Deuteronomy 14 12

Deuteronomy 14:12 kjv

But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,

Deuteronomy 14:12 nkjv

But these you shall not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard,

Deuteronomy 14:12 niv

But these you may not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture,

Deuteronomy 14:12 esv

But these are the ones that you shall not eat: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture,

Deuteronomy 14:12 nlt

These are the birds you may not eat: the griffon vulture, the bearded vulture, the black vulture,

Deuteronomy 14 verses

Deuteronomy 14 12 Meaning

Deuteronomy 14:12 is a specific listing within a broader section of dietary laws given to Israel, detailing birds considered "unclean" and therefore forbidden for consumption. The verse specifies the raven and its varieties, the owl, the nighthawk, the cuckoo, and the hawk and its varieties, all prohibited due to their classification as unclean. This prohibition served to maintain Israel's unique status as a holy nation consecrated to the Lord, setting them apart from the surrounding nations.

Deuteronomy 14 12 Context

Deuteronomy 14 opens with a strong declaration of Israel's distinct identity: they are "a holy people to the Lord your God" and "a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth" (Deut 14:2). This unique status forms the overarching theological context for the dietary laws that follow (Deut 14:3-21). These laws serve as practical means by which Israel expresses and maintains its holiness, separating themselves from the idolatrous practices and common lifestyles of the surrounding Canaanite nations. The chapter reinforces the concept of kadosh (holy), meaning "set apart" or "sanctified" for God's purposes. The historical context is Moses reiterating God's law to the generation about to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing the covenant obligations and their identity as God's chosen people, ensuring they do not adopt pagan customs. This verse, therefore, highlights God's sovereignty even over dietary practices and serves as a direct polemic against syncretism with pagan beliefs, where such distinctions were often blurred or absent.

Deuteronomy 14 12 Word analysis

• And every (וְאֵת כֹּל - ve'et kol): "And every" (or "all") emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the prohibition, including all species within the general category, indicating a thorough exclusion.
• raven (עֹרֵב - 'orev): This Hebrew term refers to the common raven but likely includes all species within the Corvidae family (crows, rooks, jackdaws), which are generally scavenger birds. Their association with carrion and desolation (as seen in later prophetic writings like Isa 34:11) contributed to their "unclean" status.
• after his kind (לְמִינוֹ - lemino): This phrase is crucial. It reiterates the specific biological classification established by God during creation (Gen 1:21, 24-25). Here, it reinforces that the prohibition applies not just to the specific named bird, but to its entire biological family or species group. It signifies a distinct separation that is divinely ordained.
• and the owl (וְאֶת הַיַּעֲנָה - ve'et hayya'anah): While KJV translates as "owl," ya'anah more commonly refers to the ostrich or perhaps a large desert bird. Its Hebrew root might imply a loud cry or greed. It is frequently associated with desolate places in Scripture (Isa 13:21; Jer 50:39), implying its 'unclean' status could relate to its habitat or scavenging nature, even if not strictly predatory.
• and the night hawk (וְאֶת הַתַּחְמָס - ve'et hattaḥmas): This word is obscure in precise identification but typically refers to a nocturnal bird, often linked to the modern 'nightjar' or 'screech owl'. The root hamas relates to violence or wrong, suggesting a predatory nature. Its 'unclean' status likely stems from its predatory habits or perceived unsavory behavior.
• and the cuckoo (וְאֶת הַשָּׁחַף - ve'et hasshaḥaf): Often translated as "gull" or "seagull" (NKJV, NIV). These are coastal birds known for scavenging. Their dietary habits of consuming refuse or carrion align with the characteristics often associated with 'unclean' animals in the Levitical laws.
• and the hawk (וְאֶת הַנֵּץ - ve'et hannets): A general term for birds of prey like the falcon or hawk. These birds are predatory, consuming flesh (often raw) and acting as scavengers, which aligns with the categories of prohibited birds.
• after his kind (לְמִינוֹ - lemino): The repeated emphasis on "after his kind" for the raven and the hawk underscores that the classification is systematic and covers all closely related variants within the broad category. This isn't about specific individual birds, but a classification of entire groups, signifying the thoroughness of God's separation.
• Words-Group Analysis:
  • "And every raven after his kind, and... the hawk after his kind": This phrase emphasizes the classification by species or family rather than specific instances. It reflects a systematic approach to animal categorization consistent with creation accounts. The listing of five distinct categories of birds, followed by "after his kind" for two of them, suggests a hierarchical understanding of the forbidden animals, encompassing both general types and their variations. This careful delineation underscores God's meticulousness in setting boundaries for His holy people.

Deuteronomy 14 12 Bonus section

The exact identification of some of these birds in ancient Hebrew remains a subject of ongoing scholarly debate, with different translations offering alternative suggestions (e.g., ya'anah as ostrich or owl, shakhaph as seagull or cuckoo). This highlights the challenges of translating ancient faunal terms precisely into modern languages. Regardless of the exact species, the unifying factor among the listed birds is often their predatory or scavenging habits, their association with unclean environments (like deserts or ruins), or nocturnal activities. These characteristics contrasted with the animals deemed "clean," which were often docile, ruminating, or had split hooves—symbolizing cleanliness, order, and life-affirming habits. The divine classification itself, rather than observable traits alone, was the ultimate basis for the prohibition. These laws were not merely arbitrary rules but pedagogical tools, continually reminding Israel of their unique covenant relationship with a holy God.

Deuteronomy 14 12 Commentary

Deuteronomy 14:12 provides a list of specific bird types, which along with other dietary restrictions, served a critical purpose in ancient Israel: to underscore and practically implement their identity as God's chosen and holy people. The rationale for designating certain animals as unclean was not primarily based on modern hygiene or health considerations, although some overlap might exist. Instead, the core principle was holiness—being set apart unto the Lord (Deut 14:2; Lev 11:44-45). By abstaining from animals God deemed unclean, Israelites visually and tangibly separated themselves from the common practices of surrounding pagan nations, many of whom consumed these very animals or even incorporated them into their idolatrous rituals.

The birds listed in this verse, like ravens, owls, nighthawks, cuckoos (gulls), and hawks, generally share common characteristics: they are often birds of prey or scavengers, feeding on carrion or other unclean creatures. This predatory or scavenging nature, symbolizing consumption of life-blood or association with death and impurity, set them apart from "clean" animals which were typically herbivorous or had other characteristics that aligned with biblical purity. The phrase "after his kind" reinforces that the prohibition applies broadly to entire species and their related variants, signifying a comprehensive separation intended to infiltrate every aspect of Israelite life. While New Testament theology abrogates these specific dietary laws (Mk 7:19; Acts 10:15; 1 Tim 4:4), the underlying principle of being "holy and set apart" remains foundational for believers (1 Pet 1:15-16), though expressed through moral purity and spiritual discernment rather than literal dietary restrictions.