קִפּוֹד
𐤒𐤐𐤅𐤃
qippôwd
H7090 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A type of animal frequently mentioned in poetic or prophetic contexts, best understood as a solitary, desert-dwelling creature. Although traditionally translated as 'bittern' (a type of wading bird), modern scholarship generally considers it to refer to a type of desert hedgehog or porcupine, based on the semantic field of root and comparative Semitics. In biblical usage, it signifies a creature inhabiting desolate, uninhabited, or ruined places, serving as a symbolic representation of abandonment and desolation.
Semantic Range
hedgehog, porcupine, desert-dwelling mammal, symbolic denizen of ruins, creature of waste places, (traditional but unlikely) bittern (wading bird)
Root / Etymology
From the root קָפַד (QPD), meaning 'to contract, shrink, become shriveled.' The noun form קִפּוֹד derives from this root, likely highlighting the animal's appearance (round, contracted) or its behavior (curling into a ball). Cognates appear in other Semitic languages with reference to hedgehog- or porcupine-like animals.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In earlier English translations (such as the KJV), קִפּוֹד was rendered 'bittern,' reflecting the tradition of a bird associated with desolate waters. However, this translation is now considered unlikely based on morphological and contextual considerations. In prophetic books (e.g., Isaiah 14:23; 34:11; Zephaniah 2:14), קִפּוֹד is listed with animals inhabiting ruined or deserted places—given this context and comparison with similar ancient Near Eastern fauna, it is now often translated as 'porcupine' or 'hedgehog.' This shift reflects better understanding of the root meaning and habitat described. It is distinct from words used for birds or waterfowl in biblical Hebrew. The creature functions in prophetic imagery as an indicator of devastation, taking up residence where humans no longer live. Use of 'bittern' in English emerged primarily from Septuagint (LXX) and Vulgate renderings, which read the context as referring to a desolate bird rather than a small mammal.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or קִפֹּדlemma קִכֹּד kaf, corrected to קִפֹּד; from קָפַד; a species of bird, perhaps the bittern (from its contracted form); bittern.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קפד (q-p-d) — to contract, to clamp, to shrivel
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7090-01 |
קִפֹּ֖ד | qipod | HNcmsa |
the hedgehog | desert hedgehog | 2 |
H7090-02 |
וְ/קִפּ֔וֹד | veqipod | HC/Ncmsa |
and hedgehog | desert hedgehog | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7090-01 |
Isaiah 14:23 | קִפֹּ֖ד | qipod | HNcmsa |
the hedgehog | desert hedgehog |
H7090-02 |
Isaiah 34:11 | וְ/קִפּ֔וֹד | veqipod | HC/Ncmsa |
and hedgehog | desert hedgehog |
H7090-01 |
Zephaniah 2:14 | קִפֹּ֔ד | qipod | HNcmsa |
the hedgehog | desert hedgehog |