Deuteronomy 14:5
New International Version
the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope and the mountain sheep.

New Living Translation
the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the addax, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.

English Standard Version
the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.

Berean Standard Bible
the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.

King James Bible
The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois.

New King James Version
the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the mountain goat, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.

New American Standard Bible
the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.

NASB 1995
the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope and the mountain sheep.

NASB 1977
the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope and the mountain sheep.

Legacy Standard Bible
the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.

Amplified Bible
the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope and the mountain sheep.

Christian Standard Bible
deer, gazelles, roe deer, wild goats, ibexes, antelopes, and mountain sheep.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.

American Standard Version
the hart, and the gazelle, and the roebuck, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the antelope, and the chamois.

English Revised Version
the hart, and the gazelle, and the roebuck, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the antelope, and the chamois.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
deer, gazelles, fallow deer, wild goats, mountain goats, antelope, and mountain sheep.

Good News Translation
deer, wild sheep, wild goats, or antelopes--

International Standard Version
deer, gazelle, roebuck, wild goat, ibex, antelope, and mountain sheep.

NET Bible
the ibex, the gazelle, the deer, the wild goat, the antelope, the wild oryx, and the mountain sheep.

New Heart English Bible
the deer, and the gazelle, and the roebuck, and the wild goat, and the ibex, and the antelope, and the chamois.

Webster's Bible Translation
The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow-deer, and the wild-goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.

World English Bible
the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the chamois.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
deer, and roe, and fallow deer, and wild goat, and ibex, and antelope, and zemer;

Young's Literal Translation
hart, and roe, and fallow deer, and wild goat, and pygarg, and wild ox, and chamois;

Smith's Literal Translation
The stag, and the roe, and the fallow-deer, and the roe-buck, and the antelope, and the mountain goat, and the gazelle.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The hart and the roe, the buffle, the chamois, the pygarg, the wild goat, the camelopardalus.

Catholic Public Domain Version
the stag and the roe deer, the gazelle, the wild goat, the addax, the antelope, the giraffe.

New American Bible
the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.

New Revised Standard Version
the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain-sheep.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The hart, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the buffalo, the rock-goat, the mountain goat.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the stag and the deer and the antelope and the mountain goat and the buffalo and the ibex and the mountain sheep.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
the hart, and the gazelle, and the roebuck, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the antelope, and the mountain-sheep.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
the stag, and doe, and pygarg, and wild goat, and camelopard.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Clean and Unclean Animals
4These are the animals that you may eat: The ox, the sheep, the goat, 5the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep. 6You may eat any animal that has a split hoof divided in two and that chews the cud.…

Cross References
Leviticus 11:1-47
The LORD spoke again to Moses and Aaron, telling them, / “Say to the Israelites, ‘Of all the beasts of the earth, these ones you may eat: / You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud. ...

Acts 10:12-15
It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air. / Then a voice said to him: “Get up, Peter, kill and eat!” / “No, Lord!” Peter answered. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” ...

Genesis 7:2-3
You are to take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate; a pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate; / and seven pairs of every kind of bird of the air, male and female, to preserve their offspring on the face of all the earth.

Mark 7:18-19
“Are you still so dull?” He asked. “Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, / because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated.” (Thus all foods are clean.)

Romans 14:14
I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.

1 Timothy 4:4-5
For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, / because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Genesis 9:3-4
Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things. / But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it.

Isaiah 66:17
“Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves—to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats—will perish together,” declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 4:14
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”

Matthew 15:11
A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”

1 Corinthians 10:25-26
Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, / for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”

Colossians 2:16-17
Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. / These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.

Hebrews 9:10
They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform.

Acts 15:28-29
It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements: / You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.

Romans 14:20
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block.


Treasury of Scripture

The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois.

the wild ox

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Antelope Deer Dishon Hart Mountain Oryx Ox Roe Roebuck Sheep Stag Wild
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Antelope Deer Dishon Hart Mountain Oryx Ox Roe Roebuck Sheep Stag Wild
Deuteronomy 14
1. God's children are not to disfigure themselves in mourning
3. What may and may not be eaten
4. of animals
9. of fishes
11. of fowls
21. That which dies of itself may not be eaten
22. Tithes of Divine Service
23. Tithes and firstborns to be eaten before the Lord
28. The third year's tithe of alms and charity














the deer
The deer is a clean animal according to the dietary laws given to the Israelites. Deer were common in the ancient Near East and were often associated with grace and swiftness. In biblical symbolism, the deer is sometimes used to represent longing for God, as seen in Psalm 42:1, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God."

the gazelle
Gazelles are known for their beauty and speed, and they were also considered clean animals. They are mentioned in various parts of the Bible, including Song of Solomon 2:9, where the beloved is compared to a gazelle, symbolizing beauty and agility. Gazelles were native to the region and would have been familiar to the Israelites.

the roe deer
The roe deer, another clean animal, is less frequently mentioned in the Bible. It is similar to the deer but smaller and more elusive. The inclusion of the roe deer in the dietary laws highlights the diversity of God's creation and the provision of various sources of sustenance for His people.

the wild goat
Wild goats, or ibex, are known for their ability to navigate rocky terrains, which is symbolic of resilience and sure-footedness. In Job 39:1, God speaks of the wild goats, emphasizing His sovereignty over creation. The wild goat's habitat in the rugged mountains of the region reflects the diverse ecosystems present in the Promised Land.

the ibex
The ibex is a type of wild goat with long, curved horns, often found in mountainous areas. Its inclusion in the list of clean animals underscores the adaptability and resourcefulness required to thrive in challenging environments. The ibex's ability to climb steep cliffs can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual perseverance.

the antelope
Antelopes are swift and graceful, often symbolizing freedom and vitality. While not frequently mentioned in the Bible, their presence in the dietary laws indicates the variety of wildlife available to the Israelites. The antelope's speed and agility can be seen as a reflection of the spiritual pursuit of righteousness.

and the mountain sheep
Mountain sheep, or mouflon, are known for their hardiness and ability to survive in harsh conditions. They are symbolic of strength and endurance. The mountain sheep's inclusion in the list of clean animals highlights the importance of resilience and faithfulness in the life of a believer, as seen in the metaphor of God as a shepherd in Psalm 23.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, who is delivering God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving instructions on dietary laws as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

4. Clean Animals
Specific animals listed in the dietary laws that the Israelites are permitted to eat.

5. Wilderness Journey
The context in which these laws are given, as the Israelites are transitioning from their nomadic life to settling in the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Holiness
The dietary laws reflect God's holiness and the call for His people to be set apart. As Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness in all areas, including our choices and actions.

Obedience and Trust
The Israelites were called to trust and obey God's commands, even when they might not fully understand them. Similarly, we are called to trust God's wisdom and guidance in our lives.

Symbolism of Purity
The distinction between clean and unclean animals symbolizes the need for spiritual purity. We should strive for purity in our thoughts, words, and deeds, seeking to honor God in all we do.

Freedom in Christ
While the Old Testament laws served a purpose for Israel, in Christ, we have freedom. This freedom should be exercised with love and consideration for others, avoiding legalism while pursuing holiness.

Cultural Context and Application
Understanding the cultural and historical context of these laws helps us apply biblical principles to our lives today, recognizing the timeless truths of God's Word.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 14:5?

2. How does Deuteronomy 14:5 guide dietary choices for Christians today?

3. What is the significance of clean animals listed in Deuteronomy 14:5?

4. How does Deuteronomy 14:5 connect with New Testament teachings on dietary laws?

5. Why is obedience to dietary laws important in Deuteronomy 14:5?

6. How can Deuteronomy 14:5 inspire gratitude for God's provision and creation?

7. Why does Deuteronomy 14:5 list specific animals as clean?

8. How does Deuteronomy 14:5 reflect ancient dietary laws?

9. What is the significance of the animals listed in Deuteronomy 14:5?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 14?

11. Who or what were the Rephaim?

12. Hosea 5:10 - Do the described 'boundary moves' have any verifiable record in ancient Israel's land division or tribal borders?

13. Did Jesus allow divorce? (Matthew 5:32 vs. Mark 10:11-12)

14. How does Deuteronomy 22:5's prohibition against cross-dressing align with modern cultural norms and gender expressions?
What Does Deuteronomy 14:5 Mean
The deer

Deuteronomy 14:5 lists “the deer” among the clean animals. God’s people could harvest venison without guilt because the deer, like the ox or sheep, “chews the cud and has a split hoof” (cf. Leviticus 11:3). The permission is reiterated in Deuteronomy 12:15, 22, where Moses says they may eat meat “as they would a gazelle or deer.”

• Clean status: evidence of God’s concern for holiness even in diet.

• Provision and delight: “You may slaughter and eat meat … according to the blessing that the LORD your God has given you” (Deuteronomy 12:15).

• Spiritual echo: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1). The physical permission mirrors the spiritual invitation—God satisfies both body and soul.


The gazelle

Next is “the gazelle.” Swift and graceful, the gazelle was common table fare in Israel (1 Kings 4:23).

• Grace in creation: “My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag” (Song of Songs 2:9), highlighting agility and beauty.

• Everyday food: clean animals were not limited to sacrificial contexts; ordinary families might serve gazelle at a feast, celebrating God’s generosity (Deuteronomy 12:22).

• Example of freedom: God allowed variety, showing that His law is not restrictive but life-affirming within holy boundaries.


The roe deer

The “roe deer” (or roebuck) broadens the list. Again, Deuteronomy 12:15 cites it as standard meat.

• Continuity with prior commands: by specifying several deer species, God clarifies that all fitting the clean criteria are acceptable.

• Symbol of vigor: roebucks are noted for speed; warriors in David’s army were “swift as gazelles on the mountains” (1 Chronicles 12:8).

• Encouragement: just as God provides vigorous game, He equips His people for energetic obedience.


The wild goat

“The wild goat” inhabits rugged cliffs. David hid “near the Rocks of the Wild Goats” (1 Samuel 24:2).

• Clean yet untamed: whether domesticated or wild, if an animal meets God’s standards it is permissible.

• Lesson of resilience: wild goats thrive where few animals live, reminding Israel that God sustains His own in hard places.

• Trust in provision: Job 39:1-4 depicts God overseeing mountain goats’ births, underscoring His intimate oversight.


The ibex

An “ibex” (mountain goat) also appears.

• Mountain strength: “The high mountains belong to the wild goats” (Psalm 104:18). God grants safe refuge to His creatures and, by extension, to His people (Psalm 121:1-2).

• Variety within order: the ibex shows God’s creativity while affirming that His moral categories remain simple—split hoof, chew cud.


The antelope

“The antelope” brings speed and power to the list.

• Symbol of release: Isaiah 51:20 mentions children “like antelopes caught in a net,” a picture of captivity. Deuteronomy 14 frees the antelope for food—liberty inside covenant boundaries.

• Reminder of stewardship: permission to hunt does not license waste; Proverbs 12:27 warns against neglecting what is taken in hunting. Godly dominion is careful dominion.


The mountain sheep

Finally, “the mountain sheep” (possibly a wild sheep).

• Elevated living: “The crags are a refuge for the coneys” (Psalm 104:18); likewise, mountain sheep navigate heights securely. Believers are called to “walk on my high places” (Habakkuk 3:19).

• Consistency: sheep, whether domestic or wild, exemplify clean characteristics. Including the mountain variety assures Israel that God’s law addresses every circumstance.

• Community care: sheep imagery points to flock life; God’s people live clean lives together under the Shepherd’s guidance (Psalm 23:1, John 10:11).


summary

Deuteronomy 14:5 underscores God’s fatherly provision, listing seven distinct clean animals: “the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep”. Each creature meets the physical criteria of cleanness and displays unique traits—grace, strength, speed, resilience—mirroring facets of God’s abundant care. By permitting such variety, the Lord affirms the goodness of creation, sets clear moral boundaries, and invites His people to enjoy His gifts with thanksgiving and holiness.

(5) The wild goat.--In German the "Steinbock" is given as the equivalent for this creature. The pygarg (dishon) is sometimes taken to be the buffalo. If all these creatures were then to be found in Palestine, there must have been far more uncleared land than there has been for many centuries past.

Verse 5. - The hart; ayyal (אַיָּל), probably the fallow deer, or deer generally. The roebuck; tsebi (צְבִי), the gazelle (Gazella Arabica). The fallow deer; yachmur (יחְמוּר), the roebuck. The wild goat; akko (אַקּו), the ibex. The pygarg; dishon (דִישׁון), some kind of antelope, probably the Gazella Dorcas. The wild ox; the'o (תְאו), probably the bubale, or wild cow of the Arabs (Alcephalus bubalis), a species of antelope. The chamois; zamer (זָמֶר), probably the wild sheep (Ovis Tragelaphus.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
the deer,
אַיָּ֥ל (’ay·yāl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 354: A hart, stag, deer

the gazelle,
וּצְבִ֖י (ū·ṣə·ḇî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6643: Splendor, a gazelle

the roe deer,
וְיַחְמ֑וּר (wə·yaḥ·mūr)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3180: A kind of deer

the wild goat,
וְאַקּ֥וֹ (wə·’aq·qōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 689: Perhaps a wild goat

the ibex,
וְדִישֹׁ֖ן (wə·ḏî·šōn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1788: Mountain goat (a cermonially clean animal)

the antelope,
וּתְא֥וֹ (ū·ṯə·’ōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8377: A species of antelope

and the mountain sheep.
וָזָֽמֶר׃ (wā·zā·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2169: Perhaps a mountain sheep or goat


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 14:5 The hart and the gazelle and (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 14:4
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