King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 15:22 Mean?

Deuteronomy 15:22 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean person shall eat it alike, as the roebuck, and as the hart...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean person shall eat it alike, as the roebuck, and as the hart.”

Deuteronomy 15:22 · KJV

Context

20

Thou shalt eat it before the LORD thy God year by year in the place which the LORD shall choose, thou and thy household.

21

And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God.

22

Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean person shall eat it alike, as the roebuck, and as the hart.

23

Only thou shalt not eat the blood thereof; thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water.

Read Deuteronomy 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean person shall eat it alike, as the roebuck, and as the hart—Blemished firstborn animals, unsuitable for sacrifice, may be eaten domestically as ordinary food. The unclean and the clean (ritually, not morally) may both eat—it's no longer consecrated food but common provision. Like roebuck (צְבִי, tsevi, gazelle) and hart (אַיָּל, ayyal, deer)—wild game, never sacrificial—it's simply meat.

This principle preserves God's holiness: what's unfit for His altar becomes common use, preventing false worship. We mustn't present to God what fails His standards while claiming devotion. Yet He graciously provides—the blemished animal still nourishes the family. God rejects sub-standard worship but continues material provision, demonstrating patience: The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger (Psalm 103:8).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

By allowing domestic consumption of blemished firstborn animals, the law prevented economic loss (a defective calf still provides meat) while maintaining sacrifice standards. God's regulations are practical and gracious, not arbitrarily harsh.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's rejection of blemished sacrifices (demanding excellence) coexist with His gracious provision (blemished animals still feed you)?
  2. What 'blemished' areas of your life must you not present as worship while God still graciously sustains you?
  3. How do you distinguish between God's demand for worship excellence and His patient grace toward your weaknesses?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
בִּשְׁעָרֶ֖יךָ1 of 7

“it within thy gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

תֹּֽאכְלֶ֑נּוּ2 of 7

“Thou shalt eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הַטָּמֵ֤א3 of 7

“the unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

וְהַטָּהוֹר֙4 of 7

“and the clean”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

יַחְדָּ֔ו5 of 7

“person shall eat it alike”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

כַּצְּבִ֖י6 of 7

“as the roebuck”

H6643

a gazelle (as beautiful)

וְכָֽאַיָּֽל׃7 of 7

“and as the hart”

H354

a stag or male deer

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 15:22 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 15:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 12:15-16Deuteronomy 12:21-22

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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