Original Word: דּוּכִיפַת
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: duwkiyphath
Pronunciation: doo-kee-fath
Phonetic Spelling: (doo-kee-fath')
KJV: lapwing
NASB: hoopoe
Word Origin: [of uncertain derivation]

1. the hoopoe or else the grouse

lapwing

Of uncertain derivation; the hoopoe or else the grouse -- lapwing.

Word Origin
from the same as duk
Definition
perhaps hoopoe (a ceremonially unclean bird)
NASB Translation
hoopoe (2).

דּוּכִיפַת noun feminine an unclean bird, perhaps hoopoe, ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Saad and others (compare Di Kn Leviticus 11:19) Leviticus 11:19; Deuteronomy 14:18. **דּוּכִיפַת, name of bird: possibly of Egyptian origin, Bondi^{ZMG 1 {1896}, 292} (Arabic, Ol^{§ 221} compare Kö^{ET ix {1898}, 476}).

דום (Late Hebrew דום spread slander, perhaps originally whisper, compare דמם, דממה).

Identity and Natural Characteristics

The Dukiphath is generally identified with the hoopoe (Upupa epops), a striking bird distinguished by its cinnamon-colored plumage, bold black-and-white wing bands, and a conspicuous erectile crest. Its undulating flight, distinctive “hoo-poo” call, and habit of probing the ground with a slender decurved bill make it easily recognizable in the Levant. Though attractive in appearance, the hoopoe’s nesting habits—often in cavities fouled by its own droppings—render it ceremonially unclean in Israelite perception, fitting its placement among the prohibited birds.

Biblical Occurrences and Context

Leviticus 11:19 and Deuteronomy 14:18 each list the Dukiphath within broader catalogs of birds that “are detestable” and therefore excluded from Israel’s diet.

Leviticus 11:19: “the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat.”

Deuteronomy 14:18: “the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat.”

In both passages the hoopoe stands among creatures that either feed on carrion, dwell in uncleanness, or exhibit habits deemed incompatible with ritual purity. The dietary code served not only hygienic purposes but, more importantly, reinforced Israel’s distinctiveness and holiness (Leviticus 11:44–45).

Ancient Near Eastern Background

Extra-biblical texts reveal the hoopoe’s varied reputation. Egyptian art portrays it favorably, while later rabbinic tradition recognizes its kashrut status as non-kosher. Islamic folklore lauds the hoopoe as Solomon’s messenger (Qur’an, Sūrah 27), but the Pentateuch—written centuries earlier—classifies it with creatures kept outside the covenant meal. Thus the Scriptural witness counters neighboring cultures by subordinating popular esteem to divine revelation.

Theological and Typological Insights

1. Holiness and Separation: The hoopoe’s exclusion illustrates Yahweh’s call for Israel to discern between the holy and the profane (Leviticus 10:10). The attractive plumage reminds believers that outward beauty is an insufficient criterion for what is spiritually wholesome.

2. Moral Symbolism: The bird’s unclean nesting practices picture the defilement that resides in the human heart. “From within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts” (Mark 7:21). External allure can mask internal corruption, underscoring the need for regeneration rather than mere reformation.

3. Foreshadowing Christ’s Fulfillment: By declaring foods clean (Mark 7:19), Jesus Christ demonstrated His authority over ceremonial law while upholding its moral intention. The hoopoe’s former prohibition now serves to highlight the believer’s freedom in Christ, balanced by the call to avoid anything that defiles conscience (Romans 14:14–23).

Practical Ministry Applications

• Teaching Holiness: The Dukiphath offers an engaging visual aid for lessons on purity, helping congregants grasp why God set boundaries for His people.
• Creation Care: Observing the hoopoe in modern Israel or Africa invites appreciation for God’s creative diversity while reminding stewards of the world’s fallen condition.
• Cross-Cultural Evangelism: Noting the bird’s positive role in Islamic lore provides a bridge for respectful dialogue, leading to discussion of Solomon’s greater Son.

Reflection on Creation and Redemption

The hoopoe’s colorful feathers testify to the Creator’s artistry, yet its biblically declared uncleanness testifies to creation’s groaning under sin (Romans 8:22). In the gospel, even symbols of impurity point toward redemption: the One who “knew no sin” became sin for us, “so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Modern Observation and Continuing Significance

Hoopoes are still common across the Middle East, frequenting orchards, vineyards, and pasturelands mentioned in Scripture. Bird-watchers today can witness a living reminder of ancient dietary laws and their fulfillment in Christ. By contemplating the Dukiphath, believers are encouraged to pursue internal holiness that matches the splendor of God’s outward creation.

הַדּוּכִיפַ֖ת הדוכיפת וְהַדּוּכִיפַ֖ת והדוכיפת had·dū·ḵî·p̄aṯ hadduchiFat haddūḵîp̄aṯ vehadduchiFat wə·had·dū·ḵî·p̄aṯ wəhaddūḵîp̄aṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts