Swan
NatureWhat is the meaning of Swan in the Bible?
The swan is a waterfowl of the duck family that appears in the margins of the Revised Version and in older English translations of Leviticus 11:18 and Deuteronomy 14:16, where it was incorrectly classified as an unclean animal prohibited for consumption.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing that the swan was a mistranslation in earlier biblical texts clarifies the dietary laws given to ancient Israelites, ensuring readers do not mistakenly believe swans were considered ritually impure in the original Hebrew context.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Swan were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Swan in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Swan clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Leviticus 11:18Deuteronomy 14:16
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
"Swan." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/swan/