King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:11 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:11 in the King James Version says “Of all clean birds ye shall eat.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Of all clean birds ye shall eat.”

Deuteronomy 14:11 · KJV

Context

9

These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat:

10

And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it is unclean unto you.

11

Of all clean birds ye shall eat.

12

But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,

13

And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of all clean birds ye shall eat—This permissive statement (תָּאכֵלוּ, tokhelū, 'you may eat') follows the restrictive list in verses 3-10, establishing God's sovereign right to define tahor (clean) and tamei (unclean). The dietary laws (כָּשְׁרוּת, kashrut) distinguished Israel as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6), creating visible separation from Canaanite culture.

Peter's vision in Acts 10:9-16 signaled the ceremonial law's fulfillment—What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common—yet the principle of holiness remains: Be ye holy, for I am holy (1 Peter 1:16). The dietary code taught discernment, self-control, and constant awareness of covenant identity through the most routine daily act: eating.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses delivered this second giving of the Law (Deuteronomy = 'second law') to the generation poised to enter Canaan (circa 1406 BC). Unlike the pagan nations who venerated animals as divine, Israel's food laws declared God alone holy, with creation subordinate to His moral order.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the New Testament's dietary freedoms (Mark 7:19, 1 Timothy 4:3-5) preserve rather than abolish the principle of holiness through daily choices?
  2. In what areas of life does God still call Christians to visible separation from surrounding culture?
  3. What spiritual 'diet' are you consuming—entertainment, relationships, thoughts—and does it reflect covenant distinctiveness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
כָּל1 of 4
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צִפּ֥וֹר2 of 4

“birds”

H6833

a little bird (as hopping)

טְהֹרָ֖ה3 of 4

“Of all clean”

H2889

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

תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃4 of 4

“ye shall eat”

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 14:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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