Heron
“To breathe hard, to snort (from anger)”
Summary
The heron (Hebrew anaphah) was listed among the unclean birds in the Mosaic law, likely encompassing various species of wading birds found in Palestine's marshes and waterways.
☩Unclean Classification
The heron appears in the lists of unclean birds that Israelites were forbidden to eat. The Hebrew word anaphah derives from a root meaning "to breathe" or "to snort," particularly from anger, which aptly describes the heron's irritable disposition, especially when wounded or disturbed. The phrase "after its kind" suggests the term covers multiple species.
☩Species in Palestine
The common heron (Ardea cinerea) is abundant in the Hauran region of Palestine, frequenting lake margins, pools, and reedy water courses, consuming large quantities of fish. Several other heron species also inhabit the region, including the beautifully plumed Ardea russata with white and orange-yellow feathers. The broad term "heron after its kind" likely includes all these wading birds.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Heron," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Heron," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Heron," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Heron," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).