Lexical Summary
dayyah: Vulture, Kite
Original Word:דַּיָּה
Part of Speech:Noun Feminine
Transliteration:dayah
Pronunciation:dah-yah
Phonetic Spelling:(dah-yaw')
KJV: vulture
NASB:hawks
Word Origin:[intensive fromH1675 (דָּאָה - fly swiftly)]
1. a falcon (from its rapid flight)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
vulture
Intensive fromda'ah; a falcon (from its rapid flight) -- vulture.
see HEBREWda'ah
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
daahDefinitionperhaps a kite (a bird of prey)
NASB Translationhawks (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
[] id. — frequenting ruins, compare Di
l.c.;
Isaiah 34:15 (on
Deuteronomy 14:13 compare foregoing).
Topical Lexicon
Identification and Natural DescriptionDayyah refers to a medium-sized bird of prey, probably the kite. It is characterized by keen eyesight, soaring flight, and a diet that includes carrion as well as live prey. In the land of Israel kites are frequently seen circling farmland and wadis, cleaning the landscape of refuse and small carcasses. Their presence in Scripture draws on these habits to teach lessons about purity, judgment, and divine provision.
Occurrences in Scripture
1.Deuteronomy 14:13 lists the dayyah among the creatures Israel was forbidden to eat: “the red kite, the black kite, any kind of falcon”.
2.Isaiah 34:15 places the dayyah in the ruined land of Edom, gathered with its mate in a desolate landscape under God’s judgment: “There the owl will make her nest… the falcons will also be gathered, each with its mate”.
Historical and Cultural Background
Ancient Near Eastern peoples observed birds of prey with both fear and admiration. Their scavenging habits made them symbols of impurity, yet their aerial grace evoked awe. In Israel, where the covenant community was called to ritual and moral cleanliness, a bird that fed on carcasses naturally came to illustrate contamination. This cultural perception lies behind its classification as unclean in the Torah. At the same time kites controlled vermin and removed dead matter, silently serving the common good—an aspect reflected inJob 39:26 where God asks, “Does the hawk take flight by your understanding?” highlighting the Creator’s sovereignty over even the scavengers.
Theological Themes
Purity and Separation
By prohibiting the dayyah from Israel’s diet, the Law reinforced a visible distinction between the holy nation and surrounding peoples (Leviticus 11:13-15;Deuteronomy 14:13). The bird’s diet of carrion embodied corruption; abstaining from it preached a continual sermon on moral vigilance (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Judgment and Desolation
Isaiah employs the dayyah to portray the aftermath of divine wrath. Once Edom is overthrown, only creatures comfortable amid ruin remain (Isaiah 34:11-15). The image underscores that persistent rebellion ends in a habitat fit only for scavengers—an implicit call to repentance (Hebrews 10:31).
Providence in Creation
Despite its negative ritual status, the kite’s efficient role in God’s ecosystem illustrates common grace.Psalm 104 celebrates predators as part of the balance of creation (Psalm 104:21). Jesus likewise pointed to unclean birds to reassure disciples of the Father’s care (Matthew 6:26). Thus, the dayyah showcases both the seriousness of sin and the benevolence of God who provides for all creatures.
Connections with Other Biblical Imagery
• Like the raven ofGenesis 8:7, the dayyah thrives on what is dead, contrasting with the dove that returns to Noah with an olive leaf.
•Proverbs 30:17 warns that the “ravens of the valley will pluck out the eye,” pairing scavengers with moral retribution. The kite stands in the same category, reinforcing the certainty of consequences.
•Revelation 19:17-18 pictures carrion birds summoned to the “great supper of God,” echoing Isaiah’s scene and confirming the unity of prophetic and apocalyptic warnings.
Ministry and Devotional Application
Personal Holiness
Believers are reminded that continual exposure to spiritual corruption dulls sensitivity. Just as Israel refused to ingest the dayyah, Christians are urged to “hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9).
Warning Against Complacency
Isaiah’s wasteland, occupied by kites, calls the church to proclaim both grace and judgment. Neglecting either weakens the gospel’s impact.
Confidence in God’s Order
Observing a kite ride the thermals can prompt worship. Its effortless flight testifies that the same God who governs predators keeps His covenant people (Psalm 91:4).
Missional Insight
The dayyah’s scavenging ministry—clearing what is dead—parallels the church’s call to confront spiritual decay while extending the hope of new life in Christ (Ephesians 5:11-14).
Conclusion
Dayyah, though mentioned only twice, richly contributes to the biblical tapestry. It marks the boundary between clean and unclean, illustrates the devastation of judgment, and yet silently glorifies the Creator who sustains all. A thoughtful reading encourages reverence, moral clarity, and renewed trust in God’s wise governance.
Forms and Transliterations
דַיּ֖וֹת דיות וְהַדַּיָּ֖ה והדיה daiYot ḏay·yō·wṯ ḏayyōwṯ vehaddaiYah wə·had·day·yāh wəhaddayyāh
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