Deuteronomy 14:3

KJV

Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not eat {H398} any abominable thing {H8441}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are not to eat anything disgusting.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not eat any detestable thing.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:3, "Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing," serves as a foundational declaration within Israel's covenant relationship with God, introducing the specific dietary laws that would distinguish them as a holy people. This concise prohibition sets the stage for the detailed enumeration of clean and unclean foods that follows, underscoring that their identity as God's chosen nation was to be expressed not only in grand acts of worship but also in the most mundane aspects of daily life, such as what they consumed. It highlights a divine standard of purity and separation, reflecting God's own holy character and His desire for His people to mirror that holiness in every sphere.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the beginning of a section detailing cultic purity laws in Deuteronomy, immediately following a profound theological statement about Israel's identity. [Deuteronomy 14:1](/deuteronomy/14-1 "Deuteronomy 14:1 - Sons of the LORD") forbids pagan mourning rituals, emphasizing Israel's unique status as "sons of the LORD your God." This is amplified in [Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel, a Holy People"), which explicitly declares Israel to be "a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth." The dietary laws that commence with verse 3, and continue through [Deuteronomy 14:21](/deuteronomy/14-21 "Deuteronomy 14:21 - Further Dietary Laws"), are therefore not arbitrary rules but practical outworkings of this holy identity. They serve as tangible boundaries, reinforcing Israel's distinction from surrounding nations and their commitment to the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As Israel stood on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, they were about to encounter Canaanite cultures deeply entrenched in polytheism and pagan practices. These cultures often involved cultic meals, ritual prostitution, and sacrifices to various deities, blurring the lines between sacred and profane. The dietary laws in Deuteronomy 14, mirroring the more extensive list in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), provided a clear, daily reminder of Israel's separation from these idolatrous customs. By restricting certain foods, God prevented His people from participating in or being influenced by the defiling practices of their neighbors, thereby preserving their unique covenant identity and preventing syncretism. These regulations were a practical means of living out their distinctiveness in a land saturated with paganism, ensuring their adherence to the covenant and their unique relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme is **Holiness and Separation**. The dietary laws provided a tangible framework for Israel to live out their call to be holy, reflecting God's own holiness. The distinction between clean and unclean foods created a daily, visible boundary, constantly reminding them of their unique relationship with the Lord and their separation from gentile customs and idolatry. This directly connects to the declaration in [Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel, a Holy People") that Israel is a "holy people." Another key theme is **Obedience to God's Law**. Adhering to these specific dietary restrictions was a direct act of obedience and faithfulness to the covenant God had established. It demonstrated their commitment to His sovereignty over all aspects of their lives, from grand religious festivals to the mundane act of eating. Finally, these laws underscore **Divine Authority**. They are not presented as suggestions but as divine commands, highlighting God's absolute right and power to define what is acceptable and unacceptable for His people, not only in moral conduct but also in daily practices like eating, as seen throughout the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:1-2](/deuteronomy/4-1-2 "Deuteronomy 4:1-2 - Obeying God's Statutes")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root verb signifies the act of consuming food, whether literally or figuratively. In the context of Deuteronomy 14:3, it refers to the physical ingestion of sustenance. However, the broader semantic range, including "devour" or "consume," hints at the comprehensive nature of the prohibition—it's not merely about tasting but fully taking into one's being. The prohibition against eating certain "abominable" things underscores that even the most basic human need for food is subject to divine regulation for the purpose of holiness.
* **abominable thing (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This powerful Hebrew term refers to something detestable, abhorrent, or an abomination in God's sight. While in this specific context it refers to certain foods that are ritually unclean and forbidden, the term _tôwʻêbah_ is used broadly throughout the Old Testament to describe actions or things that are morally repulsive to God, such as idolatry ([Deuteronomy 7:25](/deuteronomy/7-25 "Deuteronomy 7:25 - Abominable Idols")), sexual immorality ([Leviticus 18:22](/leviticus/18-22 "Leviticus 18:22 - Abomination of Homosexuality")), and dishonest business practices ([Deuteronomy 25:16](/deuteronomy/25-16 "Deuteronomy 25:16 - Abomination of Dishonest Weights")). Its use here elevates the dietary prohibitions beyond mere health regulations, indicating that consuming these items was an offense against the holiness and character of God, akin to other grave sins. It signifies a profound spiritual impurity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not eat":** This phrase constitutes a direct, emphatic prohibition. It is a divine command, leaving no room for negotiation or individual discretion. The use of "shalt not" (a strong negative imperative) underscores the absolute nature of the instruction, demanding strict adherence from every Israelite. It signifies that this is a matter of obedience to God's covenant and His sovereign will, establishing a clear boundary for the people of God.
* **"any abominable thing":** This clause defines the scope of the prohibition. The word "any" indicates a comprehensive ban on all items categorized as _tôwʻêbah_. The term "abominable thing" (as explored in the Key Word Analysis) signifies that these are not merely unpalatable or unhealthy items, but rather things that are ritually detestable or morally offensive in God's eyes, specifically in the context of food. This sets the stage for the subsequent verses that list the specific animals, birds, and fish that fall under this category, providing concrete examples of what constitutes "abominable" and how Israel was to maintain its distinctiveness.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 14:3 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and authority. Primarily, it functions as a **Prohibition**, a direct and absolute command ("Thou shalt not") that establishes a clear boundary for the Israelites. This is a common feature of covenant law, emphasizing divine authority and the expectation of obedience. The verse also serves as a **Categorization Header**, introducing the detailed list of clean and unclean animals that follows in the chapter. While not explicitly listing them, it sets the overarching principle under which the subsequent classifications operate, providing the theological rationale for the specific dietary rules. Furthermore, the concept of "abominable" carries strong **Symbolism**, where food becomes a tangible representation of spiritual purity and separation. Eating certain foods was not just a physical act but a symbolic affirmation of Israel's distinct identity and their commitment to God's holiness, separating them from the defiling practices of pagan nations. The verse is also **Didactic**, serving to instruct and guide the behavior of the Israelites in a manner consistent with their covenant relationship, teaching them the practical outworking of holiness in daily life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 14:3 is deeply rooted in the Old Testament theology of holiness and covenant. It establishes that God's people are to be distinct, set apart from the nations around them, not just in their worship but in their daily lives. This distinction reflects the very character of God, who is holy and separate from all impurity. The dietary laws, therefore, were not arbitrary but served as a constant, tangible reminder of Israel's unique status as God's "treasured possession" and their call to reflect His purity. Violating these laws was not merely a dietary transgression but an offense against the covenant and the holiness of God Himself, blurring the lines between the sacred and the profane that God had so carefully drawn. This principle of separation for the sake of holiness is a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch, emphasizing that God's people must live in a way that honors His name and distinguishes them as His own.

* [Leviticus 11:44-47](/leviticus/11-44-47 "Leviticus 11:44-47 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Acts 10:10-15](/acts/10-10-15 "Acts 10:10-15 - Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness for Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary laws of Deuteronomy 14:3 are no longer binding on New Testament believers, the profound underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and living distinctly for God remain profoundly relevant. As followers of Christ, we are called to be set apart for God in every area of our lives, reflecting His character to a watching world. This means exercising spiritual discernment in what we "consume"—not just physically, but intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. We are to carefully evaluate the influences we allow into our minds and hearts through media, relationships, ideologies, and entertainment, avoiding anything that is "abominable" or detestable in God's sight, and upholding biblical standards of truth, purity, and morality. Our bodies, as temples of the Holy Spirit, are to be honored and used for God's glory, extending beyond mere physical health to encompass how we present ourselves and engage with the world. Ultimately, the call is to live distinctly from the world around us, not conforming to its patterns but being transformed by the renewing of our minds, making choices that reflect our identity as children of God, set apart for His purposes and glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "abominable" in Deuteronomy 14:3 translate into spiritual discernment for believers today?**
* **In what specific ways are we called to live distinctly as God's holy people in contemporary society, even without Old Testament dietary laws?**
* **How does honoring God with our bodies extend beyond physical health to encompass our spiritual and moral choices?**
* **What "unclean things" (influences, habits, thoughts) might we need to "put away" from our lives to truly reflect God's holiness?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific foods considered "abominable" or unclean by God?**

Answer: The reasons for specific food prohibitions are multifaceted and debated among scholars, but they generally fall into several categories beyond mere health. Primarily, these laws served as a means of **distinction and separation** for Israel. By having unique dietary codes, they were set apart from the surrounding pagan nations, who often engaged in cultic meals involving animals considered unclean by Israelite law. Some animals might have been associated with pagan deities or practices, making their consumption an act of defilement. Others may have been considered unclean due to their nature (e.g., scavengers) or their association with death and decay, which were antithetical to the life-giving nature of God. Ultimately, the classification of clean and unclean foods was an expression of God's **sovereign choice** and His desire to instill a sense of holiness and obedience in His people, teaching them to discern and obey His commands in all areas of life, as highlighted in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Holiness in Dietary Laws").

**Are Christians still bound by the Old Testament dietary laws, including the prohibition against "abominable things" in Deuteronomy 14:3?**

Answer: No, Christians are not bound by the Old Testament ceremonial dietary laws. The New Testament clearly indicates that these laws were part of the Old Covenant, which has been fulfilled and superseded in Christ. In [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), Jesus Himself declares all foods clean, stating that "what comes out of a person is what defiles him." Furthermore, Peter's vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Peter's Vision and the Cleanliness of All Foods") explicitly reveals God's command to "kill and eat" animals previously considered unclean, signifying the abolition of these distinctions. Paul also addresses this in [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Shadow and Reality in Christ"), stating, "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink... These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." While the specific dietary prohibitions are no longer applicable, the underlying principle of living a life of holiness and discernment for God's glory remains foundational for believers, as exhorted in [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "Glory to God in All Things").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 14:3, with its prohibition against "abominable things" and its emphasis on Israel's holy distinction, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant dietary laws, along with other ceremonial regulations, served as a "shadow of the good things to come" ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - Shadow of the Good Things to Come")), pointing to a deeper spiritual reality. Christ, through His perfect life and atoning sacrifice, became the ultimate cleanser, removing the true "abominable thing"—sin—that separates humanity from a holy God. He declared all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")), not because God's standard of holiness changed, but because the means of achieving purity shifted from external ritual to internal transformation. Through faith in Him, believers are made holy and righteous, no longer needing dietary distinctions to signify their separation, for they are now "in Christ" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The call to be set apart, once expressed through physical boundaries, is now fulfilled by being set apart *by* Christ and *for* Christ, living lives that reflect His character and bringing glory to God in all things, whether we eat or drink ([1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Glory to God in All Things")). Thus, the spirit of Deuteronomy 14:3—the call to holiness and distinction—is profoundly realized in the New Covenant as believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives consecrated to God, free from the defilement of sin, by virtue of Christ's perfect work.

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

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.

Leviticus 20:25

Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean.

Romans 14:14

I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.

Leviticus 11:43

¶ Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby.

Acts 10:12

Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

Acts 10:14

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

Titus 1:15

Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.