Leviticus 11:15

Every raven after his kind;

Every raven {H6158} after his kind {H4327};

the various kinds of ravens,

any kind of raven,

every raven after its kind,

Commentary

Context

Leviticus chapter 11 outlines the extensive dietary laws given to ancient Israel by God through Moses. These laws distinguished between animals, birds, and fish that were considered "clean" (permissible for consumption) and "unclean" (forbidden). This distinction was not merely for health but primarily for spiritual purity and to set Israel apart as a holy nation dedicated to the Lord. Verse 15 specifically names the raven, listing it among the birds that were considered unclean, reinforcing the broad prohibition against predatory and scavenging birds.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Purity: The primary purpose of these laws was to teach Israel about God's desire for them to be a holy and set-apart people, reflecting His own character. Consuming certain animals was seen as defiling.
  • Divine Distinction: God establishes clear boundaries between what is acceptable and what is not, demonstrating His sovereignty and His right to define purity for His people.
  • Obedience to God's Commands: Following these detailed regulations was an act of obedience and trust in God's wisdom, even if the reasons were not fully understood.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "raven" is 'orebh (ืขึนืจึตื‘), which refers to the common raven but also encompasses the entire family of corvids, including crows and jackdaws. The phrase "after his kind" (ืœึฐืžึดื™ื ื•ึน, leminohu) is crucial here. It indicates that the prohibition applies not just to the specific bird commonly known as a raven, but to all species and varieties within that biological classification. This phrase is used repeatedly throughout Genesis 1 concerning creation and again in Leviticus 11 to delineate categories of clean and unclean animals, emphasizing that the rule applies comprehensively to the entire genus.

Practical Application

While the specific dietary laws of Leviticus are no longer binding on Christians today (as clarified in the New Testament, for instance, in Mark 7:19 and Acts 10:15), the principles behind them remain relevant. This verse reminds us that God is concerned with every aspect of our lives, not just our spiritual worship. It teaches us about the importance of discernment, making wise choices, and living a life that honors God in all things. The concept of "holiness" still calls believers to be set apart from the world's defilements, not by dietary restrictions, but by spiritual purity and moral conduct.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 12:24 (3 votes)

    Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

  • Genesis 8:7 (2 votes)

    And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.

  • 1 Kings 17:4 (2 votes)

    And it shall be, [that] thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.

  • Proverbs 30:17 (2 votes)

    The eye [that] mocketh at [his] father, and despiseth to obey [his] mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

  • 1 Kings 17:6 (2 votes)

    And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.