עַ֫יִט (a.yit)
a.yit
bird of prey
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ayit refers to a bird of prey, specifically one characterized by its sudden, diving attack. The lexicons note that the word likely derives from a root meaning "to scream" or "screech," evoking the harsh cry of a raptor in flight. This onomatopoeic origin highlights the creature’s aggressive nature and the alarm it causes.
In Scripture, ayit appears only five times, primarily in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, as well as in Job. It is used to describe scavengers that gather to feed on the dead bodies of fallen soldiers. For instance, Isaiah 46:11 and Jeremiah 12:9 use the term to illustrate how God’s judgment turns enemies into prey for these birds. The imagery emphasizes the completeness of defeat and the desolation left in its wake.
Translators typically render ayit as "vulture" or "eagle," depending on context, though both capture the essence of a predatory scavenger. The word carries no positive connotation; instead, it serves as a stark symbol of destruction and divine retribution. Its rarity in the biblical text underscores the severity of the situations in which it is mentioned.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ayit describes a bird of prey that swoops down with sudden force. In the Bible, this image often signals that human plans have failed and only God’s purpose remains. When Isaiah speaks of calling such a bird from the east, he is not describing an animal but a king. Cyrus, the Persian ruler, becomes the instrument of God’s will. This shows that even the most powerful leaders are under divine control.
For your faith, this means you can trust God when circumstances seem chaotic. The same power that directs the hunt also guides history. You do not need to fear the unknown because the One who holds the future is sovereign. His plans stand firm, regardless of how strong the opposition may appear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ bird[s] of prey2×
- a bird of prey2×
- ¿/ a bird of prey1×
- to/ bird[s] of prey of1×
- that/ [are] bird[s] of prey?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָ֑יִט1×
- עַ֔יִט1×
- לְ/עֵ֣יט1×
- הָ/עַ֖יִט1×
- הָ/עַ֔יִט1×
- הַ/עַ֨יִט1×
- הַ/עַ֖יִט1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 46:11
I call a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. Yes, I have spoken. I will also bring it to pass. I have planned. I will also do it.
This verse uniquely applies the term to Cyrus, showing God can use even fierce political powers to fulfill His counsel.
-
Jeremiah 12:9
Is my heritage to me as a speckled bird of prey? Are the birds of prey against her all around? Go, assemble all the animals of the field. Bring them to devour.
Here the metaphor shifts to describe God’s own heritage as a bird of prey, highlighting the tragedy when His people become scattered and vulnerable.
-
Genesis 15:11
The birds of prey came down on the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.
Abram driving away these birds illustrates the need to protect what God has promised against opportunistic threats.