Deuteronomy 14:15

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,

Complete Jewish Bible:

ostriches, screech-owls, seagulls, any kind of hawk,

Berean Standard Bible:

the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk,

American Standard Version:

and the ostrich, and the night-hawk, and the sea-mew, and the hawk after its kind,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the owl^{{H1323}{H3284}}, and the night hawk^{H8464}, and the cuckow^{H7828}, and the hawk^{H5322} after his kind^{H4327},

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Deuteronomy 14:15

1. **Themes**:
* **Dietary Laws**: Deuteronomy 14:15 is part of a larger passage (Deuteronomy 14:11-20) that outlines the dietary laws for the Israelites, specifying which birds are considered clean and unclean. The theme revolves around holiness and separation, with the Israelites being instructed to distinguish between clean and unclean animals to maintain their ceremonial purity and set them apart as a holy nation.
* **Holiness Code**: These dietary laws are part of the broader Holiness Code in the Pentateuch, which includes regulations meant to guide the moral, ritual, and legal practices of the Israelites, emphasizing their distinct identity and relationship with God.

2. **Historical Context**:
* **Mosaic Law**: The verse is set within the context of the Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites during their wandering in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt. These laws were meant to govern the religious and social life of the Israelite community.
* **Preparation for Entry into Canaan**: As the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land (Canaan), Deuteronomy serves as a series of speeches by Moses to prepare them for life in their new homeland. The dietary laws would have helped them maintain their identity amidst the surrounding Canaanite cultures with different practices and beliefs.
* **Symbolic Separation**: The distinction between clean and unclean animals can also be seen as a symbolic way of teaching the Israelites about moral and ritual purity, reinforcing their covenant relationship with God, and reminding them of their duty to remain faithful to God's commandments.

In summary, Deuteronomy 14:15 reflects the theme of maintaining ceremonial purity as part of the Holiness Code in the Mosaic Law. It is historically situated in the context of the Israelites' preparation for entering Canaan, where these laws would play a role in preserving their cultural and religious identity.

*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: H1323
   There are 499 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בַּת
   Transliteration: bath
   Pronunciation: bath
   Description: from בָּנָה (as feminine of בֵּן); a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively); apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3284
   There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יַעֲנָה
   Transliteration: yaʻănâh
   Pronunciation: yah-an-aw'
   Description: feminine of יָעֵן, and meaning the same; {the ostrich (probably from its answering cry}; [phrase] owl.
   
3. Strong's Number: H8464
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תַּחְמָס
   Transliteration: tachmâç
   Pronunciation: takh-mawce'
   Description: from חָמַס; a species of unclean bird (from its violence), perhaps an owl; night hawk.
   
4. Strong's Number: H7828
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שַׁחַף
   Transliteration: shachaph
   Pronunciation: shakh'-af
   Description: from an unused root meaning to peel, i.e. emaciate; the gull (as thin); cuckoo.
   
5. Strong's Number: H5322
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נֵץ
   Transliteration: nêts
   Pronunciation: nayts
   Description: from נָצַץ; a flower (from its brilliancy); also a hawk (from it flashing speed); blossom, hawk.
   
6. Strong's Number: H4327
   There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִין
   Transliteration: mîyn
   Pronunciation: meen
   Description: from an unused root meaning to portion out; a sort, i.e. species; kind. Compare מִן.