The meaning of both terms is uncertain, resulting in explainers spending significant effort in attempts to identify these creatures inhabiting the decorated capitals. The owl
has been translated otherwise as the desert owl
(NIV, NRSV), a cormorant
(a water bird, KJV), vulture
(RSV), eagle owl
(CSB), horned owl
(NEB), or pelican
(NASB). In Leviticus 11:18 and Deuteronomy 14:17 the word refers to an unclean bird, and in Psalm 102:6 and Isaiah 34:11 the bird is cited as inhabiting deserted places. Most likely it is some kind of owl.
The hedgehog
is also translated in various ways, and the translations present a variety of different animals: bittern
(KJV), hedgehog
(ESV, RSV, NASB), porcupine
(RV), and bustard
(REB). The ESV’s hedgehog
is not unreasonable, since such an animal would be able to lodge in capitals that would be lying in ruins. For that matter, it could otherwise be another kind of owl, such as a screech owl,
lodging in a ruined and deserted area.1
John Calvin’s remark on the matter is notable: As to their various kinds, I make no laborious research; for it is enough to know the Prophet’s design.
2 Perhaps most significant in this discussion is the fact that each of these lists names those birds designated unclean. The ceremonially defiled shall make their residence in the ruins of Nineveh.
14 Herds shall lie down in her midst, all kinds of beasts; even the owl and the hedgehog shall lodge in her capitals; a voice shall hoot in the window; devastation will be on the threshold; for her cedar work will be laid bare.