King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:13 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:13 in the King James Version says “And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind,” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 14:13 · KJV

Context

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,

14

And every raven after his kind,

15

And the owl , and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind—Three more birds of prey: ra'ah (רָאָה, 'glede,' possibly red kite), ayyah (אַיָּה, 'kite'), and dayyah (דַּיָּה, 'vulture'). The phrase after his kind (לְמִינָהּ, leminah) extends the prohibition to all species within these families, demonstrating God's comprehensive attention to detail.

The repetition emphasizes principle over mere list: holiness admits no exceptions or gray areas. Jesus applied this rigor spiritually: If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out (Matthew 5:29)—radical amputation of sin, not cautious negotiation. The dietary law was kindergarten training for the mature ethic: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures often revered birds of prey as symbols of warrior gods (Egyptian Horus, etc.). Israel's prohibition rejected this veneration, declaring even powerful creatures subordinate to YHWH's holiness standards.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where are you tempted to negotiate with sin rather than practice radical amputation?
  2. How does 'after his kind' speak to the comprehensive nature of holiness—no area of life exempt?
  3. What worldly 'powers' (money, fame, success) does culture venerate that God calls unclean?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וְהָֽרָאָה֙1 of 5

“And the glede”

H7201

a bird of prey (probably the vulture, from its sharp sight)

וְאֶת2 of 5
H853

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

הָ֣אַיָּ֔ה3 of 5

“and the kite”

H344

the screamer, i.e., a hawk

וְהַדַּיָּ֖ה4 of 5

“and the vulture”

H1772

a falcon (from its rapid flight)

לְמִינָֽהּ׃5 of 5

“after his kind”

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

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 14:13 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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