קָאַת (qa.at)
qa.at
pelican
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qa‘at refers to a specific type of bird listed among the unclean creatures in Leviticus 11:17 and Deuteronomy 14:16. Its exact identity has long been debated, with scholars suggesting it is either a pelican or a cormorant. Some researchers even propose that the word might describe an extinct species, meaning its precise zoological classification remains uncertain.
Despite this ambiguity, the theological function of the word is clear. It appears in prophetic literature, such as Isaiah 34:11 and Zephaniah 2:14, to depict desolation. In these contexts, the bird symbolizes a ruined land reclaimed by wild, untamed nature. The presence of qa‘at signals that human civilization has vanished, leaving only the harsh reality of the wilderness.
Translators typically render this word as "pelican" or "cormorant," depending on the version. This choice reflects the ancient understanding of the animal as a scavenger or waterbird associated with barren places. The term serves as a vivid marker of judgment and abandonment, reminding readers that even the most remote corners of the earth are subject to divine order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read about the pelican in Scripture, it is not primarily a lesson about ornithology. The word qa‘at appears in lists of unclean animals, marking boundaries for ancient Israel. Yet its most striking use comes in prophetic warnings. Isaiah and Zephaniah describe ruined cities where these birds take up residence. This imagery paints a picture of total abandonment, where human order has collapsed into wild desolation.
For your faith, this offers a sobering reminder of God’s sovereignty over history. Even the most fortified places can become empty if they turn away from Him. But it also points to the reality that no place is beyond His reach. The wilderness is not outside His control; it is part of His judgment and His restoration. We find hope knowing that He brings order out of chaos.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- desert owl2×
- the/ desert owl1×
- and/ the/ desert owl1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קָאַת֙1×
- קָאַ֣ת1×
- וְ/הַ/קָּאָ֥ת1×
- הַ/קָּאָ֖ת1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 34:11
But the pelican and the porcupine will possess it. The owl and the raven will dwell in it. He will stretch the line of confusion over it, and the plumb line of emptiness.
This verse uses the pelican to symbolize Edom’s complete desolation, showing how divine judgment leaves land empty and wild.
-
Zephaniah 2:14
Herds will lie down in the middle of her, all kinds of animals. Both the pelican and the porcupine will lodge in its capitals. Their calls will echo through the windows. Desolation will be in the thresholds, for he has laid bare the cedar beams.
Here the bird marks Nineveh’s fall, illustrating that human pride cannot withstand God’s decree of emptiness.
-
Leviticus 11:18
the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey,
This occurrence places the bird among unclean creatures, establishing ritual boundaries for Israel’s holy living.