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 But the law being repealed, and the learning in a great measure lost, it is sufficient for us to observe that of the fowls here forbidden, (1.)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 11:18 is a specific divine prohibition within the broader Mosaic dietary laws, identifying the swan, pelican, and gier eagle as birds forbidden for consumption by the Israelites. This verse, part of a meticulous catalog of clean and unclean animals, underscores God's detailed instructions designed to cultivate a life of holiness, separation, and distinct identity for His covenant people. These regulations served not merely as hygienic guidelines, but primarily as tangible expressions of Israel's unique relationship with a holy God, setting them apart from the surrounding nations.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 11:18 is situated within the comprehensive dietary regulations found throughout Leviticus 11. This chapter meticulously details which animals, birds, fish, and insects are permissible ("clean") and impermissible ("unclean") for the Israelites to eat. The specific list of unclean birds commences in Leviticus 11:13 and continues through Leviticus 11:19, encompassing various birds of prey, scavengers, and certain water birds. The entire chapter is framed by a powerful reiteration of God's command for His people to be holy, as He is holy, a divine imperative explicitly stated in Leviticus 11:44-45, thereby presenting the dietary laws as a practical means of living out this fundamental theological principle.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, many cultures surrounding Israel engaged in practices, including dietary habits, that Yahweh explicitly commanded His people to avoid. The distinction between clean and unclean animals served as a profound boundary marker, designed to set Israel apart from their pagan neighbors who often consumed animals considered an abomination by God. These laws were not primarily for incidental health benefits, though some may have existed; rather, they were fundamentally theological and sociological. They instilled discipline, reinforced the covenant relationship with God, and visibly demonstrated Israel's unique status as a consecrated nation. By adhering to these regulations, the Israelites were constantly reminded of their distinct identity and their call to reflect God's holiness in every aspect of their lives, including what they consumed. This separation was crucial in preventing assimilation into the idolatrous and morally corrupt practices of the surrounding nations, a warning echoed throughout the Pentateuch, for instance, in the prohibitions against adopting Canaanite customs found in Deuteronomy 12.
Key Themes
Leviticus 11:18 contributes directly to the overarching theme of holiness and separation that permeates the book of Leviticus. The meticulous dietary laws serve as a tangible expression of Israel's call to be a holy nation, distinct from the defiling practices of the surrounding peoples. This distinction reinforced their covenant relationship with Yahweh, reminding them daily of their unique status as His chosen people. The concept of purity versus impurity is central, extending beyond ritual cleanliness to encompass moral and spiritual integrity. The very act of discerning between clean and unclean foods became a daily exercise in obedience and discernment, fostering a deep awareness of God's sovereignty and His desire for His people to reflect His character. This theme of separation for holiness is foundational to Israel's identity, as emphasized in passages like Leviticus 20:26.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "to breathe hard," this term (H8580) is used for two unclean creatures: a lizard and a bird. While the KJV translates it as "swan," the Strong's data suggests it refers to a "hard breather," possibly due to its irascibility or changing color. It is identified as "probably the tree-toad and the water-hen; mole, swan." Its inclusion among the unclean birds points to characteristics associated with ritual impurity, whether related to its habitat, behavior, or perceived nature.
Derived from a root meaning "to vomit," this word (H6893) is identified as "probably the pelican (from vomiting); cormorant." This large water bird, known for its distinctive pouch and method of eating, was likely deemed unclean due to its association with desolate places or its feeding habits, which might have been considered ritually impure according to the Mosaic code.
This term (H7360), also translatable as "vulture" or "carrion vulture," is described as "a kind of vulture (supposed to be tender towards its young); gier-eagle." This bird is a scavenger, primarily feeding on carrion and refuse. Its inclusion among the unclean birds is highly consistent with the general principle that birds of prey and scavengers, which consume dead or decaying matter, were considered ritually defiling and unsuitable for consumption by a people called to life and holiness.
Verse Breakdown
"And the swan"
This phrase introduces the first of three specific birds deemed ritually impure for consumption. The ambiguity surrounding the precise identification of the Hebrew term (tanshemeth) suggests that its "unclean" status was rooted in its perceived nature or habits—whether predatory, nocturnal, or associated with specific habitats—rather than a universally recognized species. Its inclusion highlights the meticulous nature of God's dietary distinctions.
"and the pelican"
The enumeration of the pelican, a large water bird, further diversifies the types of birds prohibited. Its presence suggests that the prohibitions extended beyond just birds of prey or scavengers, possibly including certain water fowl due to their habitat (e.g., stagnant waters) or their method of feeding, which could have been perceived as impure or defiling according to the divine decree.
"and the gier eagle"
This final bird in the verse, most likely a type of vulture, strongly reinforces the principle of avoiding scavengers. Vultures are quintessential consumers of carrion, directly associating them with death and decay, which were antithetical to the life and purity God desired for His people. The enumeration of these distinct birds emphasizes the comprehensive and specific nature of the dietary laws, leaving no ambiguity regarding the boundaries of acceptable consumption.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Leviticus 11:18, as part of the broader chapter, is Enumeration. The text systematically lists specific animals and birds, creating a detailed catalog of what is permissible and what is forbidden. This precise listing serves to leave no ambiguity regarding the divine commands, underscoring the meticulous nature of God's instructions for His people's holiness. Furthermore, there is significant Symbolism at play. While the literal birds are identified, they also symbolize broader categories of impurity. Birds of prey and scavengers, like the gier eagle (vulture), symbolize death, decay, and violence, which are antithetical to the life and purity God calls His people to embody. The inclusion of water birds like the pelican or swan also carries symbolic weight, perhaps representing the wild, untamed, or "unclean" aspects of creation that were not to be incorporated into the Israelite diet, thereby reinforcing their separation from the world and their dedication to a holy God.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 11:18, as part of the broader dietary laws, profoundly connects to the overarching theme of holiness and separation that permeates the book of Leviticus. God's command for Israel to be holy, "for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44), was not merely an abstract theological concept but was to be lived out tangibly in every aspect of their lives, including their diet. These laws served as a constant, daily reminder of their covenant relationship with Yahweh and their distinct identity as His chosen people, set apart from the defiling practices of the surrounding pagan nations. By meticulously adhering to these distinctions, Israel visibly demonstrated their obedience, their reliance on divine instruction, and their commitment to reflecting God's purity in a world steeped in idolatry and moral corruption. The physical act of discerning between clean and unclean foods thus became a spiritual exercise in discernment and dedication, reinforcing their unique status as a consecrated nation.
Reflection and Application
While the specific dietary prohibitions of Leviticus 11:18 and the broader chapter are understood by Christians to have been part of the Old Covenant's ceremonial law, fulfilled and transcended in Christ, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. We are no longer bound by literal food restrictions, as the New Testament clarifies that "all foods are clean" in Mark 7:19 and Peter's vision in Acts 10:15 confirms. However, the call to holiness and separation from the world's defilement endures. Just as Israel was called to discern between clean and unclean animals, believers today are called to exercise spiritual discernment to distinguish between what honors God and what defiles the spirit, mind, and body. This means actively choosing purity in thought, word, and deed, avoiding practices and influences that compromise our witness or draw us away from God. The meticulousness of God's instructions in Leviticus reminds us that our walk with Him is comprehensive, impacting every area of our lives, and calls for intentional obedience to His revealed will, albeit now through the lens of the New Covenant and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were these specific birds considered "unclean" by God?
The specific reasons for each animal's designation as "clean" or "unclean" are not explicitly stated in the text, but scholars generally identify several patterns. Birds like the swan, pelican, and gier eagle (vulture) were likely deemed unclean due to their predatory or scavenging nature (consuming carrion or other animals), their association with desolate places, or their general habits that were perceived as ritually impure. The overall purpose was not primarily hygienic, but theological: to establish clear boundaries for Israel, reinforcing their unique identity and call to holiness as God's chosen people, distinct from the practices of surrounding pagan nations. The consumption of such animals would have blurred the lines between Israel and the world, compromising their consecrated status as outlined in Leviticus 11:44-45.
Are Christians today still bound by the dietary laws of Leviticus 11, including the prohibition against these birds?
No, Christians are not bound by the literal dietary laws of Leviticus 11. The New Testament teaches that these ceremonial laws were part of the Old Covenant and have been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared "all foods clean" in Mark 7:19, emphasizing that defilement comes from within a person, not from what they eat. Furthermore, Peter's vision in Acts 10:9-16 explicitly revealed that God had made clean what was formerly considered unclean, signifying the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant and the abolition of the ceremonial food laws. The apostle Paul also addresses this in Romans 14:17, stating that "the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." While the literal commands are no longer applicable, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and obedience to God's will remain vital for believers.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 11:18, with its specific prohibitions against certain birds, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies and transcends the Old Covenant's demands for holiness. The dietary laws, including the distinction between clean and unclean animals, served as a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" (Colossians 2:17). In His earthly ministry, Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), shifting the focus from external ritual purity to internal heart purity, demonstrating that true defilement originates from within a person, not from what they consume. This radical reinterpretation was further revealed to Peter in his vision in Acts 10, where God commanded him to eat formerly unclean animals, signaling the end of the ceremonial food laws and the inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God without requiring adherence to Mosaic dietary codes. Christ's sacrifice on the cross purifies not just our bodies, but our very souls, making us truly clean before a holy God. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), rendering all previous sacrifices and ritual distinctions obsolete by His perfect and complete work. Through Him, believers are made holy and set apart, not by what they eat, but by His Spirit indwelling them, enabling them to live lives of spiritual purity and obedience that far surpass mere external adherence to rules.