Topical Encyclopedia
The term "gier-eagle" appears in the context of biblical dietary laws, specifically in the book of Leviticus. The gier-eagle is mentioned among the unclean birds that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. The Hebrew word often translated as "gier-eagle" is "racham," which has been a subject of debate among scholars and translators regarding its precise identification.
Biblical References:·
Leviticus 11:13, 18 : "These you shall regard as detestable among the birds; they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture... the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat."
·
Deuteronomy 14:12, 17 : "But these you may not eat: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture... the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat."
In these passages, the gier-eagle is listed among other birds that are considered unclean. The exact identity of the gier-eagle is not definitively known, but it is traditionally associated with birds of prey, possibly a type of vulture or eagle. The term "gier-eagle" is used in older English translations, such as the King James Version, but modern translations often use terms like "vulture" or "buzzard."
Cultural and Symbolic Significance:In the ancient Near Eastern context, birds of prey, including eagles and vultures, were often seen as symbols of power and might due to their strength and ability to soar at great heights. However, in the Levitical law, these birds are deemed unclean, possibly due to their scavenging nature and diet, which often includes carrion. This dietary restriction underscores the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation, as the Israelites were called to be distinct from surrounding nations in their practices and worship.
Theological Implications:The inclusion of the gier-eagle among unclean birds serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commandments. The dietary laws, while seemingly focused on physical cleanliness, also have spiritual implications, teaching the Israelites about purity, discipline, and the need to trust in God's wisdom. These laws set the Israelites apart and were a constant reminder of their covenant relationship with God.
Modern Interpretations:Today, the specific identity of the gier-eagle is less critical than the underlying principles these dietary laws convey. For Christians, the New Testament teaches that dietary restrictions have been fulfilled in Christ (
Mark 7:18-19,
Acts 10:15), emphasizing the spiritual purity that comes through faith in Jesus. However, the study of these laws provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the Old Testament and the nature of God's covenant with His people.
ATS Bible Dictionary
Gier-EagleProbably an Egyptian vulture, horrid and filthy, but very useful as a carrion-bird, Le 11:18. SeeVULTURE.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) A bird referred to in the Bible (Lev. xi. 18 and Deut. xiv. 17) as unclean, probably the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
GIER-EAGLEjer'-e-g'-l (racham; kuknos, in Leviticus, porphurion, in Deuteronomy): The name applied to one of the commonest of the vultures, and not an eagle at all. The word is derived from a Hebrew root, meaning "to love," and was applied to the birds because mated pairs seldom separated. These were smaller birds and inferior to the largest members of the family. They nested on a solid base, lived in pairs, and not only flocked over carrion as larger species permitted, but also ate the vilest offal of all sorts, for which reason they were protected by a death penalty by one of the Pharaohs. Because of this the birds became so frequent and daring around camps, among tent-dwellers, and in cities, that they were commonly called "Pharaoh's chickens." They are mentioned in the Bible in the lists of abominations found inLeviticus 11:13 andDeuteronomy 14:12 (the King James Version "ossifrage");Deuteronomy 14:17 the King James Version (the Revised Version (British and American) "vulture").
Gene Stratton-Porter
Strong's Hebrew
7360. racham -- carrion vulture...gier-
eagle. Or (feminine) rachamah {raw-khaw-maw'}; from racham; a kind of vulture
(supposed to be tender towards its young) --
gier-
eagle. see HEBREW racham.
...Library
Song to David
... His chest against the foes: Strong thegier-eagle [182] on his sail;... [180] glede,
hawk. [181] Xiphias, sword-fish. [182]gier-eagle, probably, circling....
Adoration
... Strong is the lion"like a coal His eyeball"like a bastion's mole His chest against
the foes: Strong thegier-eagle on his sail; Strong against tide the...
Thesaurus
Giereagle... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
GIER-
EAGLE. jer'-eg'-l (racham; kuknos,
in Leviticus, porphurion, in Deuteronomy): The name applied
...Gier-eagle (4 Occurrences)
Gier-eagle.Giereagle,Gier-eagle. Gift . Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A
bird referred to in the Bible (Lev....Giereagle,Gier-eagle. Gift . Reference
Gier (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible DictionaryGiereagle.... Gier (2 Occurrences). Leviticus 11:18 And
the swan, and the pelican, and thegiereagle, (KJV WBS YLT)....
Bearded (2 Occurrences)
... 11:13 And these ye shall have in abomination among the birds; they shall not be
eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and thegier-eagle, and the ospray...
Swan (2 Occurrences)
... swan and swon): Mentioned only in old versions and the Revised Version margin in
Leviticus 11:18: "the swan, and the pelican, and thegiereagle," and in...
Eagle (27 Occurrences)
... WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Leviticus 11:18 And the swan, and the pelican, and
thegiereagle, (KJV WBS YLT). Deuteronomy 14:12 But these...
Abomination (78 Occurrences)
... 11:13-19: "And these ye shall have in abomination among the birds; they shall not
be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and thegier-eagle, and the...
Zoology
... Hare Birds: PASSERES: Sparrow, Swallow, Raven, Hoopoe, Night Hawk RAPTORES: Great
Owl, Little Owl, Horned Owl, Eagle, Vulture,Gier-Eagle, Osprey, Kite, Glede...
Unclean (393 Occurrences)
... The American Standard Revised Version gives them as follows: eagle,giereagle,
osprey, kite, falcon, glede, every raven, ostrich, night-hawk, sea-mew, hawk...
Resources
What does the Bible say about the eagle? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to refer to God as God the mother? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a conclusive argument for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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