Deuteronomy 12:22

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat [of] them alike.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Eat it as you would gazelle or deer; the unclean and clean alike may eat it.

Berean Standard Bible:

Indeed, you may eat it as you would eat a gazelle or deer; both the ceremonially unclean and the clean may eat it.

American Standard Version:

Even as the gazelle and as the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat thereof: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof alike.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Even as the roebuck^{H6643} and the hart^{H354} is eaten^{H398}, so thou shalt eat^{H398} them: the unclean^{H2931} and the clean^{H2889} shall eat^{H398} of them alike^{H3162}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 12:22

1. **Themes:**
- **Ritual Purity and Dietary Laws:** The verse emphasizes the distinction between clean and unclean animals as defined by the dietary laws in the Torah. It reflects the theme of ritual purity, which is a significant aspect of Israelite religious identity and practice.
- **Inclusivity within the Community:** By stating that both the clean and unclean (referring to people in a state of ritual purity or impurity) can partake of the meat, the verse suggests inclusivity within the community regarding the consumption of meat, provided it is from a clean animal.
- **Sacrifice and Thanksgiving:** The broader context of Deuteronomy 12 deals with the centralization of worship and sacrifice at the place chosen by God. This verse is part of a larger discussion on how to properly slaughter and consume animals, highlighting the importance of sacrifice as an act of worship and thanksgiving.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **Mosaic Legislation:** Deuteronomy is presented as Moses' final speeches to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The book is a restatement of the law for a new generation, emphasizing the covenant between God and Israel.
- **Centralization of Worship:** The historical context reflects a time when worship practices were being reformed, moving away from local, decentralized altars to a single, central sanctuary. This was an effort to unify the Israelite religion and prevent the syncretism with Canaanite practices.
- **Pre-Conquest Period:** The laws were given to the Israelites in the plains of Moab, just before their entry into Canaan. This was a pivotal moment as they transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle in the wilderness to settled life in the land of Canaan.
- **Cultural Distinctiveness:** The dietary laws served to distinguish the Israelites from their surrounding neighbors, reinforcing their unique identity and relationship with God.

In summary, Deuteronomy 12:22 is part of a broader legal code that Moses presents to the Israelites, focusing on proper worship, sacrifices, and dietary practices. It underscores the importance of ritual purity while allowing for communal participation in the consumption of meat, reflecting both religious and social themes that were crucial for maintaining the distinctiveness of Israelite culture and faith.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6643
   There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צְבִי
   Transliteration: tsᵉbîy
   Pronunciation: tseb-ee'
   Description: from צָבָה in the sense of prominence; splendor (as conspicuous); also a gazelle (as beautiful); beautiful(-ty), glorious (-ry), goodly, pleasant, roe(-buck).
   
2. Strong's Number: H354
   There are 731 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַיָּל
   Transliteration: ʼayâl
   Pronunciation: ah-yawl'
   Description: an intensive form of אַיִל (in the sense of ram); a stag or male deer; hart.
   
3. Strong's Number: H398
   There are 825 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָכַל
   Transliteration: ʼâkal
   Pronunciation: aw-kal'
   Description: a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite.
   
4. Strong's Number: H2931
   There are 78 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טָמֵא
   Transliteration: ṭâmêʼ
   Pronunciation: taw-may'
   Description: from טָמֵא; foul in a religious sense; defiled, [phrase] infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean.
   
5. Strong's Number: H2889
   There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טָהוֹר
   Transliteration: ṭâhôwr
   Pronunciation: taw-hore'
   Description: or טָהֹר; from טָהֵר; pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense); clean, fair, pure(-ness).
   
6. Strong's Number: H3162
   There are 139 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יַחַד
   Transliteration: yachad
   Pronunciation: yakh'-ad
   Description: from יָחַד; properly, a unit, i.e. (adverb) unitedly; alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal.