TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 11:9–19.
Here is, 1. A general rule concerning fishes, which were clean and which not. All that had fins and scales they might eat, and only those odd sorts of water-animals that have not were forbidden, Lev 11:9, Lev 11:10. The ancients accounted fish the most delicate food (so far were they from allowing it on fasting-days, or making it an instance of mortification to eat fish); therefore God did not lay much restraint upon his people in them; for he is a Master that allows his servants not only for necessity but for delight. Concerning the prohibited fish it is said, They shall be an abomination to you (Lev 11:10-12), that is, "You shall count them unclean, and not only not eat of them, but keep at a distance from them." Note, Whatever is unclean should be to us an abomination; touch not the unclean thing. But observe, It was to be an abomination only to Jews; the neighbouring nations were under none of these obligations, nor are these things to be an abomination to us Christians. The Jews were honoured with peculiar privileges, and therefore, lest they should be proud of those, Transeunt cum onere - They were likewise laid under peculiar restraints. Thus God's spiritual Israel, as they are dignified above others by the gospel-covenant of adoption and friendship, so they must be mortified more than others by the gospel-commands of self-denial and bearing the cross. 2. Concerning fowls here is no general rule given, but a particular enumeration of those fowls that they must abstain from as unclean, which implies an allowance of all others. The critics here have their hands full to find out what is the true signification of the Hebrew words here used, some of which still remain uncertain, some sorts of fowls being peculiar to some countries. Were the law in force now, we should be concerned to know with certainty what are prohibited by it; and perhaps if we did, and were better acquainted with the nature of the fowls here mentioned, we should admire the knowledge of Adam, in giving them names expressive of their natures, Gen 2:20. But the law being repealed, and the learning in a great measure lost, it is sufficient for us to observe that of the fowls here forbidden, (1.) Some are birds of prey, as the eagle, vulture, etc., and God would have his people to abhor every thing that is barbarous and cruel, and not to live by blood and rapine. Doves that are preyed upon were fit to be food for man and offerings to God; but kites and hawks that prey upon them must be looked upon as an abomination to God and man; for the condition of those that are persecuted for righteousness' sake appears to an eye of faith every way better than that of their persecutors. (2.) Others of them are solitary birds, that abide in dark and desolate places, as the owl and the pelican (Psa 102:6), and the cormorant and raven (Isa 34:11); for God's Israel should not be a melancholy people, nor affect sadness and constant solitude. (3.) Others of them feed upon that which is impure, as the stork on serpents, others of them on worms; and we must not only abstain from all impurity ourselves, but from communion with those that allow themselves in it. (4.) Others of them were used by the Egyptians and other Gentiles in their divinations. Some birds were reckoned fortunate, others ominous; and their soothsayers had great regard to the flights of these birds, all which therefore must be an abomination to God's people, who must not learn the way of the heathen.
Continue studying Leviticus 11:14 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Leviticus 11:14 forms a crucial component of God's extensive dietary laws given to ancient Israel, specifically identifying the vulture and the kite as unclean birds forbidden for consumption. This divine prohibition, part of a broader declaration on clean and unclean animals in Leviticus 11, served as a foundational instruction for the nascent nation, designed not merely for hygiene but primarily to cultivate a profound understanding of holiness, ritual purity, and their unique identity as a people consecrated to Yahweh within the covenant.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 11:14 is meticulously placed within a comprehensive catalog of dietary regulations, specifically detailing the list of unclean birds from Leviticus 11:13-19. This chapter follows the detailed instructions regarding sacrifices and the consecration of the priesthood in earlier sections of Leviticus, demonstrating how the principles of holiness established in worship were to permeate every facet of daily life. The meticulous nature of these laws underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His desire for Israel to reflect His purity in all their actions, extending even to their diet. The inclusion of similar, though not identical, lists in Deuteronomy 14 further emphasizes the enduring importance of these distinctions for Israel's covenant identity and their call to be a distinct people.
Historical & Cultural Context
The dietary laws in Leviticus were promulgated to the Israelites shortly after their liberation from Egyptian bondage, as they were being forged into a distinct, holy nation at Mount Sinai. These regulations were instrumental in differentiating Israel from the surrounding pagan cultures, many of whom engaged in practices that blurred the lines between clean and unclean, often involving the ritualistic consumption of animals considered abominable by Yahweh. For instance, various Canaanite cults incorporated animal sacrifices and consumption into their idolatrous rites. By meticulously adhering to these laws, Israel visibly affirmed their exclusive allegiance to God and their separation from the defiling practices of idolatry. The concept of "unclean" transcended mere hygiene, serving primarily as a marker of ritual purity, which was indispensable for maintaining fellowship with a holy God and preserving the integrity of the covenant community. Animals that scavenged, consumed blood, or were associated with death were typically designated as unclean, reflecting a profound theological aversion to anything that defiled or stood contrary to the life-giving nature of God.
Key Themes
Leviticus 11:14, as part of the broader dietary code, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of Holiness and Separation, emphasizing God's intrinsic holiness and His call for His people to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 11:44). The dietary laws provided a tangible framework for this separation, creating a visible distinction between Israel and the surrounding nations. Another key theme is Covenant Identity, as adherence to these laws reinforced Israel's unique status as God's chosen people, bound to Him by a covenant that demanded purity and obedience. Furthermore, the distinctions between clean and unclean underscore the theme of Life and Death, with animals associated with death, decay, or the consumption of blood (the symbol of life) being deemed unclean, thereby promoting a reverence for life and a rejection of defilement. These regulations also highlight Divine Sovereignty, demonstrating God's absolute authority to establish the terms of His relationship with humanity and to define what is permissible and what is forbidden for His people.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root דָּאָה, meaning "to fly swiftly," this term refers to a bird of prey, specifically identified as a kite or vulture. As per the provided Strong's data, it denotes a bird known for its rapid flight. Its inclusion in the list of unclean animals is primarily due to its predatory and scavenging nature, as vultures are carrion-eaters, associating them with death and decay, which were ritually defiling in the Mosaic Law.
Perhaps derived from אִי, this word refers to a "screamer," likely a hawk or a specific type of kite. The Strong's data identifies it as a hawk, kite, or vulture. Like the dâʼâh, the ʼayâh is a bird of prey, often scavenging, and its habits of consuming carrion or blood (as a predator) rendered it ritually impure, aligning with the broader principles of the clean/unclean distinctions.
From an unused root meaning "to portion out," this word signifies a "sort" or "species." The phrase "after his kind" (לְמִינֵהוּ, ləmînēhû) is crucial, indicating that the prohibition applies not merely to individual instances of these birds but to the entire species or genus. This emphasizes the comprehensive and categorical nature of the dietary laws, ensuring that the Israelites understood the prohibition extended to all variations within the designated unclean categories.
Verse Breakdown
"And the vulture"
This opening phrase introduces the first specific bird prohibited in this verse. The "vulture" (H1676, dâʼâh) immediately signals a category of birds that, due to their predatory or scavenging habits, particularly their consumption of carrion, were consistently deemed unclean under the Mosaic Law. Their diet and association with death were considered antithetical to the purity God demanded of His people.
"and the kite after his kind"
This second clause adds another specific bird, the "kite" (H344, ʼayâh), and significantly includes the phrase "after his kind" (H4327, mîyn). This comprehensive qualifier indicates that the prohibition extends to all variations, sub-species, or families within the kite category. It underscores that the distinction between clean and unclean was based on the inherent characteristics and nature of the animal's species, rather than just individual examples, ensuring a thorough and unambiguous application of the law.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:14, embedded within a larger legal code, primarily employs Enumeration, systematically listing specific animals deemed unclean. This direct and explicit listing serves to clearly delineate the boundaries of what is permissible and what is forbidden, leaving no ambiguity for the Israelite community. Implicit within this enumeration is a profound Categorization, as the animals are grouped based on shared characteristics (e.g., birds of prey, scavengers) that render them impure. These categories reflect a deeper Symbolism where certain animal traits, such as feeding on carrion (representing death and decay) or consuming blood (the life principle), are associated with impurity, while other traits are associated with purity and life. The very act of distinguishing between clean and unclean animals functions as a tangible Metaphor for Israel's spiritual separation and holiness, reinforcing their identity as a people set apart for a holy God.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 11:14, along with the broader dietary laws, profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His inherent right to define holiness and purity for His covenant people. These laws were not arbitrary regulations but served as a constant, tangible reminder of Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh and their divine mandate to be distinct from the idolatrous nations surrounding them. The distinction between clean and unclean animals reflected a deeper theological truth: God is intrinsically holy, and His people are called to mirror that holiness in every aspect of their lives, from their worship and moral conduct to their daily diet. This pursuit of ritual and moral purity was essential for maintaining fellowship with God and for living as His consecrated nation, a living testimony to His character in the world.
Reflection and Application
While the specific dietary restrictions of the Old Covenant are no longer binding for New Testament believers, the profound underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and distinction remain profoundly relevant for followers of Christ today. Just as ancient Israel was called to be set apart, believers are now called to live lives that authentically reflect God's character and values in a world that often stands in opposition to them. This means exercising profound spiritual discernment in what we "consume"—not merely physically, but spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. We are to be acutely mindful of the influences, entertainment, associations, and ideologies we allow into our lives, ensuring they actively promote spiritual health, moral purity, and align seamlessly with God's revealed will. The meticulous detail of the Old Testament law emphasizes that God cares about every facet of our existence, calling us to pursue holiness not only in grand, public gestures but also in our daily, seemingly mundane choices and habits, reflecting the enduring and timeless command to "be holy, for I am holy."
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were these specific birds considered unclean?
The designation of birds like the vulture (H1676, dâʼâh) and kite (H344, ʼayâh) as unclean was primarily due to their predatory and scavenging habits. Birds of prey often consumed blood, which was strictly forbidden as the life-force (Leviticus 17:11), and scavengers fed on carrion (dead animals), making them intimately associated with death and decay. In the Mosaic Law, anything associated with death, disease, or the consumption of blood was considered ritually impure and defiling. This distinction served to profoundly teach Israel about the sanctity of life, the defilement of death, and the paramount importance of purity in their relationship with a holy God.
Are Christians bound by the dietary laws of Leviticus 11 today?
No, New Testament believers are not bound by the specific dietary restrictions of the Old Covenant. Jesus Himself declared all foods clean in Mark 7:19, stating that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of their heart. Furthermore, Peter's transformative vision in Acts 10:9-16 explicitly revealed God's removal of these dietary distinctions for the New Covenant, signifying the inclusion of Gentiles into the church and the spiritual nature of true purity. While Christians are indeed free from these specific food laws, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and living a life set apart for God remain absolutely vital and are fulfilled in a deeper, spiritual sense.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The dietary laws, including the prohibition in Leviticus 11:14, served as a "shadow" pointing to a greater spiritual reality found in Christ. They vividly highlighted humanity's inherent uncleanness and the profound need for a perfect sacrifice to achieve true purity and unhindered access to God. Animals like the vulture and kite, intrinsically associated with death, decay, and defilement, underscored the pervasive nature of sin and its capacity to render everything impure in God's sight. However, Jesus Christ fulfills these laws not by merely abolishing the call to holiness, but by transcending the physical distinctions with a spiritual and eternal reality. He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, whose perfect, once-for-all sacrifice cleanses us from all spiritual defilement, making us truly clean and acceptable before God (Hebrews 9:13-14). Through His atoning work, believers are no longer defined by external adherence to dietary codes but by an internal, transformative regeneration that makes them "new creations" in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). The pursuit of holiness now shifts from avoiding certain foods to living a life entirely consecrated to God in every thought, word, and deed, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, reflecting the very righteousness of Christ who "became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). The physical distinctions of the Old Covenant find their ultimate meaning and fulfillment in the spiritual purity and radical separation from sin that Christ alone provides, enabling us to draw near to a holy God.