King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:7 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:7 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 14:7 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.

9

These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat:

Read Deuteronomy 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. God specifies animals that meet one criterion but not both. Despite chewing the cud, these animals lack split hooves and therefore remain ceremonially unclean. Partial compliance is insufficient.

This teaches a crucial theological principle - approaching God requires meeting all His requirements, not selecting preferred elements. Modern tendencies to customize religion by accepting some commands while rejecting others contradicts this principle. God sets the terms for relationship; humans cannot negotiate partial obedience.

The camel, hare, and coney (rock badger) were common in the region, making this prohibition practically relevant. Israelites regularly encountered these animals and needed clear guidance about their status.

Reformed theology affirms that salvation requires complete righteousness - partial obedience cannot justify. Only Christ's perfect fulfillment of all God's law provides the righteousness necessary for salvation. Our partial obedience, like these partially compliant animals, cannot make us clean before God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Surrounding cultures ate these animals, particularly camels which were important for desert transport and trade. Israel's refusal to eat them despite their economic value demonstrated commitment to covenant law above practical convenience.

The specificity of these examples shows God's concern for clear communication - He names specific animals rather than leaving Israel to guess which creatures qualify.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the insufficiency of partial compliance teach about approaching God?
  2. How does this principle apply to contemporary ideas about customizing religion?
  3. Why is Christ's complete obedience necessary for our salvation?
  4. What does Israel's willingness to forgo eating economically important animals reveal about covenant faithfulness?
  5. How should this principle shape our understanding of obedience to God's word?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
אַ֣ךְ1 of 26
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אֶת2 of 26
H853

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

זֶ֞ה3 of 26
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לֹ֤א4 of 26
H3808

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

תֹֽאכְלוּ֙5 of 26

“Nevertheless these ye shall not eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מַעֲלֵ֧ה6 of 26

“for they chew”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

גֵרָ֣ה7 of 26

“the cud”

H1625

the cud (as scraping the throat)

הִפְרִ֔יסוּ8 of 26

“but divide”

H6536

to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute

וּפַרְסָה֙9 of 26

“hoof”

H6541

a claw or split hoof

הַשְּׁסוּעָ֑ה10 of 26

“the cloven”

H8156

to split or tear; figuratively, to upbraid

אֶֽת11 of 26
H853

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

הַ֠גָּמָל12 of 26

“as the camel”

H1581

a camel

וְאֶת13 of 26
H853

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

הָֽאַרְנֶ֨בֶת14 of 26

“and the hare”

H768

the hare

וְאֶת15 of 26
H853

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

הַשָּׁפָ֜ן16 of 26

“and the coney”

H8227

a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax

כִּֽי17 of 26
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מַעֲלֵ֧ה18 of 26

“for they chew”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

גֵרָ֣ה19 of 26

“the cud”

H1625

the cud (as scraping the throat)

הֵ֗מָּה20 of 26
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וּפַרְסָה֙21 of 26

“hoof”

H6541

a claw or split hoof

לֹ֣א22 of 26
H3808

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

הִפְרִ֔יסוּ23 of 26

“but divide”

H6536

to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute

טְמֵאִ֥ים24 of 26

“therefore they are unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

הֵ֖ם25 of 26
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לָכֶֽם׃26 of 26
H0

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 14:7 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 14:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 1:162 Peter 2:18-22Leviticus 11:5Matthew 7:22-23Matthew 7:262 Timothy 3:5

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