Deuteronomy 14:4

KJV

These [are] the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the beasts {H929} which ye shall eat {H398}: the ox {H7794}, the sheep {H7716}{H3775}, and the goat {H5795},

Complete Jewish Bible

The animals which you may eat are: ox, sheep, goat,

Berean Standard Bible

These are the animals that you may eat: The ox, the sheep, the goat,

American Standard Version

These are the beasts which ye may eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:4 introduces the specific categories of clean animals permissible for consumption by the Israelites, immediately following the general prohibition against eating anything detestable. This verse, therefore, serves as the positive articulation of God's dietary provisions, listing the foundational animals—ox, sheep, and goat—that were central to ancient Israelite life and economy, thereby establishing a practical aspect of their covenantal distinctiveness and holiness. It underscores God's meticulous care for His people's daily needs while reinforcing their unique identity as a consecrated nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 14:4 is strategically positioned within a larger discourse (Deuteronomy 14:1-21) that meticulously outlines various laws designed to define and reinforce Israel's identity as God's holy people. It directly follows the general command in [Deuteronomy 14:3](/deuteronomy/14-3 "Deuteronomy 14:3 - Prohibition of Detestable Things"), which broadly prohibits the consumption of "any abominable thing." This verse then transitions to a positive enumeration, initiating a detailed list of what *is* permissible for consumption, thereby creating a clear and practical distinction between the clean and the unclean. The subsequent verses expand upon this initial list to include other categories of animals, birds, and aquatic life, culminating in a powerful reiteration of the principle of holiness in [Deuteronomy 14:21](/deuteronomy/14-21 "Deuteronomy 14:21 - Do Not Eat Anything Found Dead"). This structured progression emphasizes God's comprehensive provision and the tangible outworking of Israel's consecrated status in their daily lives.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Deuteronomy, often characterized as Moses' farewell address, was delivered to the generation poised to enter the Promised Land. These laws served to reiterate, expound upon, and apply the Mosaic Covenant established at Mount Sinai, preparing the Israelites for life as a distinct nation in Canaan. Dietary regulations, commonly known as *kashrut*, were not entirely unique to Israel in the ancient Near East, as various cultures had their own food taboos and purity codes. However, for Israel, these laws were divinely ordained and deeply interwoven into their national and religious identity. They functioned as a tangible boundary, distinguishing Israel from the surrounding pagan nations who often consumed animals considered unclean by God's standards. This separation reinforced their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and served as a constant, daily reminder of their call to holiness. The specific animals listed—ox, sheep, and goat—were staple domesticated animals in the agricultural and pastoral economy of the ancient world, making their inclusion highly practical and significant for daily sustenance and economic stability.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, situated within its broader context, significantly contributes to several overarching themes prominent in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Specification and Provision**, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His people's well-being by clearly defining what is wholesome and permissible for consumption. This reflects God as the ultimate Provider, concerned with every detail of their lives, from spiritual principles to daily sustenance, echoing His provision of manna and quail during the wilderness journey ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Provision of Manna and Quail")). Secondly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing Israel's call 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 distinction between clean and unclean foods was a tangible, daily expression of this consecrated status, mirroring God's own character and setting Israel apart from the idolatrous and often impure practices of their neighbors. Finally, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Obedience**, as adherence to these dietary laws was a direct act of faithfulness to the covenant God had established with them at Sinai, promising blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, as comprehensively outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beasts (Hebrew, _bᵉhêmâh'_):** This term (H929) refers to a "dumb beast," typically a large quadruped or animal, often used collectively for cattle or domesticated animals. In the context of dietary laws, it specifically denotes the category of land animals that could be raised for food and labor, distinguishing them from wild animals, creeping things, or birds. The selection of these particular "beasts" for consumption highlights their commonality and utility within Israelite society, emphasizing their economic and dietary centrality.
* **Ox (Hebrew, _shôwr'_):** The term (H7794) refers to a "bullock" or "ox," a mature bovine. The ox (or cattle) was a primary source of meat, milk, and labor in ancient Israel. Its inclusion as a clean animal underscores its vital role in the Israelite economy and diet. The ox was also a central animal in sacrificial offerings, symbolizing its importance in both daily life and religious practice.
* **Sheep (Hebrew, _seh'_):** This term (H7716) is a generic word for a "member of a flock," encompassing both sheep and goats, though here it is distinguished from "the goat." Sheep were fundamental for meat, wool, and milk, and were frequently used in various sacrifices. Their presence on the clean list reflects their widespread availability and dietary significance, as well as their economic value.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the beasts which ye shall eat:"** This introductory clause serves as a direct, authoritative declaration from God, delivered through Moses. It immediately follows the negative command in the preceding verse (Deuteronomy 14:3), providing a positive and practical directive. The emphasis here is on divine authorization, indicating that these are not arbitrary human preferences but divinely sanctioned provisions for a holy people, establishing the scope of permissible land animals.
* **"the ox, the sheep, and the goat,"** This enumeration provides the core list of clean domesticated animals. These three species represent the most common and economically significant livestock in ancient Israel. Their inclusion signifies their suitability for consumption based on the divine criteria of having a divided hoof and chewing the cud, though these specific criteria are detailed elsewhere (e.g., [Leviticus 11:3](/leviticus/11-3 "Leviticus 11:3 - Criteria for Clean Animals")). The simplicity and directness of this list make it easily understandable and applicable for the Israelites entering the Promised Land, forming the foundation of their permitted diet.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Deuteronomy 14:4 is **Enumeration**, where a precise list of items is provided for clarity and emphasis. Following the general prohibition in the previous verse, this verse explicitly lists the "clean" animals, leaving no ambiguity about what is permissible. This direct listing serves a didactic purpose, making the divine law concrete and actionable for the Israelite community. The use of **Repetition** of similar lists throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Dietary Laws")) reinforces the importance and consistency of these dietary laws, embedding them deeply into the national consciousness and daily practice of Israel. Furthermore, the selection of common, domesticated animals demonstrates a practical **Symbolism** of God's provision for His people's sustenance, while simultaneously setting them apart from the practices of surrounding nations, thereby reinforcing their unique covenant identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 14:4, while seemingly a straightforward dietary regulation, is deeply embedded in the broader theological framework of Israel's covenant relationship with God. It exemplifies God's desire for His people to reflect His holiness in every aspect of their lives, including their daily sustenance. The distinction between clean and unclean was not merely about hygiene or health, but fundamentally about maintaining ritual purity and a distinct identity as a consecrated nation. This distinction served as a constant, tangible reminder of their unique status as God's chosen people, set apart from the idolatrous and impure practices of the surrounding nations. The laws underscored God's sovereignty over creation and His meticulous care for His people, providing clear boundaries for their well-being and spiritual integrity. While the New Covenant reinterprets these external regulations, the underlying principle of living a life set apart for God, characterized by discernment and obedience, remains paramount.

* [Leviticus 11:1-8](/leviticus/11-1-8 "Leviticus 11:1-8 - Detailed Dietary Laws for Clean and Unclean Animals")
* [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Peter's Vision Declares All Foods Clean")
* [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Christians are no longer bound by the literal dietary laws of the Old Testament, the enduring principles behind Deuteronomy 14:4 offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. The concept of holiness—being set apart for God—remains a central tenet of the Christian faith. Just as God provided clear guidelines for physical nourishment to distinguish His people, He provides spiritual guidance through His Word for a healthy spiritual life. We are called to exercise discernment in what we "consume" in a broader sense: the ideas, media, relationships, and influences we allow into our lives. This involves actively choosing what nourishes our spirit and aligns with God's character, and rejecting what is "unclean" or detrimental to our walk with Him. Our choices, even in seemingly mundane areas, can be a powerful expression of our love, trust, and obedience to God, reflecting our identity as His consecrated people in a world that often blurs the lines between the sacred and the profane.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does God call me to be "set apart" in my daily life, beyond just what I eat?**
* **How can I apply the principle of discernment from this passage to the "consumption" of information, entertainment, and relationships in my life today?**
* **What does my obedience in seemingly small areas of life reveal about my trust and love for God?**

### FAQ
**Were these dietary laws arbitrary, or did they have a deeper purpose for Israel?**

Answer: The dietary laws, including those in Deuteronomy 14:4, were far from arbitrary. While they may have had some practical benefits (e.g., avoiding certain diseases common to unclean animals), their primary purpose was profoundly theological and symbolic. They served to distinguish Israel as a holy nation, set apart for God, reinforcing their unique covenant relationship. By adhering to these laws, Israelites were constantly reminded of their consecrated status and their identity as a people belonging to Yahweh, separate from the pagan nations around them. This separation was a tangible expression of their obedience and a visible sign of their unique relationship with God, as emphasized in [Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel as a Holy People"). They were a constant, daily reminder of who they were in relation to their God and a practical means of living out their covenant obligations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dietary laws of the Old Testament, including those meticulously outlined in Deuteronomy 14:4, find their ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. While these laws were binding for ancient Israel, they served as a shadow pointing to a greater spiritual reality. In the New Testament, Jesus authoritatively declared all foods clean, dismantling the old dietary distinctions ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")). This theological shift was dramatically underscored by Peter's vision in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter's Vision and Cornelius"), which explicitly revealed that God no longer distinguishes between clean and unclean foods, symbolizing the breaking down of barriers not only in diet but also between Jew and Gentile. The focus shifts from external ritual purity to internal spiritual purity, as the true defilement comes not from what goes into the mouth, but from the evil intentions and actions that originate from the heart ([Matthew 15:11](/matthew/15-11 "Matthew 15:11 - What Defiles a Person")). Christ's perfect life and atoning sacrifice on the cross purifies believers from all sin, making them truly holy and acceptable to God, not by adherence to dietary codes, but by faith in Him. Therefore, the call to holiness for the Christian is not about what we eat, but about living a life consecrated to God in spirit and truth, reflecting the character of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and who has made us clean.

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

Leviticus 11:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These [are] the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that [are] on the earth.

Leviticus 11:45

For I [am] the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I [am] holy.

1 Kings 4:23

Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.

Acts 10:14

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