עׇזְנִיָּה
𐤏𐤆𐤍𐤉𐤄
ʻoznîyâh
H5822 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A large bird of prey, specifically the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), characterized by its association with fishing and open water. In biblical usage, denotes a distinct unclean bird prohibited as food. The term is often interpreted as 'osprey' but may refer to another raptor with similar attributes in the Levantine region; precise ornithological identification is debated.
Semantic Range
osprey, large bird of prey (possibly vulture or kite), raptor proscribed as unclean, bird known for strength and size
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root עז ('az), meaning 'strong' or 'mighty', with a feminine ending. The etymology suggests 'strong one', which aligns with the bird's notable size and strength. Actual ornithological identity is inferred from context and later translations, but the precise species is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
עׇזְנִיָּה appears in Leviticus 11:13 and Deuteronomy 14:12 among lists of non-kosher birds. Its mention alongside other raptors implies a bird of considerable size and predatory nature. Ancient translations vary: the Septuagint renders it as 'gryps' (Griffon vulture) or 'glede', while Vulgate uses 'milvus' (kite). Modern scholarship generally favors 'osprey' due to the behavioral correspondence, but some propose vulture or other large birds of prey native to the Levant. The word's form, a feminine noun, is probably descriptive of either the species or a characteristic trait (strength) rather than strict taxonomy. English versions use 'osprey', but this identification is largely conventional. The text does not employ religious or ethnic identity terms; the term's use is consistent through Torah law texts and does not appear outside these dietary regulations.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably feminine of עֹז; probably the sea-eagle (from its strength); ospray.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עז (ʿ-z) — strength, might, boldness, prevailing power
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H186 | אוּזַי | My Strength |
| H5796 | עֵז | she-goats |
| H5818 | עֻזִּיָּה | to Yah-is-Strength |
| H5821 | עַזָּן | Strong-One |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5822-01 |
הָ/עָזְנִיָּֽה | haazeniyah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the osprey | the strong raptor | 1 |
H5822-02 |
וְ/הָֽ/עָזְנִיָּֽה | vehaazeniyah | HC/Td/Ncfsa |
and the osprey | and the strong raptor | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5822-01 |
Leviticus 11:13 | הָ/עָזְנִיָּֽה | haazeniyah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the osprey | the strong raptor |
H5822-02 |
Deuteronomy 14:12 | וְ/הָֽ/עָזְנִיָּֽה | vehaazeniyah | HC/Td/Ncfsa |
and the osprey | and the strong raptor |