King James Version
What Does Deuteronomy 14:17 Mean?
“And the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant,”
Context
15
And the owl , and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,
16
The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan,
17
And the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant,
18
And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.
19
And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten.
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**2-3. thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness--**The recapitulation of all their checkered experience during that long period was designed to awaken lively impressions of the goodness of God. First, Moses showed them the object of their protracted wanderings and varied hardships. These were trials of their obedience as well as chastisements for sin. Indeed, the discovery of their infidelity, inconstancy, and their rebellions and perverseness which this varied discipline brought to light, was of eminently practical use to the Israelites themselves, as it has been to the church in all subsequent ages. Next, he enlarged on the goodness of God to them, while reduced to the last extremities of despair, in the miraculous provision which, without anxiety or labor, was made for their daily support (see on Ex 16:4). Possessing no nutritious properties inherent in it, this contributed to their sustenance, as indeed all food does (Mt 4:4) solely through the ordinance and blessing of God. This remark is applicable to the means of spiritual as well as natural life.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. 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 14:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.