Deuteronomy 14:17

KJV

And the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the pelican {H6893}, and the gier eagle {H7360}, and the cormorant {H7994},

Complete Jewish Bible

pelicans, barn owls, cormorants,

Berean Standard Bible

the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant,

American Standard Version

and the pelican, and the vulture, and the cormorant,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:17 is a specific entry within a comprehensive list of birds forbidden for consumption by the ancient Israelites, forming part of God's intricate dietary laws delivered through Moses. This verse precisely names three particular avian species—the pelican, the gier eagle, and the cormorant—all designated as "unclean." These prohibitions served not merely as dietary restrictions but as tangible expressions of Israel's covenant identity, distinguishing them as a holy people set apart by God from the surrounding nations, and reinforcing principles of purity, obedience, and spiritual distinction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 14:17 is situated within a detailed section of dietary laws, specifically from [Deuteronomy 14:3](/deuteronomy/14-3 "Deuteronomy 14:3 - Clean and Unclean Animals") to [Deuteronomy 14:20](/deuteronomy/14-20 "Deuteronomy 14:20 - Conclusion of Dietary Laws"), which outlines what animals, birds, and sea creatures are permissible or forbidden for consumption. This chapter follows a broader exhortation to Israel to remember their unique status as God's holy people and to live in accordance with His commands, particularly regarding their worship and daily life. The list of unclean birds, including those in verse 17, parallels a similar, more extensive catalogue found in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Laws of Clean and Unclean Animals"), indicating a consistent legal tradition within the Pentateuch. The immediate verses ([Deuteronomy 14:11-18](/deuteronomy/14-11 "Deuteronomy 14:11-18 - Unclean Birds List")) focus exclusively on birds, with verse 17 contributing three more specific examples to this category of forbidden creatures.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dietary laws in Deuteronomy were given to Israel as they stood on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. These regulations were crucial for establishing their distinct identity in a land populated by various Canaanite peoples with different religious practices and social customs. In the ancient Near East, dietary practices often held significant religious and social meaning, differentiating groups and reflecting their understanding of the divine. Many pagan cultures engaged in practices that Israel was to shun, including certain sacrificial rites and consumption habits. The designation of animals as "clean" or "unclean" was not based on modern scientific understanding of hygiene, though secondary health benefits may have arisen. Primarily, it was a theological and cultic distinction, designed to reinforce Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh and their calling to be a holy nation, separate from the defilement of idolatry and pagan practices.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Deuteronomy 14](/deuteronomy/14 "Deuteronomy 14 - Laws of Purity and Tithes"), and indeed much of the Pentateuch, is **Holiness and Distinction**. God calls Israel to be "a holy people to the Lord your God" ([Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel as a Holy People")). The dietary laws served as a tangible, daily reminder of this sacred separation, marking them as distinct from other nations and dedicated solely to God. This theme intertwines with **Obedience to Divine Command**, as these laws were not suggestions but direct mandates from God, requiring Israel's faithful adherence as an act of trust and submission to His sovereign will. Furthermore, the laws contribute to the theme of **Purity**, both ritual and moral. While the primary purpose was spiritual and cultic, the selection of many scavengers and predatory animals as unclean also subtly reinforced a broader concept of purity, steering the people away from creatures associated with death, decay, or aggressive behavior, thereby fostering a holistic understanding of what it meant to live as God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pelican (Hebrew, _qa'ath'_):** This term refers to a large water bird, specifically the pelican, known for its distinctive pouch and often found in desolate or watery environments. In biblical literature, the pelican is sometimes associated with desolation and mourning, as seen in [Psalm 102:6](/psalm/102-6 "Psalm 102:6 - The Psalmist's Lament"). Its inclusion in the unclean list likely stems from its predatory fishing habits and its association with waters, which could be perceived as sources of impurity in certain contexts, or simply its categorization with other birds of prey and scavengers.
* **Gier Eagle (Hebrew, _rakham'_):** This bird is widely identified as the Egyptian vulture, a scavenger notorious for feeding on carrion and refuse. Its Hebrew name, _rakham_, is related to a root meaning "to be soft" or "to show compassion," which is ironic given its unclean status. However, its primary characteristic as a scavenger, consuming dead and decaying matter, made it profoundly ceremonially unclean. Its presence in the list underscores the principle that contact with death and decay, even through diet, could render one impure.
* **Cormorant (Hebrew, _shalakh'_):** The cormorant is a large, dark diving bird, highly adept at fishing. Its name, _shalakh_, is derived from a root meaning "to throw" or "to cast down," perhaps referring to its habit of diving into water for prey. Like the pelican, its predatory nature and association with water environments likely contributed to its designation as unclean, aligning it with other birds of prey and those considered ritually impure due to their habits or diet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the pelican,"**: This phrase introduces the first of three specific birds deemed unclean. The inclusion of the pelican highlights the meticulous nature of the dietary laws, extending to various types of birds, particularly those that are predatory or associated with environments considered less pure.
* **"and the gier eagle,"**: The second bird listed, the gier eagle (Egyptian vulture), emphasizes the prohibition against consuming scavengers. This prohibition was a strong marker of separation, as many surrounding cultures did not share such restrictions, and consuming carrion was often associated with impurity and even death.
* **"and the cormorant,"**: The final bird in this specific verse, the cormorant, reinforces the category of predatory water birds that were forbidden. The cumulative listing of these distinct yet similarly categorized birds underscores the comprehensive scope of God's commands regarding what Israel was to ingest, reflecting a holistic approach to their purity and distinctiveness.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Deuteronomy 14:17 is **Enumeration**, specifically a list of forbidden items. This technique is common in legal and instructional texts throughout the Pentateuch, serving to provide clear, unambiguous directives to the audience. By listing each bird individually, the text ensures clarity regarding what is prohibited, leaving no room for misinterpretation. The repetitive use of the conjunction "and" (**polysyndeton**) before each item in the list ("and the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant") emphasizes each distinct prohibition, giving equal weight to each forbidden species. This deliberate listing contributes to the overall **Categorization** of animals into "clean" and "unclean," a fundamental framework for understanding Israel's ritual purity and their covenant relationship with God. The very act of naming these specific birds reinforces the detailed and comprehensive nature of God's law, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation and His meticulous care for His people's holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 14:17, as part of the broader dietary laws, serves as a tangible expression of God's call for Israel to embody holiness and distinction. These regulations were not arbitrary but were designed to cultivate a unique identity for God's chosen people, setting them apart from the idolatrous practices and defiling customs of the surrounding nations. The principle was clear: what Israel consumed reflected who they were—a people consecrated to Yahweh. While the specific dietary prohibitions are no longer binding on New Testament believers, the underlying theological principle of living a life set apart for God's purposes remains profoundly relevant. Our "diet" today extends beyond physical food to what we consume spiritually, mentally, and morally, challenging us to discern what aligns with God's will and promotes our spiritual well-being and witness.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "Call to Holiness")
* [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Peter's Vision and Cleanliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary laws of Deuteronomy 14:17 are part of the Old Covenant and are not directly binding on New Testament believers, the enduring principles they convey are profoundly applicable to our lives today. This verse invites us to reflect on the nature of holiness—not merely as an abstract concept, but as a practical, daily commitment to God. Just as Israel's diet was a visible sign of their separation and dedication to God, so too are our choices in what we "consume" in the broadest sense. This includes the media we engage with, the relationships we cultivate, the ideas we entertain, and the values we uphold. Are these choices drawing us closer to God and reflecting His character, or are they leading us astray and conforming us to the patterns of the world? The call to be distinct, to live a life that visibly honors God, remains a timeless imperative for all who follow Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to live distinctly for God, even if it means going against cultural norms?**
* **How does what I "consume" (media, relationships, ideas) impact my spiritual purity and my relationship with God?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to align my daily choices more closely with God's call to holiness and obedience?**

### FAQ

**Why were these specific birds considered "unclean" by God?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state the precise reasons for each animal's classification as "clean" or "unclean." However, biblical scholars propose several contributing factors. Primarily, the distinction was theological and cultic, designed to set Israel apart as a holy nation dedicated to God. Many of the forbidden animals, including the pelican, gier eagle (Egyptian vulture), and cormorant, share characteristics such as being scavengers (like the gier eagle), predatory (like the cormorant and pelican), or associated with environments considered impure or unsanitary in the ancient Near East. Consuming such animals might have been seen as ritually defiling, associating the eater with practices or characteristics contrary to the purity and life that God desired for His people. While some secondary health benefits might have existed, the main purpose was to teach Israel about holiness, obedience, and their unique identity as God's covenant people, distinguishing them from the surrounding pagan cultures who often consumed such animals.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dietary laws, including the prohibitions in Deuteronomy 14:17, find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. These Old Covenant regulations, while serving to distinguish Israel and teach them about holiness, were ultimately shadows pointing to a greater spiritual reality. Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, inaugurated a new covenant where the emphasis shifted from external ritual purity to internal heart purity. In [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), Jesus declares all foods clean, dismantling the physical barriers of the dietary laws. This theological shift is powerfully demonstrated in Peter's vision in [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Peter's Vision of Cleanliness"), where God explicitly states, "What God has made clean, do not call common." This not only abolished the dietary restrictions but also foreshadowed the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, breaking down the dividing wall that these laws, among others, had created between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the "unclean" birds of Deuteronomy 14:17, and the laws surrounding them, ultimately point to Christ as the one who purifies all things, making us truly clean through His blood, and inviting all people, regardless of their former distinctions, into a new covenant of grace and spiritual freedom ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Shadows of the Things to Come")).

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.