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 But the law being repealed, and the learning in a great measure lost, it is sufficient for us to observe that of the fowls here forbidden, (1.)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.
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Summary
Leviticus 11:15, "Every raven after his kind," is a concise yet profoundly significant declaration within the comprehensive dietary laws given to ancient Israel, unequivocally identifying the raven and all its related species as ritually unclean. This prohibition was not merely a matter of health or hygiene but served a profound theological purpose: to delineate Israel as a people set apart for Yahweh, reflecting His holiness through their adherence to His divinely ordained distinctions between the clean and the unclean, thereby fostering a constant awareness of their unique covenant relationship with God and His desire for their purity in all aspects of life.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 11 initiates a detailed exposition of the dietary laws, forming a crucial part of the holiness code that defines Israel's separation from surrounding nations and their consecration to God. Following the broad introduction in Leviticus 11:1-8, which covers land animals, the chapter transitions to aquatic creatures in Leviticus 11:9-12 and then to birds in Leviticus 11:13-19. Verse 15 specifically lists the raven, placing it among a category of birds generally characterized by their predatory or scavenging habits, such as eagles, vultures, and kites. The repetitive phrase "after his kind" (found throughout Leviticus 11) underscores the comprehensive nature of these prohibitions, applying to entire species or genera rather than just individual instances, thereby establishing clear, non-negotiable boundaries for ritual purity.
Historical & Cultural Context
The giving of the dietary laws occurred shortly after Israel's exodus from Egypt and their covenant at Mount Sinai, where God established them as His chosen people, a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). These laws served to distinguish Israel from the pagan nations around them, whose religious practices often involved the consumption of various animals without such restrictions, and whose deities were often associated with certain animal forms. Ravens, known for their dark plumage, scavenging nature, and association with carrion, were often viewed with a sense of foreboding or impurity in ancient Near Eastern cultures, making their inclusion among the unclean birds culturally resonant. The meticulous detail of these regulations emphasized God's sovereignty over all creation and His desire for His people to reflect His own purity, not just in their worship but in their daily lives, teaching them discernment and obedience in all matters, big and small, as highlighted in passages like Leviticus 11:44-45.
Key Themes
This verse significantly contributes to the overarching theme of holiness that pervades the book of Leviticus, emphasizing God's command for Israel to be set apart from the nations. It underscores the theme of distinction, as God meticulously delineates between the clean and the unclean, teaching His people to discern and adhere to His divine standards in all aspects of life, including their diet. Furthermore, the phrase "after his kind" reinforces the order and created categories established by God in Genesis 1, applying this foundational concept to the realm of ritual purity. The dietary laws, exemplified by this verse, also serve as a tangible expression of covenant obedience, where adherence to God's commands is a demonstration of faithfulness to their unique relationship with Yahweh, as seen in the broader context of Leviticus 11.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "to be dusky" or "dark," this Hebrew term (H6158) refers specifically to the common raven (Corvus corax) but, in a broader sense, encompasses the entire family of corvids, including crows, rooks, and jackdaws, all characterized by their dark hue. These birds are typically omnivorous scavengers, often associated with death and decay, which would have contributed to their classification as unclean. Their presence around carrion made them ritually defiling, symbolizing a departure from the life and purity God desired for His people.
This term (H4327), from an unused root meaning "to portion out," denotes a sort, species, or distinct biological category. Its use here, in the phrase "after his kind," emphasizes that the prohibition applies not just to the specific "raven" but to all species and varieties within that biological classification or genus. This indicates a comprehensive, categorical exclusion, ensuring that the law's intent—to establish clear and uncompromised boundaries for purity—was fully realized across all relevant creatures, reflecting God's precise ordering of creation.
Verse Breakdown
"Every raven"
This opening phrase immediately establishes the categorical and universal nature of the prohibition. It is not a selective ban on certain ravens or individual instances but an absolute and comprehensive exclusion of all birds falling under the designation of "raven." This emphasizes the divine authority behind the law and the exhaustive scope of God's purity requirements for His people, leaving no room for ambiguity or partial compliance.
"after his kind;"
This concluding phrase reinforces and expands upon the comprehensive nature of the prohibition. It signifies that the ban extends beyond the specific common raven to include all related species within the corvid family, such as crows, jackdaws, and rooks, which share similar characteristics. This ensures that no loophole exists for consuming similar birds and underscores the divine intention to create clear, unbreachable distinctions between clean and unclean, thereby setting Israel apart as a holy nation in every aspect of their lives.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:15 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively within the broader legal framework. Categorization is paramount, as the verse places the raven within a broader list of unclean birds, establishing a clear classification system for dietary purity that reflects God's ordered creation. The phrase "after his kind" is a powerful instance of Repetition, echoing its foundational use in the creation narrative (Genesis 1:21) and consistently throughout Leviticus 11. This repetition serves to emphasize the comprehensive, systematic, and divinely ordained nature of God's distinctions, ensuring that the law's application is exhaustive across all species. Furthermore, there is an element of Symbolism, where the raven, often associated with scavenging, carrion, and death, becomes a tangible representation of impurity. Its designation as unclean underscores the spiritual defilement that the dietary laws sought to prevent, teaching Israel about the pervasive nature of sin and the necessity of purity in their relationship with a holy God. The verse, though brief, functions as a precise legal declaration, reflecting the meticulousness and authority of the Mosaic Law.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 11:15, by designating the raven as unclean, reinforces the overarching theological theme of holiness that pervades the book of Leviticus. God's command for Israel to be "holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44) is tangibly expressed through these dietary distinctions. The laws were not merely arbitrary rules but pedagogical tools designed to impress upon Israel the sacredness of life, the reality of defilement, and the constant need for separation from anything that would compromise their covenant relationship with a holy God. This verse, therefore, speaks to divine sovereignty in establishing boundaries, the importance of obedience as a response to divine command, and the concept of ritual purity as a tangible reflection of spiritual purity, preparing God's people for His presence.
Reflection and Application
While the specific dietary prohibitions of Leviticus 11 are not binding on New Covenant believers, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and living a life set apart for God remain profoundly relevant. Just as ancient Israel was called to reflect God's character through their physical distinctions, believers today are called to spiritual purity and moral separation from the world's defilements. This verse reminds us that God is concerned with every aspect of our lives, not just our explicit acts of worship, but also our daily choices, our consumption, and our associations. It challenges us to exercise discernment in what we "consume"—whether it be media, entertainment, relationships, or ideologies—asking if it aligns with God's holy character and contributes to our spiritual well-being and growth in Christ. Our lives should be marked by a conscious choice to honor God in all things, reflecting His holiness and His desire for purity in a world that often blurs the lines between the sacred and the profane, the wholesome and the harmful.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Are the dietary laws concerning ravens and other unclean animals still binding on Christians today?
No, the specific dietary laws of the Old Testament, including the prohibition against eating ravens, are not binding on Christians today. The New Testament clarifies that these ceremonial laws were part of the Old Covenant and have been fulfilled in Christ. Jesus declared all foods clean in Mark 7:19, emphasizing that defilement comes from within a person, from their heart, not from what they eat. Furthermore, Peter's vision in Acts 10:15 explicitly states, "What God has made clean, do not call common." Paul also teaches in Romans 14:17 that "the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." While the specific prohibitions are no longer in effect, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and living a life set apart for God remain profoundly relevant for believers, albeit applied spiritually rather than ritually.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 11:15, with its declaration of the raven as unclean, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the mere abolition of a dietary restriction, but in the profound spiritual cleansing and new creation accomplished by Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's meticulous laws, including those concerning clean and unclean animals, served as a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" (Colossians 2:16-17). Jesus, as the spotless Lamb of God, perfectly fulfilled the requirements of the Law, including its demands for purity. He did not merely declare foods clean; He dealt with the root cause of all defilement—sin itself. Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and victorious resurrection, Christ made a way for humanity to be truly cleansed, not just ritually, but spiritually and eternally, as Hebrews 9:14 proclaims, "how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God." Thus, the pursuit of holiness for the New Covenant believer is no longer about avoiding certain foods or animals, but about being transformed by the Spirit of God into the likeness of Christ, living a life of righteousness and true purity in thought, word, and deed, as commanded in 1 Peter 1:15-16. The distinction between clean and unclean is now fundamentally spiritual, rooted in our union with the Holy One.