Definition: And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Leviticus 11:16. It’s a pretty serious statement about what is considered unclean or forbidden. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that certain animals are strictly off-limits to be touched, handled, or even seen by humans. It's essentially saying these animals are considered spiritually dirty and should not be associated with us. Let’s look at it word by word: “And the owl…” : Owls are mentioned here – they're a specific type of bird often associated with darkness and mystery. “…and the night hawk…” : This refers to hawks, particularly those that fly at night. They’re seen as creatures that roam in the shadows. “And the cuckow…” : “Cuckow” is a tricky word. It's often translated as "fox" or "dog." It refers to a type of wild bird – specifically, a species known for its cunning and sometimes deceitful behavior. It’s used to describe animals that are considered unclean because they exhibit this trait. “And the hawk after his kind” : This is the most important part! It means that any hawk that's a sibling or related to this particular species (the cuckow) is also forbidden. So, what does it all mean? Basically, Leviticus 11:16 says that these specific animals are considered spiritually unclean because they’re associated with deceitfulness, trickery, and being different from humans. It’s a reminder to be wary of these creatures and to treat them with respect – as a sign of keeping the holy ways. Why is this important in the Bible? This verse is crucial for understanding the rules surrounding ritual purity and holiness in Judaism. It’s a foundational principle for maintaining a separate and sacred space for God, and it helps to prevent impurity entering into the community. It's also a reminder of the importance of respecting and honoring God's creation. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Leviticus/11:16](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Leviticus/11:16) Wikipedia - Leviticus 11: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviticus_11](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviticus_11) Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps talk about the significance of this verse within a broader context of Jewish law and tradition?