יַנְשׁוּף
𐤉𐤍𐤔𐤅𐤐
yanshûwph
H3244 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A nocturnal bird, likely referring in context to a type of owl (possibly the eagle-owl or long-eared owl), noted for its haunting cries and habits of activity during twilight or night. The term designates a species listed among the birds considered ritually impure (i.e., not to be eaten by Israelites), and is associated with desolation and abandonment in poetic and prophetic texts.
Semantic Range
nocturnal (unclean) bird, likely an owl species; bird associated with desolation; symbol of wastelands or abandonment; possibly eagle-owl, horned owl, or long-eared owl
Root / Etymology
From the root נשף (n-š-p), meaning 'to blow, breathe, exhale.' The noun יַנְשׁוּף is etymologically related to this root, perhaps alluding to the bird’s cry or breathing sound, or linked to its activity during dusk or night, paralleling the noun נֶשֶׁף (twilight, dusk).
Historical & Contextual Notes
יַנְשׁוּף appears in Levitical dietary laws (Leviticus 11:17; Deuteronomy 14:16) among lists of birds forbidden as food, where it is contextually grouped with other nocturnal or ominous birds. Its identification has shifted in translation: traditionally rendered 'great owl,' but also sometimes 'horned owl' or 'eagle-owl.' Some translation traditions have assumed the term originates from the bird’s notable cry or night activity, but its precise ornithological identification remains uncertain. In Isaiah 34:11, it is used symbolically to describe ruin and desolation, highlighting the bird’s association with abandoned and inhospitable places. English translations like 'owl' or 'great owl' capture the nocturnal aspect but may obscure nuances such as ritual impurity or symbolism. The term is not tied to later English meanings of 'owl' in folklore or literature and should be interpreted within its ancient Near Eastern context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or יַנְשׁוֹף; apparently from נָשַׁף; (compare נֶשֶׁף); an unclean (acquatic) bird; probably the heron (perhaps from its blowing cry, or because the nightheron is meant )); (great) owl.s
Bantu Hebrew
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נשף (n-š-p) — to blow, breathe out, exhale
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3244-01 |
הַ/יַּנְשֽׁוּף | hayaneshuf | HTd/Ncmsa |
great owl | the blowing-owl | 2 |
H3244-02 |
וְ/יַנְשׁ֥וֹף | veyaneshof | HC/Ncmsa |
and owl | and breath-owl | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3244-01 |
Leviticus 11:17 | הַ/יַּנְשֽׁוּף | hayaneshuf | HTd/Ncmsa |
great owl | the blowing-owl |
H3244-01 |
Deuteronomy 14:16 | הַ/יַּנְשׁ֖וּף | hayaneshuf | HTd/Ncmsa |
the great owl | the blowing-owl |
H3244-02 |
Isaiah 34:11 | וְ/יַנְשׁ֥וֹף | veyaneshof | HC/Ncmsa |
and owl | and breath-owl |