Partridge
NatureWhat is the meaning of Partridge in the Bible?
The partridge is a bird of the family Phasianidae, not Tetraonidae, known for its clear and exquisite cry. It was used as food in ancient times and is mentioned in several biblical references.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the partridge's behavior as a brooder that adopts other birds' eggs clarifies the metaphor in Jeremiah 17:11 regarding the futility of acquiring wealth unjustly, while its status as a common food source provides context for dietary laws and daily life in ancient Israel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Partridge were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Partridge in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Partridge clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Jeremiah 17:11
Related Topics
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
"Partridge." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/partridge/