Definition: And these [are they which] ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they [are] an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 11:13. It’s a pretty serious warning about what is considered offensive to God. Here's a simple explanation: “And these [are they which] ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they [are] an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "And these [are they which] ye shall have in abomination among the fowls..." : This is the key part. It means we are talking about certain animals that God has designated as offending or unacceptable . “In abomination” is a strong word – it suggests something deeply disliked and spiritually wrong. "...they shall not be eaten..." : This is a direct command: these animals cannot be consumed. It's a rule of law, essentially. "...they [are] an abomination:" : This is the core of the warning. “Abomination” means something that is so unpleasant or shocking that it’s considered a violation of God’s will. It goes beyond just being disliked; it feels like something is wrong . “the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray.” : This list gives us specific examples of what's considered an abomination. Let’s look at each one: Eagle: A bird known for its sharp eyesight, and often associated with danger. Ossifrage: This is a term that translates to "bone-bearing" or "bone-ridden." It refers to animals with bones – particularly those that are broken or damaged. Ospray: Similar to ossifrage, this describes an animal with many bones – often associated with a painful or unsettling appearance. In short, the verse is saying: “These specific birds and animals are considered inherently offensive and forbidden by God.” What does this mean for us? This commandment is a foundational principle of Jewish law (and also has roots in other traditions). It highlights God's holiness and his desire to keep himself separate from things that would disrupt his perfect order. It’s about honoring God through reverence and avoiding things that might bring him shame or displeasure. Important Note: This is a complex passage, and it’s often interpreted in different ways. However, the core message is about recognizing and respecting God's divine standards. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with more detail? Give you some examples of animals that were traditionally considered forbidden based on this verse? Talk about the significance of this passage within Jewish tradition?