King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:4 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:4 in the King James Version says “These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep , and the goat,” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep , and the goat,”

Deuteronomy 14:4 · KJV

Context

2

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.

3

Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

4

These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep , and the goat,

5

The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois.

6

And every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that ye shall eat.

Read Deuteronomy 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat. God specifies which animals are ceremonially clean for consumption. These domesticated animals represent the staples of Israelite diet and economy - common livestock that served both for food and sacrifice.

That God details which creatures may be eaten demonstrates divine concern for every aspect of life. No sphere is too mundane for God's governance - He regulates what enters His people's bodies, shaping their daily routines according to His will.

These animals (ox, sheep, goat) were also used in sacrificial system, creating connection between acceptable food and acceptable worship. What could be offered to God could be eaten; what was unfit for altar was unfit for table. This linked daily eating with covenantal worship.

The repetition of ye shall eat indicates permission and provision. God does not merely prohibit but also provides - He gives good things for His people's nourishment while establishing boundaries for their holiness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Cattle, sheep, and goats formed the core of Israel's agricultural economy. These animals provided meat, milk, leather, and wool while also serving sacrificial purposes. Their clean status made them doubly valuable.

The distinction between clean and unclean animals predates Mosaic law (Genesis 7:2), suggesting these categories reflect creation order principles that God formalizes in the covenant code.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's regulation of diet teach about His comprehensive lordship over life?
  2. How did connection between clean food and acceptable sacrifice shape Israel's worldview?
  3. Why might God have chosen these particular animals as clean while excluding others?
  4. What does God's provision of clean animals for food reveal about His care for His people?
  5. How should awareness that no sphere of life is too mundane for God shape Christian living?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
זֹ֥את1 of 9
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה2 of 9

“These are the beasts”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 9
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תֹּאכֵ֑לוּ4 of 9

“which ye shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

שׁ֕וֹר5 of 9

“the ox”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

וְשֵׂ֥ה6 of 9

“the sheep”

H7716

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

כְשָׂבִ֖ים7 of 9
H3775

a young sheep

וְשֵׂ֥ה8 of 9

“the sheep”

H7716

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

עִזִּֽים׃9 of 9

“and the goat”

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

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 14:4 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 14:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 11:2-451 Kings 4:23Acts 10:14

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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