Bittern

BITTERN bit’ ern (קִפֹּד, H7887; bittern KJV only [Isa 14:23; Zeph 2:14]. porcupine ASV, hedgehog RSV. Isa 34:11 porcupine ASV, RSV). All contexts suggest a deserted place and bird rather than a mammal, and this is supported by Zephaniah 2:14, “shall lodge in its capital” i.e. at the top of a column. The word may be from a root “to bunch up.” Driver suggests Ruffed Bustard, one of three species found in the area, but this is the last bird that would favor such a place. No modern commentator accepts bittern, which frequents the fish ponds of northern Israel.