Leviticus 11 13

Leviticus 11:13 kjv

And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,

Leviticus 11:13 nkjv

'And these you shall regard as an abomination among the birds; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard,

Leviticus 11:13 niv

"?'These are the birds you are to regard as unclean and not eat because they are unclean: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture,

Leviticus 11:13 esv

"And these you shall detest among the birds; they shall not be eaten; they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture,

Leviticus 11:13 nlt

"These are the birds that are detestable to you. You must never eat them: the griffon vulture, the bearded vulture, the black vulture,

Leviticus 11 verses

Leviticus 11 13 Meaning

Leviticus 11:13 introduces a specific category of creatures forbidden for consumption: a list of birds declared an "abomination." This verse sets out a boundary for the Israelites, distinguishing certain flying creatures as ritually unclean and therefore not to be eaten, emphasizing their defiling nature.

Leviticus 11 13 Context

Leviticus chapter 11 details God's dietary laws given to Israel through Moses. These laws were central to Israel's identity as a holy nation, set apart from surrounding pagan cultures. The chapter distinguishes between clean and unclean animals for food, emphasizing the principle of "holiness" and "distinction" (Lev 11:44-47, Lev 10:10). The purpose was not merely hygiene, but primarily ritual purity and symbolic separation. By adhering to these commands, Israel was to visibly embody their covenant relationship with God and maintain their ritual purity, preventing contamination and idolatrous practices associated with consuming forbidden creatures which may have been revered or used in rituals by other nations.

Leviticus 11 13 Word analysis

• And these are they: Introduces the subsequent list, indicating a direct continuation from previous categories of unclean animals.
• which ye shall have in abomination (אֲשֶׁר תְּשַׁקְּצוּ - asher teshaqetsu): The verb shaqats means to detest, abhor, make abominable. This signifies not just dislike, but a strong divine condemnation of something that is ritually repulsive or defiling, indicating a complete prohibition based on ceremonial impurity. It highlights their unfitness for use by a holy people.
• among the fowls (בָּעוֹף - ba‘oph): Specifically identifies the category of animals under discussion – winged creatures.
• they shall not be eaten (לֹא יֵאָכְלוּ - lo’ ye’akhelu): A direct, imperative prohibition. This explicitly states the practical outcome of being an "abomination" – they are not to be consumed.
• they are an abomination (שֶׁקֶץ הֵם - sheqets hem): This repetition emphasizes the inherent quality of being an "abomination" (sheqets, a noun form), reinforcing their intrinsic uncleanness. It is not merely that they become unclean by contact, but that they are unclean.
• the eagle (הַנֶּשֶׁר - hannesher): Nesher. Often identified as a large eagle or griffon vulture. Biblical descriptions of nesher (e.g., Job 39:27-30) align with birds of prey or scavengers that consume carrion. Significance: Birds associated with death, scavenging, or preying violently, indicating their unsuitability for consumption by a people committed to life and purity.
• and the ossifrage (וְהַפֶּרֶס - wehappheres): Peres. Likely the Bearded Vulture or Lammergeyer, known for breaking bones to get at marrow. Its name means "the breaker." Significance: A large bird of prey and scavenger, further reinforcing the forbidden category.
• and the ospray (וְהָעָזְנִיָּה - weha‘ozniyyah): ‘Ozniyyah. A type of raptor, perhaps a short-toed eagle or another predatory bird. Its name may be linked to "strength" or "sharp ears," denoting its predatory nature. Significance: Another powerful bird of prey, unfit for consumption.
• Words-group: "the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray": This group initiates a detailed list (continued in Lev 11:14-19) of specific bird species. What they share in common is that they are generally birds of prey, scavengers, or nocturnal hunters. Their dietary habits (feeding on dead animals or preying violently) and perceived characteristics contributed to their classification as "abominable," aligning with the wider principle of avoiding defilement related to death and blood for the Israelites.

Leviticus 11 13 Bonus section

The exact identification of some of the birds in Leviticus 11 remains a subject of scholarly discussion due to the challenges in precisely correlating ancient Hebrew names with modern ornithological classifications. However, there is a general consensus that the listed birds are predominantly birds of prey or scavengers. The underlying principle for their prohibition seems to be related to their predatory nature, association with carrion and death, and potentially their 'uncleanness' in the food chain. This distinction was a pedagogical tool for Israel, teaching them to discriminate, discern, and embody holiness in every aspect of life, ultimately preparing them for the greater spiritual discernment revealed in the New Covenant.

Leviticus 11 13 Commentary

Leviticus 11:13 inaugurates the specific prohibition against certain birds, setting them apart as detestable due to their nature as predators or scavengers. This command underscores God's deep concern for Israel's ritual purity and their distinct identity. These laws were not merely about hygiene, but profoundly theological, serving as a constant reminder of God's holiness and His expectation for His people to be holy and set apart. By separating Israel from the practices of surrounding nations who might consume these animals, God ingrained the principle of distinction between the sacred and the profane, a lesson that would later find its full spiritual meaning in Christ (Mk 7:18-19, Acts 10:9-16, Col 2:16-17), where inward purity takes precedence over external dietary observances.