Talk: צפרא

The definition given for this word on the Entry page represents the traditional meaning of the word as used e.g. in KJV.

A thourough word study of this word, on the other hand, makes it clear that this Hebrew and Aramaic word is a transliteration of the song of the Woodcock, which song is heard almost exclusively during the evening twilight hour. It follows that the word naturally is a reference to said evening twilight hour when used to indicate the time of day, and when used as a noun this word is a reference to the Woodcock, not to a finch or sparrow.

212.3.18.155 01:02, 6 October 2019 (UTC)

An Aramaic passage in the book of Daniel (Dan 4:12), referring to a mighty tree, says:

‏‏וּבְעַנְפ֙וֹהִי֙ יְדֻרוּן [יְדוּרָן֙] צִפֲּרֵ֣י שְׁמַיָּ֔א […]‎

and birds of the air dwelt in its branches […]

Woodcocks feed and nest on the ground- not exactly "birds of the air". If anything, I would say that passage refers to birds in general, rather than specifically to sparrows and finches. Besides, woodcocks are crepuscular, which means they're also active around daybreak. Chuck Entz 04:41, 6 October 2019 (UTC)

Yes, it is true that to a much more limited extent the Woodcocks do make their rounds also during the morning twilight. Typically only 1-2 rounds in the morning, if at all, as opposed to 4-6 rounds during the evening twilight. Indeed, having been an avid early morning bird watcher, I do not even remember one of these morning rounds of the Woodcock, whereas its evening rounds remain uppermost in my mind.

Most people have never seen a Woodcock on the ground, yet its evening twilight flights—among and through the trees—during which rounds their song is heard, are easily noticed by anyone taking a walk during the evening twilight hour. Thus, I believe that in the mind of most people the Woodcock is perceived as “a bird of the air dwelling in the branches of trees.” Or why would the word translated dwelling have to refer exclusively to its nesting and feeding habits?

The key here, I believe, is that words used for reference to particular times do have a natural and a sensible origin intended to make sense to the parties communicating. The Woodcock being a common bird, whose evening song while flying—dwelling—among the trees, is familiar to very many throughout the Middle East as well as throughout Europe and Asia. More so among people spending time in nature. Furthermore, the Woodcock has been, since ages past, a favorite dish being sold in the market places. Due to its very predictable habits, it is a very easy game for hunters to catch during its evening flights. Cf. Matthew 10:29 and Luke 12:6!

And, do not forget, the song of the Woodcock, does sound very much like the word צפר! Transliterated into English: “Tsipp… orah… Tsipp… orah…” As in the name of Moses’ wife Zipporah! Exodus 2:21.

Gunnar Anders Smars Jr (c) 05:40, 7 October 2019 (UTC)

Looking a little deeper at the definitions of the relevant words above discussed:

1. Woodcock: "Strong's H6852 - צפר- A primitive root; to skip about, that is, return"

2. Dwell: "Strong's H1752 - דּוּר - A primitive root; properly to gyrate (or move in a circle)..."

Please notice that both of the above definitions perfectly describe the unique characteristic of the Woodcock, that is, its twilight route, flying through the trees along its consistently recurrent exact route, returning over and over again, not only four to six times each evening, but from year to year, and even from decade to decade. What better words could describe this habit of the Woodcock than the above two words meaning ' return ' and "gyrate (or move in a circle)" respectively?

Gunnar Anders Smars Jr (c) 09:58, 7 October 2019 (UTC)

צפרא as a Hebrew Pun

Hebrew puns in the Bible are used for important purposes. As indicated by the definitions of Strong's H6852 & H1752, and as those words are being used in Daniel 4:12, quoted above, both of those words have something to do with ' return ' and "gyrate (or move in a circle)".

Notice: The Woodcock keeps returning at the same time every evening and every year! So also in the Hebrew calendar, every evening at twilight, when the Woodcock is being heard, a new Hebrew 24-hour day begins, and every spring, when the Woodcock returns, month #1 of the year is identified and announced... by the Woodcock. As does the Woodcock, so also do the key events in the Hebrew calendar. The Hebrew pun ties the two together. Most important sign posts marking each our path in time.

Yet, rarely recognised, or correctly and fully understood. As Yeshua said: "Can ye not discern the signs of the times?" Matthew 16:3