Bible Dictionary
OWL, GREAT
The great owl was a large owl found among ruins, caves, tombs, and desolate places in Palestine. It was included among the birds forbidden as food in Israel’s dietary laws.
Definition
The great owl was the largest specimen of the Palestine species of the owl family mentioned in the source material. It was a large, fully feathered bird with a prominent head, long ear tufts, and a strong voice.
Biblical Usage
The great owl is included among the birds listed as abominations and forbidden as food in Leviticus 11:17 and Deuteronomy 14:16.
Historical Background
The bird was about two feet long and was found among temple ruins, tombs, caves, and ruined cities, including places in Carmel, Gennesaret, and southern Judah.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(yanshuph; Septuagint ibis, or eibis): A member of the Palestine species of the family Strigidae. The great owl mentioned in the Bible was no doubt their largest specimen of the family, a bird fully 2 ft. in length, full feathered, with unusually large head and long ear tufts. It was a formidable and noble-appearing bird, with resounding voice. It was abundant among the ruins of temples, the tombs of Carmel, the caves of Gennesaret, and among the ruined cities of Southern Judah. It is included in the abomination lists of Le 11:17 and De 14:16.</p><p>See OWL.</p><p>Gene Stratton-Porter</p>