אַיָּה
𐤀𐤉𐤄
ʼayâh
H344 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A species of large bird of prey, most likely a kite (Milvus migrans or related species), characterized by a shrill call and scavenging habits. The term refers specifically to a bird classified among unclean animals in Israelite dietary regulations. Its precise identification is debated, but it most likely designates a kite or possibly a small vulture native to the Levant.
Semantic Range
kite, bird of prey, vulture (in some translations), large scavenging bird, specifically unclean bird in dietary laws
Root / Etymology
Root: אִיָּה (possibly from the root אִי; compare with similar Semitic terms for birds of prey). The root may denote wailing or screeching sounds, relating to the characteristic call of this bird. However, the derivation is uncertain and may be onomatopoeic, reflecting the bird's cry.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term אַיָּה appears several times in Israelite dietary law lists (Leviticus 11:14; Deuteronomy 14:13) as one of the prohibited birds. Its identification in English Bible translations varies, often rendered as 'kite,' 'vulture,' or less frequently, 'hawk.' Modern ornithologists generally prefer 'kite' because of the local population of black kites (Milvus migrans) in the region and the similarity of the Hebrew name to certain Arabic bird terms. In ancient Israelite society, this bird was considered unclean due to its scavenging habits. The term may overlap in meaning with other biblical bird terms such as דָּאָה (da’ah) and רָאָה (ra’ah), both referring to birds of prey. Later Jewish tradition occasionally associated אַיָּה with broader categories of raptors, but early usages are more specific. English translations as 'vulture' may reflect Septuagint influence, but do not precisely match the modern ornithological category. There is no direct connection between the biblical term and the later English word 'hawk.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps from אִי; the screamer, i.e. a hawk; kite, vulture.
Bantu Hebrew
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איה (ʾ-y-h) — to howl, to screech, to wail
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H344-02 |
הָ/אַיָּ֖ה | haayah | HTd/Ncfsa |
black kite | the screeching kite | the kite | 2 |
H344-01 |
אַיָּֽה | ayah | HNcfsa |
of falcon | screeching kite | kite | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H344-02 |
Leviticus 11:14 | הָ/אַיָּ֖ה | haayah | HTd/Ncfsa |
black kite | the screeching kite | the screeching kite |
H344-02 |
Deuteronomy 14:13 | הָ֣/אַיָּ֔ה | haayah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the falcon | the screeching kite | the kite |
H344-01 |
Job 28:7 | אַיָּֽה | ayah | HNcfsa |
of falcon | screeching kite | kite |