Bittern

Is found three times in connection with the desolations to come upon Babylon, Idumea, and Nineveh (Isa. 14:23; 34:11; Zeph. 2:14). This bird belongs to the class of cranes. Its scientific name is Botaurus stellaris. It is a solitary bird, frequenting marshy ground. The Hebrew word (kippod) thus rendered in the Authorized Version is rendered “porcupine” in the Revised Version. But in the passages noted the kippod is associated with birds, with pools of water, and with solitude and desolation. This favours the idea that not the “porcupine” but the “bittern” is really intended by the word.

The word occurs in (Isaiah 14:23; 34:11; Zephaniah 2:14) and we are inclined to believe that the Authorized Version is correct. The bittern (Botaurus stellaris) belongs to the Ardeidae, the heron family of birds, and is famous for the peculiar nocturnal booming sound which it emits.

BIT'TERN . Isa 34:11. Doubtless a correct translation. The bitterns belong to the heron tribe, and the Oriental species differ but slightly from the American. A solitary bird, its strange booming note is often heard during the stillness of the night in fens and marshes. The language of prophecy, Isa 14:23 and Isa 34:11; Zeph 2:14, imports the utmost solitude and desolation.

BIT'TERN . Isa 34:11. Doubtless a correct translation. The bitterns belong to the heron tribe, and the Oriental species differ but slightly from the American. A solitary bird, its strange booming note is often heard during the stillness of the night in fens and marshes. The language of prophecy, Isa 14:23 and Isa 34:11; Zeph 2:14, imports the utmost solitude and desolation.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

A wading bird of the genus Botaurus, allied to the herons, of various species.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The brine which remains in salt works after the salt is concreted, having a bitter taste from the chloride of magnesium which it contains.

2. A very bitter compound of quassia, cocculus Indicus, etc., used by fraudulent brewers in adulterating beer. Cooley.