Leviticus 11:16; Deuteronomy 14:15. Tachmas, "the violent one." Rather "the owl." Bochart and Gesenius take it "the male ostrich" and bath hayanah (KJV "owl") "the female ostrich." But the Septuagint and the Vulgate translated it "owl." The Arabic chamash is "to tear a face with claws." The "oriental owl" (Hasselquist), "the nightjar," appearing only in twilight, and passing and repassing round a tree to catch large insects; hence regarded with superstitious awe. The white barn owl (Strix flammea ) may be the one meant, since it has gleaming blue eyes, corresponding to the Septuagint Greek glaux , whereas others have yellow or orange-colored eyes.
From the co-author of the classic Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary, Fausset's Bible Dictionary stands as one of the best single-volume Bible encyclopedias ever written for general use. The author's writing style is always clear and concise, and he tackles issues important to the average student of the Bible, not just the Biblical scholars. This makes Fausset an excellent tool for both everyday Bible study and in-depth lesson or sermon preparation.Wikipedia
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