King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:15 Mean?

Leviticus 11:15 in the King James Version says “Every raven after his kind;” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Every raven after his kind;”

Leviticus 11:15 · KJV

Context

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,

17

And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl,

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Every raven 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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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 help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
אֵ֥ת1 of 4
H853

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

כָּל2 of 4
H3605

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

עֹרֵ֖ב3 of 4

“Every raven”

H6158

a raven (from its dusky hue)

לְמִינֽוֹ׃4 of 4

“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 11:15 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 11:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:24Proverbs 30:171 Kings 17:61 Kings 17:4Genesis 8:7

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