Deuteronomy 14 3

Deuteronomy 14:3 kjv

Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

Deuteronomy 14:3 nkjv

"You shall not eat any detestable thing.

Deuteronomy 14:3 niv

Do not eat any detestable thing.

Deuteronomy 14:3 esv

"You shall not eat any abomination.

Deuteronomy 14:3 nlt

"You must not eat any detestable animals that are ceremonially unclean.

Deuteronomy 14 verses

Deuteronomy 14 3 Meaning

Deuteronomy 14:3 is a direct command prohibiting the Israelites from consuming anything considered "abominable" or detestable. This command introduces the specific dietary laws that follow in the chapter, which define clean and unclean foods. It serves as a foundational statement underscoring Israel's call to holiness and distinction as God's chosen people, setting them apart from the practices of surrounding nations.

Deuteronomy 14 3 Context

Deuteronomy 14 is part of Moses' second major discourse to Israel before they enter the Promised Land. The preceding verses (Deut 14:1-2) establish the overarching principle: Israel is "children of the LORD your God" and a "holy people" (כְּבֵן אֱלֹהֶיךָ, keben Elohecha and עַם קָדוֹשׁ, am qadosh), specifically chosen by God. This identity mandates their distinct behavior, separating them from the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. Verse 3 acts as a summary prohibition of what a holy people should not do regarding their diet, preceding the specific list of clean and unclean animals (Deut 14:4-20). The dietary laws reinforce their distinct covenant relationship with God and prevent assimilation into the pagan cultic practices, which often involved consuming animals forbidden by God.

Deuteronomy 14 3 Word analysis

• You shall not eat: A direct and unconditional prohibition (lo' to'khel לֹא־תֹאכַל). This strong negative command underscores the seriousness of the instruction. It is an immediate action verb, commanding cessation. It is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative, linking diet directly to obedience and covenant faithfulness.

• any: The Hebrew text implies totality. It indicates that no part or category of the forbidden "thing" is permissible. This leaves no room for exception or partial observance, emphasizing complete adherence to God's standard.

• abominable thing: The core of the command lies in the Hebrew word תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah), meaning something detestable, abhorrent, disgusting, or religiously offensive.

  • תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah): This is a powerful theological term in the Old Testament. While often used for unclean food, its meaning extends far beyond diet, frequently describing actions that deeply offend God and violate His covenant principles. Examples include idolatry (Deut 7:25), sexual perversions (Lev 18:22), child sacrifice (Deut 12:31), unjust weights (Deut 25:16), pride (Prov 6:16), and wicked practices in general (Ps 14:1). The use of to'evah here signifies that consuming these forbidden foods is not merely a matter of hygiene but carries profound spiritual and theological weight, aligning with acts offensive to God. It highlights that the food laws were part of Israel's larger commitment to holiness and separation from paganism.
  • thing: The Hebrew term (kol) translated as "any" or "every" before to'evah, makes it an encompassing command against "any abomination." It's a general term encompassing various categories, to be defined in subsequent verses (clean/unclean animals).

• Words-group analysis:

  • "You shall not eat any abominable thing": This concise prohibition encapsulates a fundamental principle of Old Testament holiness. It signifies Israel's commitment to being distinct and undefiled, separating themselves from pagan customs where forbidden animals might be consumed, sometimes even as part of idol worship. By declaring certain foods "abominable," God established boundaries for His people, guiding them toward a way of life that reflected their covenant relationship and consecrated status. This dietary discipline was a constant, tangible reminder of their unique identity as the chosen people set apart for Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 14 3 Bonus section

• The Mosaic dietary laws were not primarily health codes, though some modern benefits have been observed. Their foremost purpose was theological and social: to create a unique, separated, and holy people unto the Lord, reflecting His holiness in their daily lives.
• The distinction between clean and unclean animals often parallels broader categories of order versus chaos in the created world from a biblical perspective, reinforcing God's design and sovereignty.
• In the New Testament, under the New Covenant in Christ, the literal dietary restrictions were superseded (Mark 7:19; Acts 10:15). However, the underlying principles of holiness, living distinctly for God, and avoiding spiritual "abominations" (e.g., idolatry, moral corruption, pride) remain eternally valid and are amplified for believers (e.g., 2 Cor 6:14-18, Rom 14:1-23). The shift moved from external, physical distinctions to internal, spiritual purity.

Deuteronomy 14 3 Commentary

Deuteronomy 14:3 serves as a pivotal summary statement for the specific dietary regulations that follow, providing the theological rationale for them. The command to "not eat any abominable thing" is more than a list of prohibited foods; it is an imperative rooted in Israel's identity as a holy nation, separated unto God (Deut 14:2). The term "abominable" (to'evah) carries profound spiritual weight, signifying something deeply offensive to God, akin to idolatry, grave sexual sin, or injustice. Thus, partaking of these foods was seen as participating in something antithetical to God's nature and covenant demands. These laws primarily served to distinguish Israel from the surrounding nations, whose religious and culinary practices often included what God declared detestable. By adhering to these restrictions, Israelites visibly demonstrated their allegiance to Yahweh, avoiding syncretism and maintaining ritual and moral purity. This fostered disciplined living and underscored the principle that even everyday actions, like eating, had spiritual implications and could either consecrate or defile.