Deuteronomy 14:13

KJV

And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the glede {H7201}, and the kite {H344}, and the vulture {H1772} after his kind {H4327},

Complete Jewish Bible

kites, any kind of buzzard,

Berean Standard Bible

the red kite, the falcon, any kind of kite,

American Standard Version

and the glede, and the falcon, and the kite after its kind,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:13 is an integral part of a comprehensive list of dietary regulations given to the nation of Israel, specifically enumerating several species of birds of prey and scavengers—the "glede," "kite," and "vulture"—that are explicitly forbidden for consumption. This verse, situated within a broader chapter detailing clean and unclean animals, underscores God's call for Israel to live as a holy and distinct people, set apart from the surrounding nations, by adhering to divine commands that touched even the most mundane aspects of their daily lives, thereby reflecting His own character and covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 14:13 is found within a detailed exposition of dietary laws ([Deuteronomy 14:3-21](/deuteronomy/14-3-21 "Deuteronomy 14:3-21 - Dietary Laws")), which immediately follows a profound call to holiness and distinction as God's chosen people ([Deuteronomy 14:1-2](/deuteronomy/14-1-2 "Deuteronomy 14:1-2 - Israel, a Holy People")). This chapter is part of Moses' second major address to Israel, delivered on the plains of Moab just prior to their entry into the Promised Land. It serves as a powerful reiteration and expansion upon earlier dietary codes found in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), emphasizing the renewed covenant relationship and the practical outworking of Israel's identity as a holy nation. The precise enumeration of forbidden animals, including specific birds of prey and scavengers, serves to leave no ambiguity regarding what constituted a violation of God's command, reinforcing the seriousness of their covenant obligations and the holistic nature of their obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of these dietary laws occurred as Israel was transitioning from a nomadic wilderness existence to settling in the agriculturally rich and idolatrous land of Canaan. This period necessitated clear boundaries and practices to prevent assimilation into the morally corrupt and polytheistic practices of the Canaanite peoples. Many pagan religions involved cultic meals, sacrifices, and the consumption of animals that were considered unclean or used in divination by Israelite law. By prohibiting certain foods, particularly scavengers and birds of prey, God established a visible and daily distinction for His people, separating them from the defiling practices of their neighbors. Furthermore, while the primary purpose was theological and covenantal, these prohibitions likely had incidental health benefits, as many of the forbidden animals were known carriers of disease or consumed carrion, which could be dangerous for human consumption in a pre-scientific age, thus demonstrating God's holistic care for His people.
* **Key Themes:** The dietary laws in [Deuteronomy 14](/deuteronomy/14 "Deuteronomy 14 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), including the specific prohibitions in verse 13, are deeply interwoven with several overarching themes of the book of Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. The most prominent theme is **Holiness and Separation**, as God repeatedly calls Israel to be "holy to the Lord your God" ([Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel as a Holy People")). These laws provided a tangible, daily means for Israel to express their unique status as a people "chosen... to be a people for his treasured possession" ([Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel as a Treasured Possession")). Another key theme is **Obedience to Divine Law**, as the detailed nature of these commands required disciplined submission to God's authority in all aspects of life, fostering a lifestyle of trust and dependence on Him. Finally, these laws also underscore the theme of **Covenant Identity**, defining who Israel was in relation to Yahweh and how they were to live out that identity distinctively in the world, in stark contrast to the nations around them (cf. [Leviticus 20:26](/leviticus/20-26 "Leviticus 20:26 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glede (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** from רָאָה; a bird of prey (probably the vulture, from its sharp sight); glede. This term (H7201) refers to a species of raptor, often identified as a red kite or buzzard. The root of the word is associated with "seeing" or "perceiving," likely alluding to the bird's exceptionally keen eyesight. The prohibition of the glede indicates a general category of predatory birds that were considered unclean due to their nature as hunters and consumers of carrion, thus unfit for the diet of a holy people.
* **Kite (Hebrew, _ʼayâh'_):** perhaps from אִי; the screamer, i.e. a hawk; kite, vulture. The Hebrew word (H344) for "kite" is closely related to "glede" and likely refers to another species of raptor, possibly the black kite or a similar bird of prey, known for its distinctive cry. Its inclusion alongside the glede reinforces the comprehensive nature of the prohibition against predatory birds, emphasizing that various types within this category were forbidden.
* **Vulture (Hebrew, _dayâh'_):** intensive from דָּאָה; a falcon (from its rapid flight); vulture. While the KJV translates this as "vulture," the Hebrew term (H1772) often refers to a falcon, buzzard, or a bird known for its swift flight and keen vision. Regardless of the exact species, the common characteristic among these birds is their predatory or scavenging nature, making them ritually unclean. The prohibition extended to all such birds that consumed other animals, especially carrion, distinguishing Israel's diet from that of other nations.
* **Kind (Hebrew, _mîyn'_):** from an unused root meaning to portion out; a sort, i.e. species. This phrase (H4327), translated "after his kind," is crucial and appears frequently in the biblical creation accounts and here in the dietary laws. Its inclusion ensures that the prohibition is not limited to the specific named birds but extends to all variations, subspecies, and similar creatures within that general category of unclean birds. This phrase prevents any attempts to circumvent the law by identifying slightly different, unnamed birds that share the same characteristics of being predatory or scavenging.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture":** This clause explicitly lists three specific types of birds that are forbidden for consumption. These are all birds of prey or scavengers, characterized by their diet of other animals, often carrion. The act of listing them by name, even if the exact modern identification is debated, underscores the meticulousness of God's law and His desire for Israel to understand precisely what was prohibited. The repetition of "and the" serves to emphasize each distinct forbidden creature, creating a cumulative effect of prohibition.
* **"after his kind":** This concluding phrase applies to all the previously listed birds, extending the prohibition beyond the named species to include all similar birds within their respective categories. It signifies a comprehensive ban on all predatory and scavenging birds, ensuring that the principle of avoiding such creatures for dietary purposes was fully understood and applied without exception. This phrase highlights the categorical nature of the divine command, leaving no room for ambiguity or loopholes in its application.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 14:13 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Categorization**. The verse is part of a longer list (enumeration) of forbidden birds, demonstrating the comprehensive and meticulous nature of the dietary laws. By specifically naming "the glede, and the kite, and the vulture," the text precisely identifies the types of creatures that fall under the general prohibition of predatory or scavenging birds. The phrase "after his kind" serves as a powerful device of **Categorization**, indicating that the prohibition applies not just to the exact species named but to all members of that broader biological or functional category. This ensures the law's thoroughness and prevents circumvention. The **Repetition** of "and the" before each bird name also adds a rhythmic emphasis, reinforcing the distinctness of each forbidden item while contributing to the cumulative weight of the prohibition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition of certain birds, like the glede, kite, and vulture, extends far beyond mere dietary restrictions; it is deeply theological and symbolic. These laws served as a constant, tangible reminder of Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and their call to be a holy nation. By distinguishing between "clean" and "unclean," God taught His people about the very nature of holiness—a state of being set apart for Him, reflecting His own purity and distinction from the fallen world. The consumption of scavengers, which feed on decaying matter and are often associated with death and impurity, would symbolically defile a people called to embody life and purity. This distinction was not arbitrary but rooted in God's character, fostering a disciplined obedience that touched every aspect of life and visibly separated Israel from the pagan practices of their neighbors, who often engaged with such animals in their idolatrous rituals.

* [Leviticus 11:13-19](/leviticus/11-13-19 "Leviticus 11:13-19 - List of Unclean Birds")
* [Acts 10:14-15](/acts/10-14-15 "Acts 10:14-15 - Peter's Vision and Clean Foods")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, As I Am Holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary laws of the Old Testament are not binding on New Testament believers, as affirmed by Christ and the Apostles, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and living a set-apart life remain profoundly relevant. For us today, the call to avoid "unclean" things translates into a spiritual and moral discernment. We are to carefully evaluate what we consume, not just physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—the ideas we entertain, the media we absorb, the relationships we cultivate, and the attitudes we harbor. Just as Israel was to avoid animals that represent defilement or death, we are called to shun anything that corrupts our spirit, hinders our walk with God, or compromises our witness to a watching world. Living a "clean" life now means embracing righteousness, pursuing purity of heart, and making choices that reflect our identity as God's redeemed children, set apart for His glory in a world that often embraces spiritual "scavengers" of sin and decay. Our obedience is not about ritualistic adherence but about a transformed heart that seeks to honor God in all things, demonstrating our love and commitment to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "consuming" things that are spiritually "unclean" or defiling, hindering my walk with God?**
* **How does the Old Testament emphasis on physical distinctiveness inform my understanding of spiritual distinctiveness as a New Testament believer?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater discernment and make choices that reflect a life set apart for Christ in today's world?**
* **How does my obedience to God's moral and spiritual commands today reflect the same principle of trust and submission that Israel demonstrated through their dietary laws?**

### FAQ
**Are the dietary laws in Deuteronomy 14, including the prohibition of these birds, still binding for Christians today?**

Answer: No, these specific dietary laws are not binding for Christians today. The New Testament clearly indicates a shift in understanding regarding ritual purity and food. Jesus declared all foods clean in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), emphasizing that defilement comes from within a person, not from what they eat. Furthermore, the Apostle Peter's vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of the Sheet") explicitly revealed that God had made clean what was formerly considered unclean, paving the way for the inclusion of Gentiles into the church without requiring adherence to Mosaic dietary laws. Paul further clarifies in [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow and Reality") that food and drink regulations were a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." While the specific laws are abrogated, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and living a life set apart for God remain eternally relevant for believers, now applied to spiritual and moral purity rather than ritualistic dietary restrictions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament dietary laws, including the prohibition of birds like the glede, kite, and vulture, served as a "shadow" pointing to a greater spiritual reality found in Christ. These laws highlighted the pervasive nature of sin and the human inability to achieve true holiness through external observances alone. They distinguished Israel as a people set apart, but this separation was ultimately incomplete and temporary, unable to truly cleanse the conscience. In the New Covenant, Jesus Christ fulfills the law and accomplishes true purity. He is the ultimate "clean" offering, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), making those who believe in Him genuinely clean before God, not by what they eat, but by His atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - The Superior Sacrifice of Christ")). Through Christ, the barriers of ritual impurity are broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall")), and believers are called to a higher form of holiness—one of heart and spirit, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Our "cleanliness" is now derived from our union with Christ, who has made us a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Holy Priesthood")) and called us to live lives that reflect His righteousness, not by avoiding certain foods, but by pursuing spiritual purity and moral integrity in every aspect of our being ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), living out the reality of our new creation in Him.

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.