The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast.
The priests {H3548} shall not eat {H398} of any thing that is dead of itself {H5038}, or torn {H2966}, whether it be fowl {H5775} or beast {H929}.
The cohanim are not to eat anything, bird or animal, that dies naturally or is torn to death.
The priests may not eat any bird or animal found dead or torn by wild beasts.
The priests shall not eat of anything that dieth of itself, or is torn, whether it be bird or beast.
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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. -
Exodus 22:31
And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat [any] flesh [that is] torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs. -
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. -
1 Corinthians 8:13
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. -
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. -
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. -
Romans 14:20
For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.
Ezekiel 44:31 is part of a detailed vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning the future temple and its regulations, particularly focusing on the conduct and purity required of the priests who would serve there. This specific verse addresses a crucial aspect of their dietary laws.
Context
This verse is found within a larger section of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48) that describes a detailed blueprint for a new temple, its services, and the organization of the land. After the destruction of the first temple and the Babylonian exile, this vision offered hope and a renewed understanding of God's dwelling place and the proper worship that should occur there. The regulations for the priests in Ezekiel 44:15-31 emphasize their unique role and the high standards of holiness required of them to minister before a holy God.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew terms used here are significant:
Practical Application
While the literal dietary laws of the Old Testament are not binding for New Covenant believers (Acts 10:15), the underlying principles of holiness and separation remain profoundly relevant. Believers are now called a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), spiritually ministering to God.