Deuteronomy 14
Read Deuteronomy 14 (WEB)+
1You are the children of Yahweh your God. You shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. 2For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God, and Yahweh has chosen you to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth. 3You shall not eat any abominable thing. 4These are the animals which you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, 5the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the chamois. 6Every animal that parts the hoof, and has the hoof cloven in two and chews the cud, among the animals, that may you eat. 7Nevertheless these you shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of those who have the hoof cloven: the camel, the hare, and the rabbit. Because they chew the cud but don’t part the hoof, they are unclean to you. 8The pig, because it has a split hoof but doesn’t chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat their meat, and you shall not touch their carcasses. 9These you may eat of all that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales may you eat. 10You shall not eat whatever doesn’t have fins and scales. It is unclean to you. 11Of all clean birds you may eat. 12But these are they of which you shall not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the osprey, 13the red kite, the falcon, the kite after its kind, 14every raven after its kind, 15the ostrich, the owl, the seagull, the hawk after its kind, 16the little owl, the great owl, the horned owl, 17the pelican, the vulture, the cormorant, 18the stork, the heron after its kind, the hoopoe, and the bat. 19All winged creeping things are unclean to you. They shall not be eaten. 20Of all clean birds you may eat. 21You shall not eat of anything that dies of itself. You may give it to the foreigner living among you who is within your gates, that he may eat it; or you may sell it to a foreigner; for you are a holy people to Yahweh your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk. 22You shall surely tithe all the increase of your seed, that which comes out of the field year by year. 23You shall eat before Yahweh your God, in the place which he chooses, to cause his name to dwell there, the tithe of your grain, of your new wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock; that you may learn to fear Yahweh your God always. 24If the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry it, because the place is too far from you, which Yahweh your God shall choose, to set his name there, when Yahweh your God shall bless you; 25then you shall turn it into money, and bind up the money in your hand, and shall go to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose. 26You shall trade the money for whatever your soul desires, for cattle, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever your soul asks of you; and you shall eat there before Yahweh your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household. 27You shall not forsake the Levite who is within your gates, for he has no portion nor inheritance with you. 28At the end of every three years you shall bring all the tithe of your increase in the same year, and shall store it within your gates. 29The Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the foreigner living among you, and the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that Yahweh your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.
World English Bible (public domain)
“You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.”
Deuteronomy 14:21
Summary
Deuteronomy chapter 14 continues the theme of holiness among the Israelites, emphasizing God's call for His people to be distinct from other nations. The chapter begins with a reminder that the Israelites are the children of the Lord, instructing them not to mourn or cut themselves in the ways of pagan practices. This chapter outlines dietary laws, detailing clean and unclean animals, which serve not only to promote health but to symbolize a deeper spiritual obedience to God. The Israelites are commanded to recognize certain animals as permissible for consumption and others as forbidden, reinforcing their identity as a holy nation set apart for God’s purposes. In addition to dietary restrictions, the chapter discusses the tithe of one's agricultural produce, suggesting that every third year, a portion should be set aside for the Levite, the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow. This practice highlights the importance of generosity and support for the community's vulnerable members. The chapter concludes with a directive to eat before the Lord in the place He will choose, expressing gratitude and recognizing God's provision. The theological significance of Deuteronomy 14 lies in its exploration of what it means to live a life set apart for God. The commandments regarding food and tithing encapsulate a broader principle of worship that includes obedience, gratitude, and communal responsibility. By adhering to these laws, the Israelites are not only maintaining their covenant with God but are also embodying His character in their daily lives, showcasing the importance of spiritual and communal health in their society.
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Deuteronomy 14
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.
Daily Scripture study
Get a short devotional by email
One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.
Studying Deuteronomy with a print Bible beside you? See our picks for the best study Bibles for men.
Chapter outline
How Deuteronomy 14 unfolds
Deuteronomy 14:1–2 Identity as Children of Yahweh
The Israelites are reminded that they are children of Yahweh, called to holiness, which includes rejecting pagan mourning practices.
Deuteronomy 14:3–8 Dietary Laws Explained
The chapter outlines which animals are considered clean and unclean, instructing the Israelites on what they are permitted to eat.
Deuteronomy 14:9–20 Clean and Unclean Animals
Further details are given about clean fish and birds, emphasizing the ongoing theme of holiness through dietary choices.
Deuteronomy 14:21 Prohibition Against Certain Foods
The Israelites are instructed not to eat anything that dies naturally, reinforcing their distinctiveness as a holy people.
Deuteronomy 14:22–29 Tithing and Community Care
Instructions are given on tithing, highlighting the importance of supporting the Levite and vulnerable members of the community every three years.
Key verses
Deuteronomy 14:21This key verse encapsulates the chapter's emphasis on holiness and the Israelites' unique identity as God's chosen people.
Main themes in Deuteronomy 14
Holiness
Holiness is emphasized when the Israelites are called to be distinct as God's people in verses 1 and 2. The dietary restrictions and practices illustrate this concept of being set apart for God's purposes. This theme underlines the importance of maintaining a lifestyle that reflects their covenant relationship with Him.
Community Care
Community care is highlighted in verses 27 and 29, where the text mandates specific provisions for the Levite and the vulnerable within the community. By instituting a tithing system, the Israelites are reminded of their responsibility to support those who do not have an inheritance. This theme develops the idea that caring for one another is essential in maintaining the communal bonds and ensuring that all members of society are provided for and valued.
Obedience to God
Obedience to God is woven throughout the dietary laws and tithing instructions, particularly in verses 3-21, which outline specific behaviors expected of the Israelites. These commands serve not only to regulate daily life but also to symbolize a deeper commitment to the covenant established between God and His people. This theme underscores the importance of obedience as a defining characteristic of their identity, reinforcing their role as God's chosen people and setting them apart from surrounding nations.
Identity as God's People
The identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people is declared in verses 1 and 2, establishing a foundation for their communal life. The laws and practices outlined serve to reinforce their distinct identity among the nations. This theme speaks to their ongoing relationship with God and their purpose as His representatives.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Deuteronomy 14
- Deuteronomy 12This connects through the emphasis on worship at designated places, highlighting the importance of proper practices.
- 1 Peter 2This echoes the theme of being a holy people, affirming the call to live distinct lives in obedience.
- Deuteronomy 7This develops the idea of being chosen and set apart, reinforcing Israel's unique status among nations.
- Leviticus 11This connects through shared dietary laws that dictate clean and unclean animals for the Israelites.
- Leviticus 19This echoes the call to holiness and proper conduct among God's people, cultivating community ethics.
- Exodus 19This connects through the theme of Israel's identity as a holy nation, called to serve and represent God.
Study questions
Questions for studying Deuteronomy 14
- What specific practices are forbidden for the Israelites in this chapter?
- How do the dietary laws reflect the identity of the Israelites as holy?
- In what ways are the Levites and vulnerable groups provided for in this chapter?
- What significance does the act of tithing carry for the Israelite community?
- How does this chapter connect dietary laws to spiritual obedience?
- What does it mean for the Israelites to be a people set apart?
- How does the command to eat before Yahweh shape Israelite worship practices?
Deuteronomy 14: frequently asked questions
What is Deuteronomy 14 about?+
What is the key verse in Deuteronomy 14?+
What are the main themes of Deuteronomy 14?+
Related chapters