BIBLE HEBREW WORD STUDY
ʿôp̄ (H5775) — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
ʿôp̄ (H5775) is a Hebrew noun referring to birds or winged flying creatures, commonly used in collective form.
Meaning of the word
ʿôp̄ (עוֹף) is a Hebrew noun defined as a bird, often used collectively. The lexicon entry suggests a connection to the idea of being covered with feathers or covering with wings, framing the term around the bird's distinguishing feature of flight and plumage.
The word functions as a general term for flying creatures, capturing the class of animals that move through the air by means of wings. It is not limited to a single species but includes the broad category of avian or winged beings.
Usage in Scripture
In Genesis 1:20, ʿôp̄ appears as God commands the waters to swarm with living creatures and birds to fly above the earth. The term is used generically here, referring to the bird population as a whole group introduced during the fifth day of creation.
In Genesis 1:21, ʿôp̄ is paired with the description 'every winged bird,' emphasizing that birds were created according to their kind. Later verses in Genesis 1–2 repeatedly place ʿôp̄ alongside other created categories (fish of the sea, beasts of the earth, creeping things), grouping birds as a distinct class within God's created order. By Genesis 2:19–20, ʿôp̄ describes the birds of the heavens that Adam names, showing the term's role in everyday reference to the avian world.
The word in detail
- H5775 ʿôp̄ (H5775) is defined as a bird, often collectively. The lexicon note connects the concept to being covered with feathers or covering with wings.
Example verses
- Genesis 1:20 Birds (ʿôp̄) are introduced as flying above the earth in the open firmament, marking the creation of winged creatures.
- Genesis 1:21 ʿôp̄ is used alongside 'every winged bird,' emphasizing that birds were created according to their kind.
- Genesis 1:26 Birds of the heavens (ʿôp̄) are listed among the categories over which humanity is given dominion.
- Genesis 2:20 ʿôp̄ refers to the birds of the heavens that Adam named, showing its use in everyday reference to the avian world.
Common questions
What does ʿôp̄ (H5775) mean?
It is a Hebrew noun meaning a bird, frequently used collectively for winged flying creatures.
Where does ʿôp̄ appear in the provided verses?
It appears in Genesis 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:26, 1:28, 1:30, 2:19, and 2:20, all within the creation and naming narratives.
Is ʿôp̄ used only for small songbirds?
The lexicon defines it as a bird generally, often collectively, without restricting it to a particular species or size.