דָּאָה (da.ah)
da.ah
kite
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun da’ah refers to a fast-flying bird of prey, likely the kite. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the list of unclean animals in Leviticus 11:14. In this context, the word is grouped with other scavengers and hunters that were prohibited for consumption under the Mosaic law.
While the exact species can be debated among ornithologists, the sources consistently identify it as a raptor known for its speed and predatory nature. Its inclusion in the dietary restrictions highlights the distinction between clean and unclean creatures, emphasizing purity laws that separated Israelite practices from surrounding cultures.
This rare occurrence underscores how specific animal classifications carried theological weight in ancient Israel. The kite’s swift, hunting behavior made it a symbol of untamed wildness, contrasting with the domesticated animals permitted for food. Understanding this term provides insight into the detailed regulations governing daily life and ritual holiness in the Old Testament.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word da’ah appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Leviticus 11:14. It names a fast-flying bird of prey, likely the kite, which was listed among unclean animals under Mosaic law. This rare term highlights how specific animal classifications carried theological weight in ancient Israel.
While we do not eat according to these dietary restrictions today, the passage reminds us that God’s people were called to live distinctly from surrounding cultures. The kite’s swift, predatory nature contrasted with domesticated animals permitted for food, symbolizing untamed wildness. Understanding this context helps us appreciate the detailed regulations governing daily life and ritual holiness in the Old Testament.
For your faith, this word invites reflection on how God uses everyday details to teach spiritual lessons. Just as Israel was set apart, you are called to live a life that honors God in all things. This rare mention of a bird encourages us to see Scripture’s richness in even its smallest details.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ black kite1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ֨/דָּאָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 11:14
the red kite, any kind of black kite,
This verse is the sole occurrence of da’ah, classifying the kite as an unclean animal prohibited for consumption under Mosaic dietary law.