Deuteronomy 14:21

Ye shall not eat [of] any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that [is] in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

Ye shall not eat {H398} of any thing that dieth of itself {H5038}: thou shalt give {H5414} it unto the stranger {H1616} that is in thy gates {H8179}, that he may eat {H398} it; or thou mayest sell {H4376} it unto an alien {H5237}: for thou art an holy {H6918} people {H5971} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}. Thou shalt not seethe {H1310} a kid {H1423} in his mother's {H517} milk {H2461}.

"You are not to eat any animal that dies naturally; although you may let a stranger staying with you eat it, or sell it to a foreigner; because you are a holy people for ADONAI your God. "You are not to boil a young animal in its mother's milk.

You are not to eat any carcass; you may give it to the foreigner residing within your gates, and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. For you are a holy people belonging to the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.

Ye shall not eat of anything that dieth of itself: thou mayest give it unto the sojourner that is within thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto a foreigner: for thou art a holy people unto Jehovah thy God. Thou shalt not boil a kid in its mother’s milk.

Commentary

Context of Deuteronomy 14:21

Deuteronomy 14 is primarily concerned with dietary laws and tithes, reinforcing the unique identity and covenant relationship between the Israelites and the LORD their God. This chapter builds upon earlier Mosaic Law given in books like Leviticus, detailing what is permissible to eat and what is not. Verse 21 specifically addresses two distinct prohibitions: the eating of carrion (meat that dies naturally) and the unusual command against boiling a young goat in its mother's milk. These laws served to distinguish Israel from surrounding pagan nations and to cultivate a sense of holiness and ethical conduct.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Holiness and Distinction: The central reason for these dietary and ethical commands is given explicitly: "for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God." Israel was called to be set apart as a holy nation, reflecting God's own character. This required practices that differentiated them from the common customs of other peoples, particularly those involving idolatry or practices deemed unclean.
  • Care for the Marginalized: The instruction to give or sell naturally deceased animals to the "stranger" (ger, a resident alien) or "alien" (nokri, a foreigner passing through) demonstrates God's concern for those outside the immediate covenant community. While Israelites were forbidden to eat such meat due to their holy status, it was not to be wasted. This showcases a practical compassion and hospitality towards non-Israelites living among or visiting them, ensuring they had sustenance. The law often commanded kindness to the stranger.
  • Ethical and Natural Order: The prohibition against "seething a kid in his mother's milk" appears several times in the Pentateuch (Exodus 23:19, Exodus 34:26). While its precise ancient context is debated, it is widely understood as a prohibition against Canaanite fertility rituals where a young animal was cooked in its mother's milk as a pagan offering. Alternatively, it represents an unnatural and cruel act, violating the relationship between parent and offspring, or the life-giving nature of milk being used for death. This command underscored a respect for life and the natural order established by God, further distancing Israel from pagan practices.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "holy" (Hebrew: qadosh) emphasizes the idea of being "set apart" or "consecrated" for a special purpose, distinct from the common or profane. Israel's dietary laws were a tangible expression of this separation.
  • The distinction between "stranger" (ger) and "alien" (nokri) is subtle but important. A ger was a resident foreigner, often assimilated to some degree into Israelite society, while a nokri was a true outsider, a temporary visitor or merchant. The law allowed for different interactions based on their status relative to the Israelite covenant.
  • "Seethe" means to boil or cook. The phrase "a kid in his mother's milk" is specific, highlighting the intimate and life-sustaining relationship being perverted by the act of cooking.

Practical Application

While the specific dietary laws of the Old Testament are generally not considered binding on New Testament believers (as affirmed in Acts 10:15 and Colossians 2:16), the underlying principles remain highly relevant:

  • Living a Distinct Life: Believers are still called to be "holy" (1 Peter 1:16), not by adherence to specific dietary rules, but by living lives transformed by Christ, set apart from the world's values and practices that contradict God's will.
  • Compassion and Generosity: The command to care for the stranger and alien reflects God's heart for the marginalized. This principle translates into modern-day calls for hospitality, charity, and justice for immigrants, refugees, and those in need, regardless of their background.
  • Ethical Living and Respect for Creation: The prohibition against "seething a kid" encourages us to consider the ethical implications of our actions, to avoid cruelty, and to live in harmony with the natural order and God's design for life. It reminds us to be mindful of practices that might be common in the world but are contrary to godly values.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 23:19

    The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

  • Exodus 34:26

    The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

  • Leviticus 17:15

    And every soul that eateth that which died [of itself], or that which was torn [with beasts, whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean.

  • Deuteronomy 14:2

    For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that [are] upon the earth.

  • Leviticus 22:8

    That which dieth of itself, or is torn [with beasts], he shall not eat to defile himself therewith: I [am] the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 4:14

    Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.

  • Acts 15:20

    But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from] things strangled, and [from] blood.
← Back