King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:14 Mean?

Leviticus 11:14 in the King James Version says “And the vulture, and the kite after his kind;” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the vulture, and the kite after his kind;”

Leviticus 11:14 · KJV

Context

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;

16

And the owl , and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the vulture, and the kite after his kind;

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. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וְאֶת1 of 5
H853

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

הַ֨דָּאָ֔ה2 of 5

“And the vulture”

H1676

the kite (from its rapid flight)

וְאֶת3 of 5
H853

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

הָֽאַיָּ֖ה4 of 5

“and the kite”

H344

the screamer, i.e., a hawk

לְמִינָֽהּ׃5 of 5

“after his kind”

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

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 11:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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