Stork
“The kind one; pious”
Summary
A large migratory bird, classified as unclean under Mosaic law, known for its tender care of its young and its punctual seasonal migrations.
☩Identification and Description
The Hebrew word chasidah, derived from chesed ('kindness' or 'piety'), reflects the stork's reputation for parental and filial devotion. Two species inhabit Palestine: the white stork (Ciconia alba) and the black stork (Ciconia nigra). The white stork stands nearly four feet high, with white plumage contrasted by black wing feathers and bright red beak and legs. Its wingspan can reach seven feet, making it an impressive bird in flight.
☩Habits and Biblical References
Storks nest in tall fir and cedar trees, as mentioned in the Psalms. They are remarkably punctual in their migrations, departing for Africa in October and returning in late March—a faithfulness that Jeremiah contrasted with Israel's unfaithfulness to God's law. The prophet Zechariah saw a vision of two women with wings like a stork, emphasizing the bird's powerful flight.
☩Cultural Significance
The stork was classified as unclean, likely because of its diet which includes carrion and offal. Despite this, the bird has been protected and revered in many cultures, both ancient and modern, because of its gentle nature, fearlessness of humans, and tender care of its young. White storks often build nests on buildings and rooftops and are tolerated and even welcomed by inhabitants.
Related Verses5 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Stork," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Stork," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Stork," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).