King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:19 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:19 in the King James Version says “And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten. — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten.

Deuteronomy 14:19 · KJV


Context

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.

20

But of all clean fowls ye may eat.

21

Ye shall not eat of any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that is in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten—Flying insects (שֶׁרֶץ הָעוֹף, sherets ha'of, 'swarming winged creatures') are categorically unclean except locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers (Leviticus 11:21-22). The 'creeping' designation recalls the serpent's curse: Upon thy belly shalt thou go (Genesis 3:14)—association with sin's entrance.

Insects represented the plagues on Egypt (Exodus 8:16-24, 10:4-15), God's judgment instruments. Israel must not internalize judgment's symbols. Revelation reverses this: locust-demons torment the unsealed (Revelation 9:3-11), but God's people are protected. The dietary law foreshadowed eschatological separation: the righteous avoid consuming judgment's agents.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Swarming insects were agricultural threats in the ancient Near East, destroying crops and bringing famine. Their association with Egyptian plagues reinforced their uncleanness—Israel must not eat symbols of their former oppression.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'plagues' (destructive patterns, toxic influences) from your old life must you refuse to 'internalize'?
  2. How does God's protection from the locust-demons (Revelation 9) encourage you about His preservation in spiritual warfare?
  3. What symbols of judgment or oppression are you tempted to 'consume' (normalize, accept) rather than reject?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְכֹל֙1 of 8
H3605

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

שֶׁ֣רֶץ2 of 8

And every creeping thing

H8318

a swarm, i.e., active mass of minute animals

הָע֔וֹף3 of 8

that flieth

H5775

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

טָמֵ֥א4 of 8

is unclean

H2931

foul in a religious sense

ה֖וּא5 of 8
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לָכֶ֑ם6 of 8
H0
לֹ֖א7 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵֽאָכֵֽלוּ׃8 of 8

unto you they shall not be 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 14:19 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 14:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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