King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:5 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:5 in the King James Version says “The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 14:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you.

Read Deuteronomy 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois. This list expands beyond domesticated animals to include wild game. God's provision extends beyond what Israel raises to include what they hunt in the wilderness and mountains.

The inclusion of wild animals demonstrates that clean status is not merely about domestication or human control. The determining factor is the animal's God-given characteristics (split hoof, chewing cud) rather than its relationship to human society.

That God permits eating wild game shows His people need not live exclusively on agricultural products. In times of scarcity or in wilderness regions, they could hunt clean animals for sustenance. This reveals God's practical wisdom in His laws.

The variety of permitted animals displays God's generosity in provision. He does not restrict His people unnecessarily but grants broad permission within the boundaries of ceremonial cleanliness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These wild animals inhabited the mountains and wilderness regions of Canaan and surrounding areas. Hunting supplemented agricultural food sources, particularly in less fertile regions or during military campaigns.

Archaeological evidence confirms these species lived in ancient Near East and were hunted for food by various peoples, though only Israel restricted their diet according to God's ceremonial laws.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does inclusion of wild animals reveal about the basis for clean and unclean designations?
  2. How does God's permission to eat hunted game show practical wisdom in His laws?
  3. What does the variety of permitted animals teach about God's generous provision?
  4. How might these regulations have affected daily life and economic practices in ancient Israel?
  5. What principle about God's provision do we see in His granting multiple food options within holy boundaries?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אַיָּ֥ל1 of 7

“The hart”

H354

a stag or male deer

וּצְבִ֖י2 of 7

“and the roebuck”

H6643

a gazelle (as beautiful)

וְיַחְמ֑וּר3 of 7

“and the fallow deer”

H3180

a kind of deer

וְאַקּ֥וֹ4 of 7

“and the wild goat”

H689

slender, i.e., the ibex

וְדִישֹׁ֖ן5 of 7

“and the pygarg”

H1788

the leaper, i.e., an antelope

וּתְא֥וֹ6 of 7

“and the wild ox”

H8377

a species of antelope (probably from the white stripe on the cheek)

וָזָֽמֶר׃7 of 7

“and the chamois”

H2169

a gazelle (from its lightly touching the ground)

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 14:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 14 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes