King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan,
Complete Jewish Bible:
little owls, great owls, horned owls,
Berean Standard Bible:
the little owl, the great owl, the white owl,
American Standard Version:
the little owl, and the great owl, and the horned owl,
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The little owl{H3563}, and the great owl{H3244}, and the swan{H8580},
Cross-References (KJV):
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Deuteronomy 14:16
1. **Themes:**
- **Purity and Distinction:** Deuteronomy 14:16 is part of a passage that outlines the dietary laws given to the Israelites. These laws served to distinguish the Israelites from other nations by prohibiting the consumption of certain animals, including specific birds like the little owl, the great owl, and the swan.
- **Holiness:** The dietary restrictions were also a means to teach the Israelites about holiness. By abstaining from certain foods, they were reminded of their unique relationship with God and their call to be a holy nation.
- **Obedience:** The commandments regarding clean and unclean animals tested the obedience of the Israelites. Following these laws was an act of faithfulness and submission to God's will.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **Mosaic Law:** This verse is part of the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites during their wandering in the wilderness, after their exodus from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land.
- **Covenant Relationship:** The laws, including dietary restrictions, were part of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. They were meant to shape the daily lives of the Israelites and reinforce their identity as God's chosen people.
- **Ancient Near Eastern Practices:** The dietary laws also served to separate the Israelites from the religious and cultural practices of the surrounding Ancient Near Eastern societies, many of which involved eating various types of birds and animals.
In summary, Deuteronomy 14:16 reflects the themes of purity, holiness, and obedience within the context of the Mosaic Law and the unique covenant relationship between God and Israel. It was a way to establish and maintain the distinct identity of the Israelites as a holy nation set apart by their lifestyle and religious practices.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3563
There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כּוֹס
Transliteration: kôwç
Pronunciation: koce
Description: from an unused root meaning to hold together; a cup (as a container), often figuratively, a lot (as if a potion); also some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye); cup, (small) owl. Compare כִּיס. - Strong's Number: H3244
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יַנְשׁוּף
Transliteration: yanshûwph
Pronunciation: yan-shoof'
Description: or יַנְשׁוֹף; apparently from נָשַׁף; (compare נֶשֶׁף); an unclean (acquatic) bird; probably the heron (perhaps from its blowing cry, or because the nightheron is meant )); (great) owl.s - Strong's Number: H8580
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תַּנְשֶׁמֶת
Transliteration: tanshemeth
Pronunciation: tan-sheh'-meth
Description: from נָשַׁם; properly, a hard breather, i.e. the name of two unclean creatures, a lizard and abird (both perhaps from changing color through their irascibility), probably the tree-toad and the water-hen; mole, swan.