Lapwing
Summary
An unclean bird mentioned in the Mosaic law, now generally identified as the hoopoe rather than the true lapwing.
☩Identification
The Hebrew word 'dukiphath' appears only in the lists of unclean birds (Leviticus 11:19; Deuteronomy 14:18) and is translated 'lapwing' in the King James Version but 'hoopoe' in most modern translations. The Septuagint and Vulgate translate it as 'epops' and 'upupa' respectively, both referring to the hoopoe. The hoopoe (Upupa epops) is a distinctive bird with an elegant fan-shaped crest, a long curved beak, and plumage marked with bands of black and white on a reddish-buff background. Its cry resembles 'hoop, hoop, hoop,' from which it derives its common name.
☩Reason for Uncleanness
The hoopoe was forbidden as food likely for several reasons. It frequents dunghills and decaying matter while searching for worms and insects, and its nest has a very unpleasant smell from the remains of beetles and other insects. Additionally, the hoopoe was regarded with superstitious reverence by the Egyptians and neighboring peoples. The Arabs called it 'the Doctor' and believed it possessed medicinal and magical qualities; its head was an indispensable ingredient in charms and witchcraft. This association with pagan superstition may have been a factor in the Mosaic prohibition, as God sought to wean Israel from Egyptian practices.
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Lapwing," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Lapwing," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.George Morrish, "Lapwing," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).