◄ Deuteronomy 14 ►
Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ 

Clean and Unclean Animals
(Leviticus 11:1–47; Acts 10:9–16)

1You are sons of the LORD your God; do not cut yourselves or shave your foreheads on behalf of the dead, 2for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.

3You must not eat any detestable thing. 4These are the animals that you may eat:a

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.

7But of those that chew the cud or have a completely divided hoof, you are not to eat the following:

the camel,

the rabbit,

or the rock badger.b

Although they chew the cud, they do not have a divided hoof. They are unclean for you, 8as well as the pig; though it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. It is unclean for you. You must not eat its meat or touch its carcass.

9Of all the creatures that live in the water, you may eat anything with fins and scales, 10but you may not eat anything that does not have fins and scales; it is unclean for you.

11You may eat any clean bird, 12but these you may not eat:

the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture,

13the red kite, the falcon, any kind of kite,

14any kind of raven,

15the ostrich,c the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk,

16the little owl, the great owl, the white owl,

17the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant,

18the stork, any kind of heron,

the hoopoe, or the bat.

19All flying insects are unclean for you; they may not be eaten. 20But you may eat any clean bird.

21You are not to eat any carcass; you may give it to the foreigner residing within your gates, and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. For you are a holy people belonging to the LORD your God.

You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.

Giving Tithes
(Leviticus 27:30–34; Deuteronomy 26:1–15; Nehemiah 13:10–14)

22You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields. 23And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.

24But if the distance is too great for you to carry that with which the LORD your God has blessed you, because the place where the LORD your God will choose to put His Name is too far away, 25then exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. 26Then you may spend the money on anything you desire: cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household. 27And do not neglect the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.

28At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and lay it up within your gates. 29Then the Levite (because he has no portion or inheritance among you), the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow within your gates may come and eat and be satisfied. And the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands.

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

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Deuteronomy 14 Summary
Clean and Unclean Animals

Verses 1–2 – Holy Children of the LORD
Israel is reminded that they are “children of the LORD” and “a holy people.” Because they belong to Him, they must not copy pagan funeral customs such as cutting themselves or shaving the front of the head. They are His “treasured possession,” set apart for a different way of life.

Verses 3–20 – Clean and Unclean Creatures
The chapter lists animals the people may eat and those they must avoid. Land animals must both chew the cud and have a divided hoof; sea creatures must have fins and scales; a roster of birds, insects, and small animals is declared off-limits. The goal is to keep Israel distinct and healthy in body and spirit.

Verse 21 – Respect for Life and Milk
Israel may not eat animals found dead, yet they may give or sell such carcasses to foreigners. They must also “not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk,” a ban against mixing life with death and against Canaanite fertility rites.

Verses 22–27 – Annual Tithe of Rejoicing
Each year, a tenth of grain, wine, and oil is to be taken to the chosen worship site. If distance makes transport hard, the tithe can be turned into silver, then used to buy food and drink at the sanctuary for a joyful family feast that includes the Levites.

Verses 28–29 – The Third-Year Storehouse Tithe
Every third year, the tithe stays in local towns to feed Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. Meeting their needs invites God’s blessing on the nation’s work.

Deuteronomy 14 delves deep into the regulations and guidelines set by God for the Israelites, emphasizing the distinction between clean and unclean, and the significance of tithing. These laws serve not only for health and hygiene but are a testament to the unique identity and the holiness of God's chosen people.

Covenant Identity and Mourning Customs

“Do not cut yourselves or shave your foreheads on behalf of the dead, for you are a people holy to the LORD your God” (14:1–2). This echoes Leviticus 19:28 and reminds Israel that pagan practices linked to the worship of the dead have no place among God’s living people. The New Testament restates the principle of identity: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). Our identity still shapes our behavior, even though cultural expressions change.

Clean and Unclean Animals: Purpose and Principle

1. Health safeguards: Modern veterinarians note that pork, shellfish, and carrion can carry parasites or toxins when not handled properly.

2. Symbolic teaching: Animals that both chew the cud and have split hooves picture inward and outward purity—what they ingest and how they walk.

3. Separation from idolatry: Many forbidden animals figured in Egyptian or Canaanite worship (e.g., the pig in Canaanite rites, the crocodile in Egypt).

Leviticus 11 gives the same lists; Acts 10 and Mark 7 show God later setting aside ritual boundaries as the gospel reached Gentiles. Yet the call to holiness never weakens (Hebrews 12:14).

Archaeology of Diet in Ancient Israel

Excavations at Israelite sites reveal almost no pig bones in Iron Age layers, while Philistine layers nearby contain many. This supports the biblical narrative that Israelites kept dietary laws, distinguishing them from their neighbors.

“You Shall Not Boil a Young Goat in Its Mother’s Milk”

The command appears three times (Exodus 23:19; 34:26; Deuteronomy 14:21). Texts from Ugarit show a Canaanite ritual of cooking a kid in milk to bring fertility to the land. God rejects that rite, teaching Israel not to blend symbols of life (milk) with death (slaughter) and not to imitate pagan magic. Over centuries, this single verse guided Jews to separate meat and dairy altogether.

The Tithe Cycle

• Annual Festival Tithe (vv. 22-27):

– Purpose: worship, gratitude, family joy.

– Method: convert to silver if the journey is long.

– Company: Levites must be invited (cf. Deuteronomy 12:7).

• Third-Year Storehouse Tithe (vv. 28-29):

– Purpose: social safety net.

– Beneficiaries: Levites, foreigners, orphans, widows.

– Promise: “the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands” (v. 29).

This two-track system shows God’s concern for both worship and welfare. Numbers 18:21–24 identifies tithes as Levites’ income, while Malachi 3:10 urges post-exilic Israel to resume faithful giving.

Joyful Worship, Not Grim Obligation

The people are told to “eat there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice” (14:26). Celebrations involve “grain, new wine, and oil” (v. 23) and even “oxen, sheep, wine, or strong drink” (v. 26). God is no miser; He commands feasting that unites family and faith. Psalm 104:15 praises wine that “gladdens the heart of man,” and John 2 shows Jesus turning water into wine, underlining divine generosity.

Justice for the Vulnerable

Widows, orphans, foreigners, and Levites lacked farmland. The third-year tithe guaranteed them support. Similar protections appear in Deuteronomy 24:19–22 (gleanings) and Isaiah 1:17 (“Defend the fatherless”). James 1:27 sums up the spirit: “to look after orphans and widows in their distress.”

From Law to Life Today

• Identity: Believers are still called “children of God” (1 John 3:1). We honor that identity by avoiding practices that blur the line between pagan culture and godly living.

• Diet: While the New Testament lifts ritual food bans, choices that protect health and testimony remain wise (Romans 14:13-23).

• Giving: The tithe principle encourages planned generosity, joyful celebration, and care for ministry workers and the poor (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

• Celebration: God delights when families gather around Him. Weekly worship, holiday meals, and shared outreach echo Deuteronomy 14’s vision.

Living out these patterns in Christ, we taste the freedom and blessing promised to ancient Israel while pointing ahead to the final feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).

Connections to Additional Scriptures
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

2 Corinthians 6:17
Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.
Teaching Points
Holiness and Identity
Deuteronomy 14:2 states, For you are a people holy to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. This verse underscores the theme of holiness and being set apart.

Dietary Laws
Verses 3-21 outline specific dietary restrictions, emphasizing clean and unclean animals. These laws were meant to distinguish the Israelites from surrounding nations.

Tithing and Generosity
Verses 22-29 discuss the practice of tithing, highlighting the importance of giving back to God and supporting the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows.

Obedience and Blessing
The chapter emphasizes that obedience to God's commands brings blessing and sustenance, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people.
Practical Applications
Living Set Apart
Consider how you can live a life that is distinct and holy in today's world, reflecting your identity as a follower of Christ.

Mindful Consumption
While the specific dietary laws are not binding for Christians, the principle of being mindful about what we consume—physically and spiritually—remains relevant.

Generosity and Stewardship
Reflect on your own practices of giving and how you can support those in need within your community.

Obedience to God
Evaluate areas in your life where you may need to align more closely with God's commands, trusting that His ways lead to blessing.
People
1. The Israelites
The chapter is addressed to the Israelites, God's chosen people, instructing them on how to live a holy life by following dietary laws. The Hebrew term used is "בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" (B'nei Yisrael), meaning "children of Israel."

2. The Levites
Mentioned in the context of tithing, the Levites are the priestly tribe who do not have an inheritance of land like the other tribes. They rely on the tithes from the people for their sustenance. The Hebrew term is "לְוִיִּם" (Levi'im).

3. The Foreigners
These are non-Israelites living among the Israelites. They are mentioned in the context of sharing the tithe every third year. The Hebrew term is "גֵּר" (ger), which refers to a sojourner or resident alien.

4. The Fatherless
This group refers to orphans who are to be cared for by the community, especially through the provision of the tithe. The Hebrew term is "יָתוֹם" (yatom).

5. The Widows
Widows are also mentioned as beneficiaries of the tithe, highlighting the community's responsibility to support those without a family provider. The Hebrew term is "אַלְמָנָה" (almanah).
Places
1. Dietary Laws
The chapter begins with instructions on clean and unclean animals, which the Israelites are permitted or forbidden to eat. This section emphasizes the importance of holiness and obedience to God's commandments.

2. Tithing Instructions
The latter part of the chapter discusses the practice of tithing, where the Israelites are instructed to set aside a portion of their produce and livestock. This tithe is to be brought to a designated place where God's name dwells, which is understood to be the tabernacle or later the temple in Jerusalem.

While specific places are not named in Deuteronomy 14, the concept of a central place of worship is implied, which in the broader context of Deuteronomy and the Old Testament, refers to the location where God chooses to establish His name, ultimately Jerusalem. The Hebrew term often used for this concept is "מָקוֹם" (maqom), meaning "place."

For a more detailed study, one would need to look at the broader narrative of Deuteronomy and the historical context of Israel's worship practices.
Events
1. Prohibition Against Pagan Mourning Practices
Deuteronomy 14:1-2: The Israelites are instructed not to cut themselves or shave their foreheads for the dead. This prohibition is rooted in their identity as a holy people chosen by God. The Hebrew term "קָדוֹשׁ" (qadosh) emphasizes their set-apart status.

2. Dietary Laws: Clean and Unclean Animals
Deuteronomy 14:3-8: The chapter outlines which animals are considered clean and unclean for consumption. Clean animals include those that chew the cud and have a split hoof. The Hebrew word "טָהוֹר" (tahor) is used for clean, indicating purity and suitability for consumption.

3. Permissible Sea Creatures
Deuteronomy 14:9-10: Only sea creatures with fins and scales are deemed clean. This distinction is part of maintaining ritual purity, as indicated by the Hebrew term "סְנַפִּיר" (snapir) for fins and "קַשְׂקֶשֶׂת" (qaskeset) for scales.

4. Forbidden Birds
Deuteronomy 14:11-18: A list of birds that are not to be eaten is provided, including the eagle, vulture, and raven. These birds are often associated with scavenging, which is contrary to the purity laws.

5. Prohibition Against Eating Flying Insects
Deuteronomy 14:19-20: All flying insects are considered unclean, except those that are specifically permitted. This maintains the theme of distinguishing between clean and unclean.

6. Prohibition Against Eating Carcasses
Deuteronomy 14:21: The Israelites are forbidden from eating anything that dies naturally. The Hebrew term "נְבֵלָה" (nevelah) refers to carcasses, emphasizing the importance of consuming only what is ritually clean.

7. Tithing Instructions
Deuteronomy 14:22-27: Instructions are given for tithing produce and livestock. The tithe is to be brought to the place God chooses, emphasizing worship and community. The Hebrew word "מַעֲשֵׂר" (ma'aser) refers to the tithe, highlighting its role in supporting the Levites and the community.

8. Provision for the Needy
Deuteronomy 14:28-29: Every third year, the tithe is to be stored within the towns to support the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "צְדָקָה" (tzedakah), or righteousness, through social justice and care for the vulnerable.
Topics
1. Prohibition of Pagan Mourning Practices (Deuteronomy 14:1-2)
The Israelites are instructed not to adopt pagan mourning rituals, such as cutting themselves or shaving their foreheads for the dead. This command underscores their identity as a holy people chosen by God. The Hebrew term "קָדוֹשׁ" (qadosh) emphasizes their set-apart status.

2. Clean and Unclean Animals (Deuteronomy 14:3-8)
The chapter outlines dietary laws distinguishing between clean and unclean animals. The Israelites are permitted to eat animals that have a split hoof and chew the cud. This section reflects the Hebrew concept of "טָהוֹר" (tahor) for clean and "טָמֵא" (tamei) for unclean.

3. Clean and Unclean Sea Creatures (Deuteronomy 14:9-10)
Only sea creatures with fins and scales are considered clean and permissible to eat. This distinction further emphasizes the importance of maintaining ritual purity.

4. Clean and Unclean Birds (Deuteronomy 14:11-20)
A list of birds that are not to be eaten is provided, highlighting the need for discernment in dietary practices. The emphasis is on avoiding detestable or abominable birds.

5. Prohibition of Eating Carcasses (Deuteronomy 14:21)
The Israelites are forbidden from eating anything that dies naturally. They may give it to a foreigner or sell it to a foreigner, reinforcing the idea of maintaining purity. The term "נָכְרִי" (nokhri) refers to a foreigner or stranger.

6. Tithing Principles (Deuteronomy 14:22-29)
Instructions are given regarding the tithe of produce, which is to be consumed in the presence of the LORD at the chosen place of worship. If the distance is too great, the tithe can be converted to money. Every third year, the tithe is to be stored for the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. This practice underscores the community's responsibility to support those in need and maintain a relationship with God.
Themes
1. Holiness and Identity as God's People
Deuteronomy 14:1-2 emphasizes the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people, set apart for holiness. The passage begins with, "You are the children of the LORD your God," highlighting their unique relationship with God. The Hebrew word for "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) underscores their distinctiveness and calling to live according to God's standards.

2. Dietary Laws and Cleanliness
Verses 3-21 outline dietary restrictions, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals. This theme reflects the importance of purity and obedience to God's commands. The Hebrew terms for "clean" (טָהוֹר, tahor) and "unclean" (טָמֵא, tamei) are central to understanding the Israelites' call to maintain ritual purity.

3. Tithing and Provision for the Levites
In verses 22-27, the practice of tithing is addressed, emphasizing the need to set aside a portion of produce for the Levites and for communal worship. This theme highlights the importance of supporting religious leaders and fostering a spirit of generosity and gratitude towards God.

4. Care for the Needy and Social Justice
Verses 28-29 focus on the triennial tithe, which is intended to support the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. This theme underscores the biblical mandate for social justice and care for the marginalized, reflecting God's compassion and provision for all members of society.
Answering Tough Questions
1. Deuteronomy 14:7 mentions the hare as “chewing the cud,” yet modern science shows rabbits do not chew cud. How can this be explained?

2. Deuteronomy 14:8 forbids eating pork, but it is consumed safely today. What is the rationale behind this prohibition?

3. Deuteronomy 14:21 allows selling meat that dies of itself to foreigners. How does this reconcile with moral and compassionate principles elsewhere in the Bible?

4. Deuteronomy 14:22–27 says tithes can be exchanged for money if travel is too far. Does this contradict other biblical teachings on tithing?

5. Deuteronomy 14:23 states that tithing teaches the fear of God. Why frame spiritual devotion in terms of fear, and is this consistent with broader biblical themes?

Bible Study Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think God wanted the Israelites to differentiate between clean and unclean animals?

2. How do these dietary restrictions reflect the holiness God desires from His people?

3. How can we, today, set ourselves apart for God in ways that aren't necessarily tied to food restrictions?

4. In what ways do these dietary laws potentially offer physical health benefits?

5. How does the command not to disfigure oneself over the dead relate to the Israelites' unique identity?

6. How can the principles of tithing be applied in modern financial practices?

7. What significance might the permitted and prohibited animals have in their respective cultures and environments?

8. How does setting aside a portion for the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows demonstrate God’s heart for community and care?

9. How can believers today ensure they are living in a way that honors God's desire for distinctiveness?

10. In what ways are you reminded of your unique identity and calling in Christ?

11. How do the rules about seafood reflect on the ecosystems of the time?

12. What can we learn from the specific birds that were prohibited?

13. How does Deuteronomy 14 challenge your current lifestyle or practices?

14. How might the prohibition against eating dead animals relate to the principles of health, hygiene, or spirituality?

15. What is the deeper meaning of tithing beyond simply giving a portion of one's produce?

16. How can the concept of being "holy to the Lord" transform a believer's daily life in the present day?

17. How might these ancient guidelines offer insights into sustainable and ethical consumption today?

18. How can we honor God's design for creation in our modern dietary choices?

19. In what ways does the generosity encouraged in these tithing laws inspire you to give and serve in your community?

20. What actions can you take today to reflect the holiness and distinctiveness God desires from His people?



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