birds of the air

The Greek and Hebrew phrases that are often translated as “birds of the air” in English “refer to the undomesticated song birds or wild birds, to be distinguished in a number of languages from domesticated fowl. In Tzeltal these former are ‘field birds’.” (source: Bratcher / Nida)

Q’anjob’al also uses an established term for non-domesticated birds. Newberry and Kittie Cox (in The Bible Translator 1950, p. 91ff. ) explain: “Qʼanjobʼal has two distinct terms, one to identify domesticated birds and the other non-domesticated birds. The additional descriptive phrase ‘of the air’ seemed entirely misleading, for Qʼanjobʼal speakers had never heard of such creatures. Actually, of course, all that was necessary was the term for non-domesticated birds, for that is precisely the meaning of the Biblical expression.”

See also birds of the air / fish of the sea and birds or four-footed animals or reptiles.

Translation commentary on Ezekiel 31:6

The cedar tree grew so large that birds, animals, and people were able to live safely in or under it.

All the birds of the air made their nests in its boughs: For the birds of the air, see 29.5. Made their nests in its boughs shows how safe and secure the birds were in the protection of the tree. Good News Translation provides a good model for this sentence, saying “Every kind of bird built nests in its branches.”

Under its branches all the beasts of the field brought forth their young: The wild animals were also protected by the tree. For the beasts of the field, see 29.5. Brought forth their young may be rendered simply “gave birth” (New International Version, New Living Translation, New Century Version). In some languages it will be more natural to reverse the order of this sentence by saying “Wild animals gave birth to their young under its branches.”

And under its shadow dwelt all great nations: Even people from nations around the world lived under its shadow, that is, “in its shade” (New Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New International Version, New International Reader’s Version, Revised English Bible), which means “under its protection.” The inclusion of great nations in this list shows that Ezekiel is speaking figuratively about this tree, although translators need to treat it as if it is literal. Translators may render this sentence as “People from every great country lived in its shade.”

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .