King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 12:22 Mean?

Deuteronomy 12:22 in the King James Version says “Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike.”

Deuteronomy 12:22 · KJV

Context

20

When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

21

If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

22

Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike.

23

Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh. be: Heb. be strong

24

Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water.

Read Deuteronomy 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Clarification: 'Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike.' The comparison to game animals (roebuck/gazelle and hart/deer) clarifies that non-sacrificial meat is like hunting—ritually neutral. Leviticus 11:1-47 lists clean/unclean animals for consumption, but this verse addresses ritual cleanness/uncleanness of persons, not animals. A ritually unclean person (e.g., recently touched corpse, had emission) couldn't eat sacrificial meat (Leviticus 7:20-21) but could eat regular meat. This prevents ritual law from becoming overly burdensome while maintaining sacredness of worship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Game animals, being wild, weren't brought for sacrifice (only domesticated animals: cattle, sheep, goats). Eating them never involved ritual. This secular category of eating applies to non-sacrificial slaughter of domestic animals when distant from sanctuary. The distinction between ritual purity for worship versus daily life allowed normal activity to continue. Later Pharisaic tradition blurred these lines, creating extensive purity regulations Jesus critiqued (Mark 7:1-23).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we maintain appropriate distinction between worship (requiring special holiness) and daily life (common grace)?
  2. What dangers arise when ritual requirements for worship expand to govern all daily activities?
  3. How does Jesus's teaching on purity (Mark 7) clarify the heart versus external distinctions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אַ֗ךְ1 of 13
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר2 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֹֽאכְלֶֽנּוּ׃3 of 13

“is eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶֽת4 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַצְּבִי֙5 of 13

“Even as the roebuck”

H6643

a gazelle (as beautiful)

וְאֶת6 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָ֣אַיָּ֔ל7 of 13

“and the hart”

H354

a stag or male deer

כֵּ֖ן8 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יֹֽאכְלֶֽנּוּ׃9 of 13

“is eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הַטָּמֵא֙10 of 13

“them the unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

וְהַטָּה֔וֹר11 of 13

“and the clean”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

יַחְדָּ֖ו12 of 13

“of them alike”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

יֹֽאכְלֶֽנּוּ׃13 of 13

“is eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 12:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 12:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 12:15-16

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