Gier-Eagle
NatureWhat is the meaning of Gier-Eagle in the Bible?
The gier-eagle is an archaic English term historically applied to large birds of prey, particularly the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) or the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which appear in biblical translations.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying the specific species behind the term gier-eagle clarifies the dietary and behavioral characteristics of the animals listed as unclean in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, providing context for ancient Israelite purity laws regarding scavenging birds.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Gier-Eagle were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Gier-Eagle in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gier-Eagle 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
"Gier-Eagle." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/giereagle/