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Cuckoo

Nature

What is the meaning of Cuckoo in the Bible?

The cuckoo is a bird identified by the Hebrew term shahaph, derived from a root meaning lean or slender. It is referenced exclusively within the book of Leviticus.

SIGNIFICANCE

Identifying this species helps scholars understand the specific dietary restrictions and purity laws outlined in ancient Levitical codes.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Cuckoo were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Cuckoo in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Cuckoo clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Cuckoo." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/cuckoo/
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