King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 22:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 22:6 in the King James Version says “If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs,...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:”

Deuteronomy 22:6 · KJV

Context

4

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.

5

The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

6

If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:

7

But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.

8

When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.

Read Deuteronomy 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young. This environmental law demonstrates God's concern for sustainability and compassion even toward animals. Taking both mother and offspring would destroy future productivity; preserving the mother ensures continued reproduction.

The phrase chance to be before thee indicates God's law governs even opportunistic situations. Finding a nest with eggs or young birds provides tempting opportunity for food, but God limits exploitation to ensure ongoing provision.

Preserving the dam (mother bird) shows wisdom in resource management. Short-term gain from taking everything results in long-term loss. God's law promotes sustainability, preventing exploitation that destroys future provision.

This law also teaches compassion - separating mother from young immediately would cause suffering. Though animals serve human use, God's people should exercise dominion with mercy, not cruelty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Wild birds provided supplemental protein for ancient Israelites. This law allowed harvesting eggs or young birds while ensuring the mother could reproduce again, maintaining wildlife populations.

This principle of sustainable use rather than exploitative depletion distinguished Israel's environmental ethics from pagan practices.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this law teach about God's concern for environmental sustainability?
  2. How does preserving reproductive capacity ensure ongoing provision?
  3. Why should dominion over creation include compassion toward animals?
  4. What does limiting opportunistic exploitation reveal about wise resource management?
  5. How do these principles apply to contemporary environmental stewardship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
כִּ֣י1 of 26
H3588

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

יִקָּרֵ֣א2 of 26

“chance”

H7122

to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner

קַן3 of 26

“nest”

H7064

a nest (as fixed), sometimes including the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling

צִפּ֣וֹר׀4 of 26

“If a bird's”

H6833

a little bird (as hopping)

לְפָנֶ֡יךָ5 of 26

“to be before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בַּדֶּ֜רֶךְ6 of 26

“thee in the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

בְּכָל7 of 26
H3605

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

עֵ֣ץ׀8 of 26

“in any tree”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

א֣וֹ9 of 26
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

עַל10 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָ֗רֶץ11 of 26

“or on the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הָֽאֶפְרֹחִ֔ים12 of 26

“upon the young”

H667

the brood of a bird

א֣וֹ13 of 26
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

הַבֵּיצִ֑ים14 of 26

“or eggs”

H1000

an egg (from its whiteness)

הָאֵ֖ם15 of 26

“and the dam”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

רֹבֶ֙צֶת֙16 of 26

“sitting”

H7257

to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

עַל17 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָֽאֶפְרֹחִ֔ים18 of 26

“upon the young”

H667

the brood of a bird

א֖וֹ19 of 26
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

עַל20 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַבֵּיצִ֑ים21 of 26

“or eggs”

H1000

an egg (from its whiteness)

לֹֽא22 of 26
H3808

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

תִקַּ֥ח23 of 26

“thou shalt not take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הָאֵ֖ם24 of 26

“and the dam”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

עַל25 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַבָּנִֽים׃26 of 26

“with the young”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

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 22:6 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 22:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 22:28Proverbs 12:10Genesis 8:17Luke 12:6Hosea 10:14Genesis 32:11

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