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 But the law being repealed, and the learning in a great measure lost, it is sufficient for us to observe that of the fowls here forbidden, (1.)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 11:17 is a specific enumeration within the broader dietary laws given to Israel, identifying three particular birds—the little owl, the cormorant, and the great owl—as unclean and therefore forbidden for consumption. This verse contributes to a comprehensive list designed to distinguish the Israelites as a holy people set apart by God, emphasizing principles of purity, separation, and obedience to divine commands.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 11 initiates a detailed exposition of the dietary laws, forming a crucial part of the Mosaic Covenant's stipulations regarding purity and holiness. This chapter meticulously categorizes animals, birds, fish, and insects into "clean" and "unclean" groups, dictating what the Israelites were permitted to eat and what they were to abstain from. The immediate preceding verses (Leviticus 11:13-16) list other forbidden birds, such as the eagle, vulture, and kite, establishing a pattern of proscribing birds of prey and scavengers. Following the enumeration in this verse, the list continues with additional unclean birds and then shifts to regulations concerning aquatic creatures, insects, and the handling of carcasses, all contributing to the overarching theme of ritual purity that pervades the book of Leviticus. The chapter culminates in verses like Leviticus 11:44-45, which explicitly state the theological purpose of these laws: to consecrate Israel as a holy nation, mirroring God's own holiness.
Historical & Cultural Context
The dietary laws in Leviticus were given to Israel shortly after their exodus from Egypt, during their time in the wilderness, serving as foundational statutes for their identity as God's chosen people. In the ancient Near East, many surrounding cultures had diverse dietary practices, often incorporating animals that Israel was forbidden to eat, and sometimes associating certain animals with pagan deities or rituals. By establishing these distinct dietary codes, God provided a tangible means for Israel to maintain their separation from the idolatrous practices and defilements of their neighbors. Birds like owls and cormorants, often associated with darkness, desolation, scavenging, or predatory behavior, were likely deemed unclean not merely for hygienic reasons, but primarily for symbolic and theological ones. Their inclusion in the unclean list would have reinforced the Israelites' understanding of what was pure and impure in God's sight, guiding their daily lives and reinforcing their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, who called them to be holy, as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2).
Key Themes
Leviticus 11:17 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Holiness, emphasizing God's intrinsic purity and His call for His people to reflect that purity in every aspect of their lives. The dietary laws served as a daily, tangible reminder of this call to Separation (Hebrew: qadosh, "set apart"), distinguishing Israel from the surrounding nations and their defiling practices. This distinction fostered Discernment, training the Israelites to differentiate between clean and unclean, pure and impure, in a way that extended beyond mere food to moral and spiritual purity. Ultimately, these laws reinforced Israel's Covenant Identity as God's chosen people, bound to Him by His divine commands and called to demonstrate their Obedience through adherence to His statutes. The specific prohibitions in Leviticus 11 underscored the pervasive nature of purity, affecting not just worship but daily life, shaping a people consecrated entirely to Yahweh.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From an unused root meaning "to hold together," this term refers to a small owl, likely the Athene noctua. The root's connection to a "cup" (as a container) or "cup-like cavity of its eye" suggests a potential etymological link to its physical characteristics. Its inclusion as an unclean bird reinforces the theme of avoiding creatures associated with impurity or the antithesis of life and light, which are attributes of God.
Derived from the root meaning "to throw down" or "to dart," this term identifies a bird of prey, commonly understood to be the cormorant or pelican, known for its diving motion to catch fish. As a bird that often consumes carrion or lives in marshy, desolate areas, it would have been considered unclean, aligning with the broader principle of avoiding creatures that scavenge or inhabit places associated with decay and impurity.
Apparently from a root meaning "to blow" or "to hiss," this term denotes a larger species of owl, possibly the heron or a night-heron, perhaps due to its distinctive cry. Like the little owl, its association with darkness, desolate ruins, and potentially pagan symbolism would have rendered it unclean. The repeated inclusion of owls emphasizes a consistent principle against birds perceived as dark, predatory, or linked to environments of desolation and death.
Verse Breakdown
"And the little owl"
This clause introduces the first of three specific birds declared unclean in this verse. The "little owl" (Hebrew kôwç') is a nocturnal bird, often associated with darkness and desolation. Its prohibition underscores the principle that creatures linked to such environments or behaviors were considered impure, setting Israel apart from practices or associations common in pagan worship.
"and the cormorant"
The "cormorant" (Hebrew shâlâk') is a diving bird known for its predatory fishing habits and its presence in watery, sometimes desolate, environments. Its classification as unclean likely stems from its nature as a scavenger or its association with the "unclean" waters or habits of consuming fish that were themselves not clean, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the dietary laws regarding purity.
"and the great owl"
The "great owl" (Hebrew yanshûwph') is another species of owl, likely larger than the "little owl," also characterized by its nocturnal and predatory nature. Its prohibition reiterates the consistent theme within Leviticus 11 that birds of prey, scavengers, and those associated with darkness or desolate places were forbidden, serving as a constant reminder of Israel's call to holiness and separation.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:17 primarily employs Enumeration or Cataloging, a common literary device throughout the dietary laws in Leviticus. This technique involves listing specific items (in this case, types of birds) to provide a comprehensive and unambiguous set of regulations. The precise naming of each bird ensures clarity regarding what is permitted and what is forbidden, leaving no room for ambiguity in the application of the law. Furthermore, there is an underlying element of Symbolism at play. While not explicitly stated, the types of birds chosen for the "unclean" list—predators, scavengers, and nocturnal creatures associated with darkness or desolate places—symbolically represent impurity, death, and the antithesis of the life and light associated with God's holiness. This symbolic dimension reinforces the theological message that Israel was to embody purity and life, distinguishing themselves from the defilements of the surrounding world.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 11:17, as part of the broader dietary laws, profoundly connects to the overarching theological themes of holiness, separation, and obedience within the Old Covenant. These regulations were not arbitrary but served as a tangible, daily reminder of Israel's unique status as God's chosen people, called to be holy as He is holy. By distinguishing between clean and unclean, God impressed upon His people the pervasive nature of purity and impurity, not just in ritual but in all aspects of life. This distinction was a pedagogical tool, teaching them to discern and choose that which was set apart for God's glory, fostering a deep sense of dependence and submission to His divine will. The specific prohibitions on birds like owls and cormorants, often associated with darkness, scavenging, or desolate environments, underscored a spiritual principle: avoiding anything that symbolizes defilement, death, or practices contrary to God's life-giving nature.
Reflection and Application
While the specific dietary restrictions of Leviticus 11 are part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law and are no longer binding for New Testament believers, the profound spiritual principles they embody remain eternally relevant. We are no longer called to distinguish between clean and unclean foods, but we are still called to a life of holiness and separation from the world's defilements. This means actively discerning what influences, habits, associations, or entertainments are "unclean" in a spiritual sense—those that hinder our relationship with God, corrupt our character, or diminish our witness. Just as the Israelites' diet visibly set them apart, our choices today should visibly reflect our identity as followers of Christ, consecrated to God. The call to be distinct for God's glory is timeless, urging us to choose that which is pure, honorable, and spiritually nourishing in His sight, reflecting His character in every facet of our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were these specific birds (owls, cormorants) considered unclean?
The specific reasons for each animal's inclusion on the "unclean" list are not always explicitly stated, but common interpretations suggest several factors. For birds like owls and cormorants, their predatory nature, scavenging habits, or association with darkness and desolate places likely played a significant role. Owls are nocturnal hunters, often linked with mystery, solitude, and sometimes death in ancient cultures. Cormorants are diving birds that often consume carrion or live in marshy, less "clean" environments. The overarching principle was to distinguish Israel from the practices of surrounding pagan nations and to instill a deep sense of ritual purity and holiness. These birds, by their nature or habitat, may have symbolized aspects contrary to the life-giving, pure character of God, thus reinforcing the Israelites' unique identity as a holy people.
Are the dietary laws of Leviticus 11, including the prohibition on these birds, still binding for Christians today?
No, the dietary laws outlined in Leviticus 11 are generally not considered binding for New Testament believers. The New Testament teaches that with the coming of Christ, the ceremonial laws of the Old Covenant, including food restrictions, have been fulfilled and superseded. Jesus declared all foods clean (see Mark 7:19), and the Apostle Peter's vision in Acts 10:9-16 explicitly revealed that God had cleansed what was once considered unclean, signifying the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant and the abrogation of these particular dietary rules. Paul also affirmed this freedom in passages like Romans 14:1-4 and Colossians 2:16-17, emphasizing that the true focus for believers is spiritual purity and righteousness, not adherence to physical food laws.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The dietary laws of Leviticus 11, including the prohibition of "unclean" birds like the little owl, cormorant, and great owl, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. These laws served as a shadow, pointing forward to a deeper spiritual reality of purity and separation from sin that could only be fully achieved through the perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God. While the Old Covenant laws identified external sources of defilement, Jesus taught that true defilement comes not from what enters a person, but from what comes out of the heart (as seen in Mark 7:15-23). He, the sinless One, perfectly embodied the holiness that the law demanded, and through His atoning death on the cross, He cleansed us from all sin, making us truly clean before God (Hebrews 9:14). The distinction between clean and unclean animals, which once separated Israel from the nations and served as a constant reminder of sin's defiling power, was abolished in Christ, demonstrating that His redemptive work broke down all barriers and made a way for all people to be reconciled to God (as powerfully illustrated in Acts 10). Thus, the spiritual reality behind the dietary laws—the call to be holy and set apart—is now fulfilled in believers who are made holy by Christ's righteousness and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of spiritual purity, reflecting the very character of God (1 Peter 1:15-16).