King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:1 Mean?

“Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.”

Context

Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.

For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XIV. (1) **Ye are the children of Jehovah.**—This fact is made the foundation of all the laws of ceremonial and moral holiness in the Pentateuch, more especially in the Book of Leviticus, where these laws are chiefly to be found. **Ye shall not cut yourselves.**—The precept is repeated with little variation from Leviticus 19:28. **Any baldness between your eyes**—*i.e., *apparently, “on your foreheads.” The word for baldness in this place is generally used for baldness on the back of the head.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 14:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.