Lapwing
NatureWhat is the meaning of Lapwing in the Bible?
The lapwing is a crested bird that differs in size and coloration from the hoopoe. It appears in biblical lists of unclean animals.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the lapwing as a distinct species clarifies the specific biological characteristics of the creatures deemed unclean in Leviticus, aiding in accurate historical and zoological understanding of the text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Lapwing were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Lapwing in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Lapwing 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
"Lapwing." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/lapwing/