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 inclusion within a broader, meticulously detailed list of birds forbidden for consumption by the ancient Israelites, forming an integral part of God's comprehensive dietary laws delivered through Moses. This verse precisely names three particular avian species—the pelican, the gier eagle, and the cormorant—all unequivocally designated as "unclean." These prohibitions served as far more than mere dietary restrictions; they were tangible expressions of Israel's unique covenant identity, designed to distinguish them as a holy people set apart by God from the surrounding pagan nations, thereby reinforcing fundamental principles of purity, obedience, and spiritual distinction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 14:17 is strategically placed within a comprehensive section of dietary laws, spanning 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 meticulously outlines permissible and forbidden animals, birds, and sea creatures for Israelite consumption. This chapter immediately follows a powerful exhortation for Israel to remember their unique status as God's treasured possession and to live in faithful accordance with His divine commands, particularly concerning their worship and daily conduct. The enumeration of unclean birds, including those specified in [Deuteronomy 14:17](/deuteronomy/14-17 "Deuteronomy 14:17 - Unclean Birds"), directly parallels a similar, more extensive catalogue found in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Laws of Clean and Unclean Animals"), underscoring a consistent and foundational legal tradition woven throughout the Pentateuch. The immediate verses, [Deuteronomy 14:11-18](/deuteronomy/14-11-18 "Deuteronomy 14:11-18 - List of Unclean Birds"), focus exclusively on avian species, with verse 17 contributing three more specific examples to this category of prohibited creatures.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dietary laws articulated in Deuteronomy were imparted to Israel as they stood poised on the threshold of entering the Promised Land. These regulations were absolutely critical for establishing and maintaining their distinct identity within a region populated by diverse Canaanite peoples, each with their own unique religious practices, social customs, and culinary traditions. In the ancient Near East, dietary practices were often imbued with profound religious and social significance, serving to differentiate groups and reflect their specific understanding of the divine. Many pagan cultures engaged in practices that Israel was explicitly commanded to shun, including certain sacrificial rites and consumption habits. The designation of animals as "clean" or "unclean" was not primarily based on modern scientific hygiene, though secondary health benefits may have incidentally arisen. Fundamentally, it was a theological and cultic distinction, meticulously designed to reinforce Israel's exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh and their sacred calling to be a holy nation, unequivocally separate from the defilement of idolatry and pagan practices prevalent in their new environment.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme permeating [Deuteronomy 14](/deuteronomy/14 "Deuteronomy 14 - Laws of Purity and Tithes"), and indeed much of the Pentateuch, is **Holiness and Distinction**. God unequivocally 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, visibly marking them as distinct from other nations and dedicated solely to God. This theme intricately intertwines with **Obedience to Divine Command**, as these laws were not mere suggestions but direct, non-negotiable mandates from God, demanding Israel's faithful adherence as a profound act of trust and submission to His sovereign will. Furthermore, these specific laws contribute significantly to the theme of **Purity**, encompassing both ritual and moral dimensions. 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 behaviors, thereby fostering a holistic understanding of what it truly meant to live as God's consecrated people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pelican (Hebrew, _qâʼath'_):** Derived from the root "קוֹא" (qôʼ), meaning "to vomit," this term refers to a large water bird, specifically the pelican, known for its distinctive gular pouch and its habit of regurgitating food for its young. The Strong's data suggests its name might stem from this characteristic ("from vomiting"). In biblical contexts, 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 watery environments, which could be perceived as sources of impurity in certain cultic contexts, or simply its categorization alongside other birds of prey and scavengers.
* **Gier Eagle (Hebrew, _râchâm'_):** This term identifies a kind of vulture, widely recognized as the Egyptian vulture, a scavenger notorious for feeding on carrion and refuse. The Strong's data notes its root "רָחַם" (râcham) means "to show compassion" or "to be tender," leading to the supposition that it was considered "tender towards its young." This is ironic given its unclean status. However, its primary characteristic as a scavenger, consuming dead and decaying matter, rendered 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 and separate from God's holiness.
* **Cormorant (Hebrew, _shâlâk'_):** Derived from the root "שָׁלָךְ" (shâlak), meaning "to throw" or "to cast down," this term refers to a bird of prey, usually thought to be the cormorant. The Strong's data suggests its name might refer to its habit of "casting itself into the sea" when diving for fish. The cormorant is a large, dark diving bird, highly adept at fishing. Like the pelican, its predatory nature and close 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 explicitly deemed unclean within this verse. The inclusion of the pelican highlights the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the dietary laws, extending to various types of birds, particularly those that are predatory or associated with environments that were considered less pure or life-giving in the ancient Israelite worldview.
* **"and the gier eagle,"**: The second bird listed, the gier eagle (Egyptian vulture), emphatically underscores the prohibition against consuming scavengers. This particular prohibition served as a powerful marker of separation for Israel, as many surrounding cultures did not share such restrictions, and consuming carrion was often associated with impurity, death, and even idolatrous practices.
* **"and the cormorant,"**: The final bird enumerated in this specific verse, the cormorant, further reinforces the category of predatory water birds that were strictly 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, distinctiveness, and covenant relationship with Him.

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

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 14:17, as an integral part of the broader dietary laws, serves as a tangible and daily expression of God's unwavering call for Israel to embody holiness and distinction. These regulations were far from arbitrary; they were divinely 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 underlying principle was profoundly clear: what Israel consumed directly reflected who they were—a people consecrated exclusively to Yahweh. While the specific dietary prohibitions articulated in the Old Covenant are no longer binding on New Testament believers, the enduring theological principle of living a life set apart for God's sacred purposes remains profoundly relevant. Our "diet" today extends far beyond physical food to encompass what we consume spiritually, mentally, and morally, challenging us to discern what truly aligns with God's will and promotes our spiritual well-being and effective witness in the world.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "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](/deuteronomy/14-17 "Deuteronomy 14:17 - Unclean Birds") 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 engage in deep reflection on the very nature of holiness—not merely as an abstract theological concept, but as a practical, daily, and tangible 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 expansive understanding 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 holy character, or are they subtly leading us astray and conforming us to the fleeting patterns of the world? The call to be distinct, to live a life that visibly honors God, remains a timeless and urgent imperative for all who sincerely follow Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I currently called to live distinctly for God, even if it means consciously going against prevailing cultural norms or personal preferences?**
* **How does what I "consume" (e.g., social media, entertainment, conversations, spiritual teachings) impact my spiritual purity, my thought life, and ultimately my relationship with God?**
* **What practical, actionable steps can I take this week to align my daily choices more closely with God's clear call to holiness, obedience, and separation unto Him?**

### FAQ

**Why were these specific birds considered "unclean" by God in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state the precise rationale 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 uniquely dedicated to God. Many of the forbidden animals, including the pelican, gier eagle (Egyptian vulture), and cormorant, share common 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 without reservation. This system of laws was a pedagogical tool, shaping Israel's daily life to reflect their sacred calling, as seen throughout [Deuteronomy 14](/deuteronomy/14 "Deuteronomy 14 - Laws of Purity and Tithes").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dietary laws, including the specific prohibitions found in [Deuteronomy 14:17](/deuteronomy/14-17 "Deuteronomy 14:17 - Unclean Birds"), find their ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. These Old Covenant regulations, while serving to distinguish Israel and meticulously teach them about holiness and separation, were ultimately shadows pointing to a greater spiritual reality. Jesus, through His perfect life of obedience, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, inaugurated a new covenant where the emphasis decisively shifted from external ritual purity to a radical, internal heart purity. In [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), Jesus unequivocally declares all foods clean, thereby dismantling the physical barriers of the dietary laws. This monumental theological shift is powerfully demonstrated and confirmed 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 profoundly foreshadowed the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility that these laws, among others, had created between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the "unclean" birds of Deuteronomy 14:17, and the entire legal framework surrounding them, ultimately point to Christ as the one who purifies all things, making us truly clean through His shed blood, and inviting all people, regardless of their former distinctions, into a new covenant of boundless grace and spiritual freedom ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "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.