Leviticus 11 14

Leviticus 11:14 kjv

And the vulture, and the kite after his kind;

Leviticus 11:14 nkjv

the kite, and the falcon after its kind;

Leviticus 11:14 niv

the red kite, any kind of black kite,

Leviticus 11:14 esv

the kite, the falcon of any kind,

Leviticus 11:14 nlt

the kite, falcons of all kinds,

Leviticus 11 verses

Leviticus 11 14 Meaning

Leviticus 11:14 lists the "kite" and the "falcon, after its kind," among the flying creatures forbidden for consumption by the Israelites. This verse is part of a comprehensive set of dietary laws found in Leviticus chapter 11, which distinguishes between clean and unclean animals. The prohibition aims to maintain the ritual and moral purity of God's chosen people, reflecting His holiness through their daily lives and practices.

Leviticus 11 14 Context

Leviticus chapter 11 outlines a detailed dietary code for Israel, distinguishing animals fit for consumption ("clean") from those that are not ("unclean"). This distinction is foundational to the concept of purity, which permeates the entire book of Leviticus. The laws serve multiple purposes: reinforcing Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, cultivating holiness in everyday life, setting them apart from pagan nations, and likely incorporating elements of hygiene and health (though not the primary explicit reason). The section from verses 13-19 specifically lists birds of prey and scavengers as "detestable," with verse 14 prohibiting the kite and falcon and their related species. This context emphasizes a theology of separation, where physical dietary boundaries symbolize spiritual boundaries for God's holy people.

Leviticus 11 14 Word analysis

• And (וְאֶת - vᵉ'et): A common conjunction introducing a new item in a list, indicating a continuation of the preceding prohibition of certain birds.
• the kite (הָאַיָּה - ha'ayyah): Refers to a type of predatory bird, often translated as 'kite', 'falcon', or 'buzzard'. The Hebrew root may imply "screamer" or "one that cries loudly," characterizing a bird of prey's distinct call. In biblical thought, such birds, being scavengers or hunters that shed blood and consume flesh, are generally seen as emblematic of uncleanness and are contrasted with the purity required for the Israelite community. This aligns with prohibitions against eating blood or animals torn by beasts.
• and (וְאֶת - vᵉ'et): Another conjunction, continuing the list of forbidden birds.
• the falcon (הַדָּאָה - haddā'â): Also identified as a bird of prey, specifically a 'falcon', 'vulture', or another type of 'kite'. The root meaning suggests "one that flies swiftly" or "darts," indicative of its predatory nature. Both the ayyah and da'ah belong to the family of diurnal raptors, underscoring a broad category of aerial predators/scavengers that were an abomination for consumption.
• after its kind (לְמִינָהּ - lᵉmīnāh): A critically important phrase that applies not just to the da'ah specifically mentioned, but to the broader group represented by both the ayyah and da'ah.
  • לְ (lᵉ): A preposition meaning "according to," "for," or "to."
  • מִינָהּ (mīnāh): "its kind" or "its species." The suffix '-ah' refers to the feminine singular noun, usually corresponding to haddā'â, but functionally broadening the prohibition.
  • This phrase emphasizes that the prohibition extends beyond the named birds to all closely related species within their zoological "kind" or family. It reiterates the distinct and divinely ordained categories established during creation (Gen 1). This is significant because it teaches that the dietary laws classify whole families of animals rather than just individual variations, creating clear boundaries for Israel. It indirectly serves as a polemic against ancient pagan practices that might have revered specific raptors, as labeling them 'unclean' would deflate their cultic significance for Israelites.

Leviticus 11 14 Bonus section

The consistent listing of raptors (birds of prey) and scavengers as unclean across Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 suggests that the prohibitions might have been rooted in a combination of factors:

• Dietary Habits: These birds often feed on carrion (dead animals) or shed blood, which contradicts the stringent Old Testament laws concerning contact with the dead and the prohibition of blood consumption.
• Symbolic Associations: Birds of prey were often symbols of violence, desolation, and destruction in biblical literature, aligning with uncleanness. Their association with unclean land and waste in other passages (e.g., Isa 34:15) strengthens this view.
• Hygienic Considerations: Though not the stated reason, such birds, especially scavengers, could transmit diseases due to their diet.
• Distinction from Pagan Practices: In ancient Near Eastern religions, birds like falcons and eagles were sometimes worshipped or used in divination (augury). Declaring them unclean created a theological boundary, asserting Yahweh's supreme authority and discouraging Israelite participation in or affinity for foreign cults.

Leviticus 11 14 Commentary

Leviticus 11:14 highlights God's command for Israel to be distinct and holy, particularly through their dietary choices. By prohibiting birds of prey like the kite and falcon, the law reinforces the principle of separating from practices that symbolize impurity, death, or scavenger-like behaviors often associated with blood-shedding and carcasses. This instruction fostered a tangible distinction between the Israelites and surrounding pagan cultures, many of whom used or even revered such predatory birds, or practiced divination using them. The phrase "after its kind" underlines God's creation order, emphasizing that holiness extends to maintaining clear categories and avoiding mixture, mirroring the broader call to moral and spiritual separation. While the New Testament reveals the ceremonial food laws are fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principle of God desiring a set-apart people remains, manifested through inward purity and transformed living.