Leviticus 11:13

KJV

And these [are they which] ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they [are] an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are they which ye shall have in abomination {H8262} among {H4480} the fowls {H5775}; they shall not be eaten {H398}, they are an abomination {H8263}: the eagle {H5404}, and the ossifrage {H6538}, and the ospray {H5822},

Complete Jewish Bible

"'The following creatures of the air are to be detestable for you - they are not to be eaten, they are a detestable thing: the eagle, the vulture, the osprey,

Berean Standard Bible

Additionally, you are to detest the following birds, and they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture,

American Standard Version

And these ye shall have in abomination among the birds; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the gier-eagle, and the ospray,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:13 initiates the specific enumeration of birds deemed "abominable" and thus forbidden for consumption by the Israelites. This verse marks a pivotal transition in the chapter's detailed dietary laws, moving from land and aquatic creatures to winged species. It underscores God's meticulous divine decree regarding dietary purity, serving as a foundational principle for holiness and separation, essential to the unique covenant identity of His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11:13 is a crucial component of a comprehensive chapter outlining the dietary laws given by God through Moses and Aaron to the Israelite community. The chapter systematically categorizes animals into "clean" and "unclean" for consumption, establishing clear boundaries for Israel's daily life. Preceding this verse, the text addresses land animals ([Leviticus 11:1-8](/leviticus/11-1-8 "Leviticus 11:1-8 - Clean and Unclean Land Animals")) and aquatic creatures ([Leviticus 11:9-12](/leviticus/11-9-12 "Leviticus 11:9-12 - Clean and Unclean Sea Creatures")). Verse 13 then transitions the focus to birds, commencing a detailed list that extends through [Leviticus 11:19](/leviticus/11-19 "Leviticus 11:19 - List of Unclean Birds Continues"). This precise and exhaustive enumeration highlights the meticulous nature of God's commands, leaving no ambiguity regarding permissible foods. Such meticulousness reinforced Israel's unique identity and their unwavering commitment to ritual purity, serving as a practical outworking of the broader call to holiness that permeates [the book of Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus - Laws of Holiness and Worship").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dietary laws, including the prohibitions articulated in Leviticus 11:13, were an integral part of the [Mosaic Covenant](/exodus/24-7 "Exodus 24:7 - Ratification of the Mosaic Covenant") established at Mount Sinai. These regulations served multiple, interconnected purposes far beyond mere hygiene. Their primary function was to distinguish Israel as a holy nation, setting them apart from the surrounding pagan cultures. These neighboring societies often engaged in cultic meals and sacrifices to their idols, frequently consuming animals considered unclean by Yahweh. By adhering to these strict dietary codes, the Israelites were constantly reminded of their unique, covenantal relationship with God and their divine mandate to be holy, just as He is holy, a principle explicitly articulated in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). The designation of certain animals as "abomination" (Hebrew: _sheqets_) carried profound theological weight, signifying not merely physical defilement but a deep religious and moral impurity that would compromise their covenant standing and relationship with the Holy God.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 11:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Holiness**. God's repeated command to "be holy, for I am holy" ([Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - The Call to Holiness")) is practically applied through these dietary distinctions, demonstrating that holiness permeates every aspect of life, even daily sustenance. This leads to the theme of **Separation and Distinction**. The dietary laws served as a tangible boundary, physically and symbolically separating Israel from the nations and reinforcing their identity as God's peculiar treasure ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Holy Nation")). Furthermore, the concept of "abomination" highlights God's **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**. These laws were not based on human logic or preference but on God's revealed will, demanding obedience as an act of worship and trust. The emphasis on **Purity and Cleanliness** (both ritual and moral) is paramount, as the consumption of unclean animals was understood to defile the individual and, by extension, the community, jeopardizing their access to God's presence at the tabernacle ([Leviticus 15:31](/leviticus/15-31 "Leviticus 15:31 - Consequences of Impurity")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _shâqats'_ H8262):** This primitive root means "to be filthy, i.e. (intensively) to loathe, pollute; abhor, make abominable, have in abomination, detest, [idiom] utterly." In Leviticus 11:13, the verb form indicates an active command for the Israelites to consider these birds as utterly detestable. It signifies a profound, divinely-mandated aversion, implying that contact or consumption would result in spiritual and ritual defilement, compromising their consecrated status before God.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _sheqets'_ H8263):** Derived from the verb _shâqats_, this noun means "filth, i.e. (figuratively and specifically) an idolatrous object; abominable(-tion)." When applied to the birds, it denotes that they are inherently detestable or impure in God's sight, not merely undesirable. The term carries strong religious and moral connotations, often associated with things that are an affront to God's holiness, such as idolatry. Here, it underscores that the defilement is not just physical but deeply theological, impacting the Israelite's relationship with Yahweh.
* **Eagle (Hebrew, _nesher'_ H5404):** From an unused root meaning "to lacerate," _nesher_ refers to "the eagle (or other large bird of prey)." The inclusion of the eagle, a prominent raptor, at the very beginning of the list of forbidden fowls is significant. Birds of prey and scavengers, like the eagle, consume carrion or shed blood, both of which were considered sources of ritual impurity within the Israelite purity laws. Their predatory nature and association with death and decay likely contributed to their designation as unclean, reinforcing the life-affirming and pure nature God desired for His covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [are they which] ye shall have in abomination among the fowls;":** This opening clause serves as a direct, authoritative divine injunction. It immediately transitions the focus from land and aquatic creatures to winged species, clearly defining the category of animals under consideration. The use of the verb "shall have in abomination" (from _shâqats_) establishes the severe nature of the prohibition, indicating a deep-seated religious and ritual impurity associated with these specific birds, compelling the Israelites to actively detest them.
* **"they shall not be eaten, they [are] an abomination:":** This clause emphatically reinforces the prohibition. The explicit command "they shall not be eaten" leaves no room for ambiguity regarding consumption. The subsequent reiteration, "they [are] an abomination" (using the noun _sheqets_), underscores the inherent and unchangeable impurity of these creatures in God's sight. The repetition serves to highlight the absolute nature of the prohibition and to impress upon the Israelites that this defilement is not a matter of dietary preference but a fundamental theological principle rooted in God's holiness.
* **"the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,":** This final segment of the verse begins the specific enumeration of the forbidden birds. The "eagle" (_nesher_), "ossifrage" (_pereç_, likely a lammergeier or bearded vulture known for breaking bones to access marrow), and "ospray" (_ʻoznîyâh_, possibly a sea eagle or black vulture) are all birds of prey or scavengers. Their immediate listing at the forefront highlights their archetypal status as unclean winged creatures, primarily due to their predatory habits, consumption of carrion, or association with death and decay, which stood in stark contrast to the life and purity God commanded for His people.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:13 effectively employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition** to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. The verse initiates a precise **enumeration** of specific bird species, providing an unambiguous list of what is forbidden. This detailed listing ensures that the Israelites understood God's dietary commands without misinterpretation, reinforcing the meticulousness of the divine law. Furthermore, the powerful **repetition** of the term "abomination" (first as a verb, "ye shall have in abomination," and then as a noun, "they [are] an abomination") serves to underscore the profound severity and inherent impurity associated with these birds. This rhetorical device amplifies the theological weight of the prohibition, emphasizing that these creatures are not merely undesirable but fundamentally detestable in God's eyes, thereby reflecting the sacred and distinct identity God intended for His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 11:13, as an integral part of the broader dietary laws, profoundly connects to the overarching theological themes of holiness, separation, and divine authority. These regulations were not arbitrary but were divinely ordained to cultivate a distinct identity for Israel, setting them apart from the idolatrous nations around them. The concept of "abomination" highlights God's absolute standard of purity and His demand for His people to reflect His character in every aspect of their lives, including their daily sustenance. By adhering to these laws, Israel was continually reminded of their covenant relationship and their call to live a life consecrated to Yahweh, demonstrating that their God was different from the gods of the nations. These laws served as a constant, tangible reminder of their unique status as a holy people called to walk in covenant faithfulness.

* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 14:3](/deuteronomy/14-3 "Deuteronomy 14:3 - Do Not Eat Abominable Things")
* [Ezekiel 4:14](/ezekiel/4-14 "Ezekiel 4:14 - Ezekiel's Refusal to Eat Unclean Food")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary laws of Leviticus 11 are no longer binding for New Testament believers, having been fulfilled and superseded in Christ, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and separation from defilement remain eternally relevant. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God desires His people to be distinct, set apart for His purposes and consecrated to His glory. For believers today, this translates into a profound call for spiritual purity, discerning what we allow into our minds, hearts, and lives that might compromise our faith or defile our spiritual walk. This includes our entertainment choices, the relationships we cultivate, the ideologies we embrace, and even the words we speak. The spirit of the law compels us to pursue Christ-likeness, actively separating ourselves from the "abominations" of sin and worldly influences that are contrary to God's will. Our lives should reflect the holiness of the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, demonstrating that our identity is found in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "abomination" in Leviticus 11:13 inform our understanding of spiritual purity today, even without the literal dietary laws?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we need to exercise greater discernment to avoid spiritual "defilement" that compromises our walk with God and hinders our witness?**
* **How does our freedom in Christ from Old Testament dietary laws empower us to pursue holiness in a new covenant context, focusing on internal transformation and the sanctification of our entire being rather than external rules?**

### FAQ
**Why were specific birds like the eagle and ossifrage designated as 'abominations' in Leviticus 11:13?**

Answer: The designation of specific birds as "abominations" (Hebrew: _sheqets_) in [Leviticus 11:13](/leviticus/11-13 "Leviticus 11:13 - Unclean Birds") and subsequent verses was multifaceted, encompassing both practical and profound theological reasons. While precise rationales are not always explicitly stated, biblical scholars generally point to several likely factors. Many of the forbidden birds, including the eagle (_nesher_), ossifrage (_pereç_), and ospray (_ʻoznîyâh_), are birds of prey or scavengers. Their diet often consists of carrion (dead animals) or blood, both of which were considered sources of ritual impurity within the Israelite sacrificial system and purity laws. The consumption of carrion was associated with death, decay, and the shedding of blood, which stood in opposition to the life and purity God desired for His people. Furthermore, these laws served a crucial symbolic purpose: to distinguish Israel from surrounding pagan nations who did not adhere to such distinctions and whose religious practices often involved consuming such animals. By observing these dietary restrictions, the Israelites were constantly reminded of their unique covenant relationship with God and their call to be holy and set apart, reflecting God's own character. The term "abomination" itself indicates a deep religious and moral detestability, not just a physical one, reinforcing the theological significance of these prohibitions in shaping Israel's identity as a holy nation, distinct in every facet of their lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dietary laws, including the prohibitions in Leviticus 11:13, find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. These Old Testament regulations served as a shadow, a pedagogical tool designed to teach Israel about purity, holiness, and separation, pointing forward to a greater spiritual reality. While they physically separated Israel from the nations and instilled principles of external purity, Christ's coming ushered in a new covenant where true purity is a matter of the heart, not adherence to external dietary codes. Jesus himself declared all foods clean in [Mark 7:18-19](/mark/7-18-19 "Mark 7:18-19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), emphasizing that "nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them, but what comes out of a person is what defiles them." This profound shift was further revealed to Peter in a vision recorded in [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Peter's Vision and Cleanliness"), where God unequivocally declared, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." The New Testament explicitly states that believers are no longer bound by these food laws, as they were merely a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom from Food and Festival Regulations")). Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross cleanses us from all sin, making us truly clean before God, not through ritualistic observances but through His shed blood ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). The true "abomination" of sin, which genuinely defiles humanity and separates us from God ([Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Your Sins Have Separated You")), is dealt with through His atoning work, shifting the focus from external dietary purity to an internal spiritual transformation and holiness of life in union with Him ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All You Do")).

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

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

Romans 3:13

Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:

Romans 3:17

And the way of peace have they not known:

Job 39:27

Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?

Job 39:30

Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain [are], there [is] she.

Jeremiah 4:22

For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

Jeremiah 4:13

Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots [shall be] as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.