and unclean animals, specifically among the birds that the Israelites were forbidden to consume. There are no narrative or poetic uses; its sole function is taxonomic within the holiness code. The verses are Leviticus 11:17 and Deuteronomy 14:17.

Etymology

שָׁלָךְ is a noun derived from the root verb שָׁלַךְ (shâlak, H7993), which means 'to throw, cast, or hurl.' The name likely originates from the observed behavior of the bird, perhaps 'casting' itself into the water to dive for fish. This etymological connection highlights how ancient Hebrew often named animals based on characteristic actions.

Semantic Range

While the specific bird is not theologically central, its inclusion in the Levitical dietary laws underscores the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation. God's people were called to be distinct, even in everyday practices like eating. Understanding that שָׁלָךְ was 'unclean' enriches reading by reminding us that the Law addressed all of life, teaching obedience and symbolizing the need for spiritual purity. The repetition in Deuteronomy 14:17 reinforces these commands for the new generation entering the Promised Land. In its original setting, this word represented a creature well-known within the ancient Near Eastern environment but avoided for ritual purposes. The precise modern equivalent is debated (pelican, cormorant, or another diving bird), reflecting how some ancient animal terms do not map perfectly to modern species. Its classification as 'unclean' placed it outside the permissible diet, shaping Israelite cultural and religious identity. עֹזְנִיָּה (ʿozniyyah, H582) — 'osprey,' another unclean bird of prey listed alongside שָׁלָךְ in Leviticus 11:13 and Deuteronomy 14:12. נֶ֫שֶׁר (nesher, H5404) — 'eagle/vulture,' a broader term for large raptors, often unclean but also used symbolically. תִּנְשֶׁ֫מֶת (tinshemeth, H8580) — possibly 'horned owl' or 'swan,' another unclean bird listed in the same passages (Leviticus 11:18).

Word Details