Deep Dive into צִפּוֹר
Based on the sources, the Hebrew word צִפּוֹר (ṣippôr) is primarily understood as a noun meaning "bird" or "winged creature". It serves as the general term for this major group of animals, whether domestic or wild. The word can be used collectively to refer to birds as a group or to denote a single, individual bird. While often grammatically feminine, it can sometimes take masculine agreement. The plural form is צִפֳּרִים.
Beyond the general meaning, צִפּוֹר is frequently associated with "a small bird". Several sources specifically identify it as meaning a "sparrow" in certain biblical verses, such as Psalm 84:4 and Proverbs 26:2. The term's name is potentially linked to the characteristic sound birds make, their "twittering". It also appears in biblical contexts describing typical bird characteristics like building nests (קֵן צִפּוֹר), being used in purification rituals (mentioning two birds), fluttering or being caught in a trap (used in similes), and being mentioned as food. One source suggests it might specifically refer to the crocodile-bird in Job 40:29.
Furthermore, צִפּוֹר functions as a male personal name in the Bible, referring to Zippor, the father of Balak, king of Moab. This name also is understood to mean "bird" or "sparrow". A related feminine name, Zipporah (צִפֹּרָה), meaning "bird," is the name of Moses' wife. Cognates of צִפּוֹר are found in various extra-biblical languages, highlighting the widespread nature of this term for "bird".
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