King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:13 Mean?

Leviticus 11:13 in the King James Version says “And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination:...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,”

Leviticus 11:13 · KJV

Context

11

They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.

12

Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.

13

And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,

14

And the vulture, and the kite after his kind;

15

Every raven after his kind;

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,

This verse falls within the section on Clean and Unclean Animals. Dietary laws distinguishing clean from unclean animals, teaching Israel holiness and separation from pagan practices.


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Dietary laws distinguishing clean from unclean animals, teaching Israel holiness and separation from pagan practices. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאֶת1 of 15
H853

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

אֵ֙לֶּה֙2 of 15
H428

these or those

תְּשַׁקְּצ֣וּ3 of 15

“And these are they which ye shall have in abomination”

H8262

to be filthy, i.e., (intensively) to loathe, pollute

מִן4 of 15

“among”

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָע֔וֹף5 of 15

“the fowls”

H5775

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

לֹ֥א6 of 15
H3808

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

יֵאָֽכְל֖וּ7 of 15

“they shall not be eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

שֶׁ֣קֶץ8 of 15

“they are an abomination”

H8263

filth, i.e., (figuratively and specifically) an idolatrous object

הֵ֑ם9 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֶת10 of 15
H853

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

הַנֶּ֙שֶׁר֙11 of 15

“the eagle”

H5404

the eagle (or other large bird of prey)

וְאֶת12 of 15
H853

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

הַפֶּ֔רֶס13 of 15

“and the ossifrage”

H6538

a claw; also a kind of eagle

וְאֵ֖ת14 of 15
H853

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

הָֽעָזְנִיָּֽה׃15 of 15

“and the ospray”

H5822

probably the sea-eagle (from its strength)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 11:13 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 Leviticus 11:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 38:41Jeremiah 48:40Habakkuk 1:8Lamentations 4:19Job 28:7Titus 3:3

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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