Deuteronomy 14:11

Commentary on Deuteronomy 14:11 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 14:11, "Of all clean birds ye shall eat," is a concise statement within a larger section of the Mosaic Law that delineates dietary regulations for the ancient Israelites. This verse grants permission to consume certain types of birds, distinguishing them from others deemed "unclean."

Context

This verse is found in Deuteronomy chapter 14, which, along with Leviticus 11, provides detailed lists of animals, fish, and birds that were permissible (clean) or forbidden (unclean) for consumption. These dietary laws were a crucial part of the covenant God established with Israel after their exodus from Egypt. The primary purpose of these laws was to set Israel apart as a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures who did not adhere to such distinctions. The regulations were not merely about hygiene, but fundamentally about ritual purity and maintaining a unique identity as God's chosen people.

Key Themes

• Holiness and Distinction: The dietary laws served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of their sacred calling to be a holy people unto the Lord. By observing these distinctions between clean and unclean, they outwardly manifested their separation from the world and their dedication to God.
• Obedience to Divine Command: Eating only "clean" animals was an act of obedience to God's specific instructions. This fostered a discipline of adherence to divine will in all areas of life.
• God's Provision and Guidance: God, as the Creator, provided for His people's sustenance while also guiding them on what was suitable for their consumption, emphasizing His concern for their well-being.

Linguistic Insights

The key terms here are "clean" (Hebrew: tahor, טָהוֹר) and "unclean" (Hebrew: tameh, טָמֵא). Tahor signifies ritual purity, fitness for consumption, or suitability for sacred use. Conversely, tameh indicates ritual impurity, rendering something unfit for consumption or sacred contact. These terms pervade the Mosaic Law, highlighting a pervasive theme of purity and separation in Israelite life.

Significance and Application

While the specific dietary laws of the Old Testament are generally understood by Christians not to be binding under the New Covenant (as highlighted by Peter's vision in Acts 10 and Paul's teaching in 1 Timothy 4:4-5 that "every creature of God is good"), the underlying principles remain valuable:

• Spiritual Discernment: The concept of "clean" and "unclean" can be spiritually applied to our lives today, encouraging us to discern what is wholesome and beneficial for our spiritual, mental, and physical health, and what might defile or hinder us.
• Gratitude and Stewardship: We are called to receive all of God's provisions with gratitude, recognizing that He cares for us. This also implies a thoughtful approach to what we consume and how we live.
• Holiness in Christ: Though the outward rituals have changed, the call to be holy and set apart for God's purposes remains central for believers. Our holiness is now primarily internal, through faith in Jesus Christ, manifesting in righteous living rather than adherence to ancient dietary codes.