קִפּוֹז (qip.poz)
qip.poz
arrow snake
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qippôz appears only once in the entire Bible, in Isaiah 34:15. Its primary identification is an "arrow snake," a venomous serpent likely named for its swift, darting movements or distinctive markings. The term evokes a creature of danger and desolation, fitting the chapter’s broader theme of Edom’s judgment and the transformation of once-fertile land into a barren wasteland.
Translators have struggled with this word because its exact meaning is uncertain. Some ancient versions, including the Septuagint and Targum, render it as "owl" or "screech owl," perhaps associating the creature with night, silence, or ruins. This shift suggests that by the time of translation, the specific snake was less familiar, or its habitat overlapped with that of birds of prey in desolate places.
The single occurrence anchors the word in a vivid image of ecological collapse. Where life once thrived, only dangerous animals remain. The uncertainty of the term does not weaken its impact; instead, it highlights the thoroughness of divine judgment, leaving even precise identification ambiguous for later readers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qippôz appears only once in Scripture, nestled within Isaiah’s vivid description of Edom’s desolation. It likely refers to a venomous snake or perhaps an owl, creatures that inhabit places where life has been extinguished. This imagery reminds us that judgment is thorough; when God removes His protection, the land becomes unsafe for all but those who thrive in ruin.
For your faith, this word underscores the seriousness of rebellion against God. Yet it also highlights the contrast between destruction and restoration. Where there was once fertility and order, now only danger remains. This serves as a sobering reminder to seek God’s presence, which brings life and safety, rather than wandering into places of spiritual emptiness.
Ultimately, this single occurrence points to the reality that apart from God, even the natural world falls into chaos. It invites us to cling to His promises of renewal, knowing that He alone can restore what sin has broken.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- owl[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קִפּוֹז֙1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 34:15
The arrow snake will make her nest there, and lay, hatch, and gather under her shade. Yes, the kites will be gathered there, every one with her mate.
This verse uses the word to depict the complete ecological collapse of Edom, where dangerous creatures replace former inhabitants.