Deuteronomy 14:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:21 delivers two distinct prohibitions to ancient Israel, underscoring their unique covenant identity and consecrated status as God's holy people. First, it forbids the consumption of animals that have died naturally, yet compassionately permits giving or selling such meat to resident aliens or foreigners, highlighting both Israel's ritual purity and their ethical responsibility. Second, the verse reiterates the enigmatic command against boiling a young goat in its mother's milk, a prohibition widely interpreted as a rejection of pagan fertility rites or a profound statement on the sanctity of life and natural order. Both injunctions collectively serve to delineate Israel's distinctiveness from surrounding nations, reinforcing their ethical and spiritual separation unto the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 14 is situated within Moses' second major address to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This chapter specifically outlines laws pertaining to clean and unclean foods, tithes, and festival observances, forming a crucial part of the covenant stipulations. Verse 21 concludes the detailed section on dietary laws, which commenced in [Deuteronomy 14:3](/deuteronomy/14-3 "Deuteronomy 14:3 - Clean and Unclean Animals") by reiterating and elaborating upon the distinctions between animals permissible and forbidden for consumption, building upon earlier legislation found in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Laws Concerning Clean and Unclean Animals"). The initial prohibition in [Deuteronomy 14:21](/deuteronomy/14-21 "Deuteronomy 14:21 - Dietary Laws and Care for Strangers") against eating carrion functions as a culminating statement on the dietary purity required of Israel, reinforcing the principles of holiness established throughout the chapter. The subsequent, seemingly unrelated prohibition against boiling a kid in its mother's milk, though concise, is strategically placed to cap off the dietary regulations with a powerful ethical and theological statement, connecting physical consumption to broader principles of life, order, and separation from idolatrous practices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The laws presented in Deuteronomy were given to a people poised to enter Canaan, a land deeply entrenched in pagan religious practices and diverse cultural norms. The surrounding Canaanite societies frequently engaged in various fertility cults, which often incorporated rituals involving animal sacrifice and the consumption of meat in ways that were anathema to Yahwistic worship. For example, the practice of boiling a young animal in its mother's milk is widely believed to have been associated with Canaanite agricultural or fertility rites, intended to secure abundant harvests or livestock. By explicitly forbidding such practices, the LORD was establishing clear boundaries for Israel, preventing syncretism and safeguarding their unique identity as a people consecrated to Him. The distinction made between the "stranger" (Hebrew: _ger_, a resident alien often dependent on Israelite hospitality) and the "alien" (Hebrew: _nokrîy_, a temporary visitor or merchant) reflects the social stratification of the ancient Near East and God's comprehensive concern for all within Israel's sphere of influence, even those not fully part of the covenant community. This provision for the marginalized also demonstrates a practical application of covenant ethics, ensuring that resources were not wasted and that basic needs were met, even for outsiders.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 14:21 significantly contributes to several overarching themes present in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Central to this verse is the theme of **Holiness and Distinction**, explicitly articulated: "for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God." This concept, first introduced in [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel as a Holy Nation"), underscores Israel's divine calling to be set apart from other nations, reflecting God's own character. Their dietary laws, along with other statutes, served as tangible expressions of this separation, designed to cultivate a unique identity rooted in their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Another prominent theme is **Compassion and Care for the Marginalized**. The instruction to give or sell carrion to the _ger_ or _nokrîy_ highlights God's concern for those outside the immediate covenant community, echoing broader commands for justice and kindness towards the vulnerable found throughout the Law, such as in [Leviticus 19:34](/leviticus/19-34 "Leviticus 19:34 - Love the Stranger as Yourself"). Finally, the prohibition against "seething a kid in his mother's milk" speaks to themes of **Ethical Living and Respect for the Natural Order**. While debated, this command is often understood as a rejection of pagan cruelty or an affirmation of the sanctity of life and the proper relationship between creation elements, reinforcing Israel's commitment to a moral code distinct from the surrounding cultures, as also seen in [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - Firstfruits and the Kid in Mother's Milk") and [Exodus 34:26](/exodus/34-26 "Exodus 34:26 - Covenant Renewal and the Kid in Mother's Milk").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** This term (H6918) signifies being "sacred" or "set apart," whether ceremonially or morally. In the context of Deuteronomy 14:21, it describes Israel's unique status as a people consecrated by and for the LORD, distinct from the common or profane. Their holiness was not an inherent quality but a relational one, derived from their covenant with Yahweh, demanding a life of separation from the practices and moral impurities of the surrounding nations.
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _gêr'_):** This word (H1616) properly refers to a "guest" or, by implication, a "foreigner" or "sojourner." It denotes a resident alien who has settled within Israelite territory, often without tribal land inheritance, and who was typically dependent on the hospitality and justice of the Israelite community. The Law frequently commanded kindness and equitable treatment for the _gêr_, reflecting God's own care for the vulnerable and His remembrance of Israel's own sojourn in Egypt.
* **Seethe (Hebrew, _bâshal'_):** This primitive root (H1310) primarily means "to boil up" or "to be done in cooking." Figuratively, it can mean "to ripen." In this specific prohibition, it refers to the act of cooking or boiling, emphasizing the unnatural and potentially ritualistic perversion of a life-giving substance (mother's milk) being used in the preparation of her offspring for consumption, thereby violating a fundamental aspect of the natural order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall not eat [of] any thing that dieth of itself:"** This clause establishes a clear prohibition against the consumption of carrion, animals that have died naturally rather than through ritual slaughter. This command reinforces the purity laws of Israel, as such meat would be considered unclean due to the presence of undrained blood and the circumstances of its death, which did not align with the standards required for a holy people.
* **"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:"** This clause provides a compassionate and practical directive for the disposal of carrion. While forbidden for Israelites due to their consecrated status, the meat is not to be wasted. It can be given to a _gêr_ (resident alien) who might not be bound by the same strict dietary restrictions, or sold to a _nokrîy_ (foreigner or temporary visitor), demonstrating both the distinctness of Israel's covenant and their ethical responsibility to those outside it.
* **"for thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God."** This phrase serves as the profound theological rationale for the preceding dietary laws and, by extension, for the entire set of distinct practices enjoined upon Israel. It underscores that Israel's identity as a people "set apart" by God necessitates distinct behaviors and customs that reflect His character and maintain their unique covenant relationship with Him, distinguishing them from the surrounding nations and their idolatrous customs.
* **"Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk."** This is the second, distinct prohibition within the verse. It strictly forbids the act of boiling a young goat in the milk of its mother. While its precise origin and meaning have been debated through history, it is widely interpreted as a direct counter-practice to pagan fertility rituals common in Canaan, or as a prohibition against an act deemed unnatural, cruel, or a violation of the sacred, life-giving bond between a mother and her offspring.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 14:21 skillfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the immediate placement of two seemingly disparate laws within a single verse: the prohibition against eating carrion and the command against boiling a kid in its mother's milk. This pairing, though initially puzzling, serves to underscore the comprehensive nature of Israel's holiness, extending from dietary purity to ethical conduct and the rejection of pagan practices. The phrase "for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God" functions as a powerful **Rationale** or **Motive Clause**, providing the overarching theological justification for all the preceding dietary regulations in the chapter. This emphasizes that Israel's distinctiveness is not arbitrary but flows directly from their covenant identity and the character of God. Furthermore, the specific imagery of "a kid in his mother's milk" utilizes potent **Symbolism**, where the milk, a universal symbol of life, nourishment, and maternal care, is perverted by being used in an act of death or consumption, thereby highlighting the unnaturalness, cruelty, or ungodliness of the practice. The entire verse, like much of Deuteronomy, is inherently **Didactic** in nature, serving to instruct, remind, and impress upon Israel the fundamental principles that define their relationship with God and set them apart from the nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 14:21 profoundly illustrates God's desire for His covenant people to live a life of distinct holiness, not merely as an external observance but as an internal expression of their unique relationship with Him. The dietary laws, while specific to the Old Covenant, encapsulate a timeless principle: God's people are called to be different, to reflect His character in all areas of life, including their consumption habits and ethical treatment of others. The compassionate provision for the stranger and alien reveals God's expansive concern, extending beyond the immediate covenant community, and challenging Israel to embody His love and justice to all within their sphere of influence. The enigmatic prohibition against boiling a kid in its mother's milk, whether countering paganism or promoting ethical treatment of animals, speaks to a divine order and a rejection of practices that pervert life or natural relationships, urging a reverence for creation and a clear separation from the cruel or perverse customs of the world.

* [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - A Treasured Possession and Holy Nation")
* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - Welcoming the Stranger and Serving the Least of These")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 14:21, though rooted in the ancient covenant law given to Israel, offers profound and enduring principles for contemporary believers. While the specific dietary prohibitions are not binding under the New Covenant, the underlying call to holiness remains paramount. We are still called to be a people "set apart" for God, not primarily by external dietary rules, but by an internal transformation that shapes our values, choices, and conduct. This implies consciously choosing to live in a way that reflects Christ's character, distinguishing us from the prevailing values and practices of secular society. The command to care for the stranger and alien challenges us to extend radical hospitality, compassion, and justice to the marginalized, the immigrant, and the vulnerable in our communities, embodying God's expansive heart for all humanity. Furthermore, the enigmatic prohibition against "seething a kid in its mother's milk" encourages us to consider the ethical implications of our actions, to avoid cruelty, and to live in harmony with God's created order, rejecting practices that are unnatural, exploitative, or disrespectful of life and its sacred bonds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what tangible ways does my current lifestyle reflect the call to be a "holy people" set apart for God in today's complex world?**
* **How can I practically extend compassion, hospitality, and justice to the "stranger" or "alien" in my community, embodying God's heart for the marginalized and vulnerable?**
* **What modern practices or cultural norms might be akin to "seething a kid in its mother's milk" in terms of violating natural order, promoting cruelty, or perverting life-giving principles, and how should I, as a believer, respond to them?**

### FAQ

**Why were Israelites forbidden from eating animals that died naturally, but could give them to strangers?**

Answer: The prohibition for Israelites stemmed directly from their status as a "holy people unto the LORD their God." Animals that died naturally were considered unclean because their blood had not been properly drained according to ritual purity laws, and their death was not controlled or consecrated. Consuming such meat would compromise their ritual purity and distinct identity as a people set apart. However, this restriction did not apply to non-Israelites (referred to as "strangers" or "aliens") who were not under the same covenant obligations of ritual purity. Allowing them to eat or purchase such meat demonstrated practical compassion, prevented waste, and provided a means for non-Israelites to acquire food, all while still maintaining Israel's distinct identity. It highlighted that holiness was a specific requirement for the covenant community, not a universal standard imposed on all peoples. This practice ensured that the Israelites maintained their unique separation while still showing generosity and care for those living among them or passing through their land, as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 14:21](/deuteronomy/14-21 "Deuteronomy 14:21 - Dietary Laws and Care for Strangers").

**What is the meaning of "Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk"?**

Answer: This command, notably repeated three times in the Pentateuch ([Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - Firstfruits and the Kid in Mother's Milk"), [Exodus 34:26](/exodus/34-26 "Exodus 34:26 - Covenant Renewal and the Kid in Mother's Milk"), and [Deuteronomy 14:21](/deuteronomy/14-21 "Deuteronomy 14:21 - Dietary Laws and Care for Strangers")), is one of the more enigmatic in the Old Testament. The most widely accepted interpretation is that it served as a direct prohibition against a specific Canaanite fertility ritual. Archaeological findings and ancient texts suggest that some pagan practices involved boiling a young animal in its mother's milk as an offering to deities, believed to ensure agricultural prosperity or livestock fecundity. By forbidding this, God was drawing a sharp line between Israelite worship and pagan idolatry, preventing syncretism and preserving the purity of their devotion. Another significant interpretation suggests it's a general ethical principle against cruelty or the perversion of natural order—using a life-giving substance (milk) to prepare the offspring for death is seen as unnatural, disrespectful of the bond between parent and child, or a violation of the cycle of life. It underscores a profound respect for life and the proper, non-abusive use of creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 14:21, with its profound emphasis on holiness, distinction, and ethical conduct, finds its ultimate fulfillment and radical transformation in Christ. While the specific dietary laws are abrogated under the New Covenant, as clearly affirmed by Peter's vision in [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Peter's Vision of Clean and Unclean Animals") and Paul's theological teaching in [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom from Dietary Laws and Shadows of Christ"), the underlying spiritual principles are magnified and perfectly embodied in the person and work of Jesus. Christ Himself is the quintessential embodiment of true holiness, described as "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ, Our Holy High Priest")). Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are made holy and set apart, not by adherence to external regulations, but by being united with Him and indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")). The Old Testament call to care for the "stranger" and "alien" is radically expanded in the New Testament, where Christ identifies profoundly with the marginalized and vulnerable, declaring that acts of compassion towards "the least of these" are, in fact, acts done directly to Him ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")). The ethical principle against perverting life or natural order, exemplified by the "kid in mother's milk" prohibition, is fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive teaching on love, justice, and the sanctity of life, which transcends mere ritual to embrace a holistic transformation of the heart and mind, leading to a life that is a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifices and Transformed Minds")). In Christ, the focus shifts from external distinctions to an internal, Spirit-empowered life that truly reflects God's character and love to a broken world.

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.

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.