Deuteronomy 15:22

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean [person shall eat it] alike, as the roebuck, and as the hart.

Complete Jewish Bible:

rather, eat it on your own property; the unclean and the clean alike may eat it, like the gazelle or the deer.

Berean Standard Bible:

Eat it within your gates; both the ceremonially unclean and clean may eat it as they would a gazelle or a deer.

American Standard Version:

Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean shall eat it alike, as the gazelle, and as the hart.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Thou shalt eat^{H398} it within thy gates^{H8179}: the unclean^{H2931} and the clean^{H2889} person shall eat it alike^{H3162}, as the roebuck^{H6643}, and as the hart^{H354}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 15:22

Deuteronomy 15:22 is part of a larger section in the book of Deuteronomy that deals with various laws and regulations given to the Israelites by Moses. These laws were intended to govern the social, religious, and economic life of the Israelite community as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The verse specifically addresses dietary regulations concerning the consumption of animals that are deemed ritually "unclean" according to Levitical law.

In the historical context, the Israelites were transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled, agricultural society. The dietary laws served multiple purposes: they were a means of distinguishing the Israelites from their pagan neighbors, they had hygienic benefits in a pre-refrigeration society, and they reinforced the Israelites' religious identity and commitment to God's commandments.

The theme of Deuteronomy 15:22 is the distinction between "clean" and "unclean" animals, and the conditions under which the latter could be eaten. The verse indicates that both ritually clean and unclean people within the community could partake in the consumption of animals such as the roebuck and the hart (both considered clean animals), which were to be slaughtered and eaten within the towns. This suggests a level of inclusivity within the community regarding the consumption of meat, while still maintaining dietary laws.

The verse also reflects the broader theme of holiness that permeates the legal sections of Deuteronomy. By adhering to these dietary regulations, the Israelites were reminded of their covenant with God and their responsibility to maintain ritual purity. This practice of eating within the gates of their towns, regardless of their ritual purity status at the time, emphasizes communal solidarity and the importance of sharing meals as a social and religious act.

*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: 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.
   
2. Strong's Number: H8179
   There are 302 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שַׁעַר
   Transliteration: shaʻar
   Pronunciation: shah'-ar
   Description: from שָׁעַר in its original sense; an opening, i.e. door or gate; city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er).
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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).
   
5. 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.
   
6. 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).
   
7. 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.