King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
[But of] all clean fowls ye may eat.
Complete Jewish Bible:
but all clean flying creatures you may eat.
Berean Standard Bible:
But you may eat any clean bird.
American Standard Version:
Of all clean birds ye may eat.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
But of all clean{H2889} fowls{H5775} ye may eat{H398}.
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for Deuteronomy 14:20
Deuteronomy 14:20 is part of a larger passage in the book of Deuteronomy that outlines dietary laws for the Israelites. The verse specifically addresses the consumption of birds, stating that the Israelites are permitted to eat only those that are considered clean or ritually pure.
**Themes:**
1. **Ritual Purity and Holiness:** The dietary laws in Deuteronomy are part of a broader theme of holiness and purity that runs throughout the Pentateuch. By adhering to these laws, the Israelites were to set themselves apart as a holy nation, distinct from their neighbors.
2. **Divine Order and Classification:** The categorization of clean and unclean animals reflects a divine order and a way for the Israelites to participate in and reflect God's cosmic order through their daily lives.
3. **Health and Well-being:** Some scholars suggest that these dietary laws may also have had hygienic benefits, as they would have protected the Israelites from certain diseases carried by animals deemed unclean.
**Historical Context:**
Deuteronomy is presented as a series of speeches delivered by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. The book is set in the context of a covenant renewal, where Moses reiterates the law to a new generation.
The dietary laws in Deuteronomy 14 would have served to distinguish the Israelites from surrounding nations, both culturally and religiously. These laws were given in the wilderness, a formative period for the Israelite identity and religious practices. The historical context also includes the Israelites' transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled, agricultural existence in Canaan, which required clear guidelines for community life.
In summary, Deuteronomy 14:20 reflects the themes of ritual purity, holiness, and divine order, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a distinct Israelite identity through adherence to God's laws. It is set within the broader historical context of the Israelites' preparation to enter and settle in the Promised Land.
*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: 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). - Strong's Number: H5775
There are 70 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עוֹף
Transliteration: ʻôwph
Pronunciation: ofe
Description: from עוּף; a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively; bird, that flieth, flying, fowl. - 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.