Deuteronomy 14:11

KJV

[Of] all clean birds ye shall eat.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of all clean {H2889} birds {H6833} ye shall eat {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You may eat any clean bird;

Berean Standard Bible

You may eat any clean bird,

American Standard Version

Of all clean birds ye may eat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:11 is a concise declaration within the Mosaic Law, granting permission for the consumption of specific avian species deemed "clean" by divine decree. This verse is part of a broader set of dietary regulations (kashrut) designed not merely for physical health, but primarily to establish and reinforce Israel's distinct identity as a holy nation, set apart for Yahweh amidst pagan cultures, reflecting God's sovereignty over all creation and His desire for His people's purity and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 14:11 is embedded within a larger section (Deuteronomy 14:3-21) that meticulously details dietary laws, following an injunction against pagan mourning practices (Deuteronomy 14:1-2). This chapter serves as a reiteration and expansion of earlier dietary codes found in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), emphasizing the practical outworking of Israel's covenant relationship with God. The immediate verses (Deuteronomy 14:9-10) address clean and unclean aquatic animals, providing a direct parallel to the avian regulations, while the subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 14:12-19) list specific unclean birds, making the permission in verse 11 concrete by contrast. The entire chapter underscores the theme of Israel's distinctiveness as God's treasured possession.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dietary laws were given to the Israelites as they stood on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, a land inhabited by Canaanite peoples with diverse religious and culinary practices. These laws served as a crucial boundary marker, preventing assimilation into the surrounding pagan cultures, many of whom consumed animals considered abominable by Yahweh (e.g., pigs, certain birds of prey). The concept of "clean" and "unclean" was not unique to Israel, as many ancient Near Eastern cultures had ritual purity codes, but Israel's laws were uniquely tied to their covenant with Yahweh and their identity as a holy people, distinct from the nations (cf. [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Holy Nation")). These regulations permeated daily life, constantly reminding the Israelites of their unique relationship with God and their call to holiness.
* **Key Themes:** The dietary laws in Deuteronomy 14, including the permission in [Deuteronomy 14:11](/deuteronomy/14-11 "Deuteronomy 14:11 - Clean Birds"), powerfully convey several key themes. Firstly, **Holiness and Distinction** are paramount; by adhering to these divine distinctions, Israel visibly demonstrated their separation from the world and their consecration to God, reflecting their status as a "holy people to the Lord" (as stated in [Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel, a Holy People")). Secondly, **Obedience to Divine Command** is central, as the act of consuming only "clean" animals was a direct response to God's specific instructions, fostering a discipline of submission to His will in all aspects of life. Thirdly, these laws underscore **God's Sovereignty and Provision**, demonstrating His authority over creation and His meticulous care for His people's well-being, even down to their diet. They also served as a pedagogical tool, teaching discernment and self-control.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Clean (Hebrew, _ṭāhôr'_):** This term signifies ritual purity, fitness for sacred use, or suitability for consumption. In the context of dietary laws, it denotes animals that are permissible to eat, contrasting with "unclean" (Hebrew, _ṭāmē'_) animals. The concept of _ṭāhôr_ extends beyond mere hygiene, encompassing a theological dimension of being set apart and acceptable in God's sight. It implies a state of being ritually undefiled, reflecting the holiness required of God's covenant people.
* **Birds (Hebrew, _‘ôp'_):** This general term refers to flying creatures, encompassing various avian species. In the context of Deuteronomy 14, it specifically refers to those birds that are not listed as abominable in the subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 14:12-19). The inclusion of birds in the dietary laws demonstrates the comprehensive nature of God's regulations, extending His authority over all categories of living creatures and their consumption by His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Of] all clean birds":** This phrase establishes the category of permissible food, specifically focusing on avian species. The term "clean" (Hebrew, _ṭāhôr_) is the operative word, signifying those birds that meet God's criteria for ritual purity and are therefore suitable for consumption. This implies a preceding or subsequent list of what constitutes "clean" by exclusion (i.e., by listing the "unclean" birds).
* **"ye shall eat":** This is a direct command or permission, indicating that the consumption of these "clean birds" is not merely allowed but is part of the divinely ordained dietary practice for the Israelites. It highlights the active participation of the people in observing these laws, which were a tangible expression of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The imperative form underscores the binding nature of this regulation for the community.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 14:11, while concise, employs **Conciseness** and **Contrast** as primary literary devices. Its brevity ("Of all clean birds ye shall eat") makes the command direct and memorable, emphasizing the clear distinction God establishes. This conciseness is immediately followed by a detailed list of *unclean* birds (Deuteronomy 14:12-19), creating a stark **Contrast** that implicitly defines "clean" by exclusion. This method of definition by negation is a common legislative technique in the Pentateuch, making the forbidden explicit while leaving the permissible broadly defined, thereby reinforcing the gravity of avoiding the unclean. The verse also functions as a **Summary Statement** for the positive allowance within the larger framework of dietary restrictions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 14:11, though specific to ancient Israel's dietary code, participates in broader biblical themes of divine sovereignty, human obedience, and the concept of holiness. God, as the Creator, has the prerogative to define what is pure and impure, thereby asserting His authority over all aspects of human life, including sustenance. The act of distinguishing between clean and unclean foods was a constant, tangible reminder to Israel of their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and their call to be a set-apart people. This distinction was not arbitrary but served to inculcate discipline, discernment, and a deep awareness of God's pervasive presence and His standards for His people. While the specific dietary laws are not binding on New Covenant believers, the underlying principles of living a life consecrated to God, exercising discernment, and obeying His moral commands remain eternally relevant.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Peter's Vision of Clean and Unclean Animals")
* [1 Timothy 4:4-5](/1_timothy/4-4-5 "1 Timothy 4:4-5 - Everything Created by God Is Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 14:11, nestled within the Old Testament dietary laws, invites us to reflect on the enduring principles behind God's commands, even as the specific applications may have changed. For ancient Israel, distinguishing between clean and unclean foods was a daily act of worship and a visible sign of their unique identity as God's chosen people. Today, while Christians are not bound by these specific food laws, the call to live a life set apart for God's purposes remains profoundly relevant. We are encouraged to exercise spiritual discernment in all areas of our lives, considering what truly nourishes our souls and bodies in a way that honors God, and what might defile or distract us from His will. This means carefully evaluating our choices in media, relationships, habits, and pursuits, asking if they align with the holiness to which God has called us through Christ. Our "diet" today is less about physical food and more about what we consume spiritually and morally, striving for purity and integrity in a world that often blurs moral lines.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "clean" and "unclean" in the Old Testament inform our understanding of holiness and separation in our lives today?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to exercise greater discernment to ensure your choices align with God's call to purity and set-apartness?**
* **Beyond physical food, what "spiritual diet" are you consuming, and how does it contribute to your growth in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Were the Old Testament dietary laws primarily about hygiene or ritual purity?**

Answer: While some of the dietary laws may have had incidental health benefits, their primary purpose was ritual purity and the establishment of Israel's distinct identity as a holy nation set apart for God. The distinction between "clean" and "unclean" foods, as seen in [Deuteronomy 14:11](/deuteronomy/14-11 "Deuteronomy 14:11 - Clean Birds") and the surrounding verses, was fundamentally theological. It served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of their covenant relationship with Yahweh and their call to reflect His holiness in every aspect of their lives, distinguishing them from the surrounding pagan nations who did not adhere to such distinctions. The laws were about obedience and identity, not merely public health.

**Are Christians required to follow the Old Testament dietary laws today?**

Answer: No, Christians are generally not required to follow the Old Testament dietary laws. The New Testament teaches that with the coming of Christ, the ceremonial and dietary laws of the Old Covenant have been fulfilled and are no longer binding for believers. [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean") states that Jesus "declared all foods clean." Peter's vision in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter's Vision and Cornelius") explicitly reveals God's abolition of the clean/unclean food distinctions, preparing him to preach the Gospel to Gentiles. Furthermore, Paul teaches in [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God Is Not Food and Drink") that "the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." While believers are called to exercise wisdom and self-control in their eating, the ritualistic dietary restrictions of the Mosaic Law are not part of the New Covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 14:11, along with the entire Mosaic dietary code, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant distinctions between "clean" and "unclean" foods were shadows pointing to a deeper spiritual reality: the need for humanity to be cleansed from sin and made holy before God. Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, is the one who truly cleanses us, not from ritual impurity but from the defilement of sin (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). He declared all foods clean (as noted in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")), signifying that the external markers of distinction were being superseded by an internal transformation. The true "cleanliness" for New Covenant believers is found in being "in Christ," made righteous by His sacrifice and indwelt by the Holy Spirit (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The call to be a "holy people" (as in [Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel, a Holy People")) is now realized not through adherence to dietary codes, but through faith in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), enabling us to live lives of spiritual purity and devotion that are pleasing to God, regardless of what we eat.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.