Menu

Deuteronomy 14:12

Deuteronomy 14:12 in Multiple Translations

but these you may not eat: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture,

But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,

But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the gier-eagle, and the ospray,

But these birds you may not take: the eagle and the gier-eagle and the ospray;

But you must not eat the following: eagle, griffon vulture, bearded vulture,

But these are they, whereof ye shall not eate: the eagle, nor the goshawke, nor the osprey,

and these [are] they of which ye do not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,

But these are they of which you shall not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the osprey,

But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,

The unclean eat not: to wit, the eagle, and the grype, and the osprey,

But eagles, vultures, black vultures,

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 14:12

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 14:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/זֶ֕ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹֽא תֹאכְל֖וּ מֵ/הֶ֑ם הַ/נֶּ֥שֶׁר וְ/הַ/פֶּ֖רֶס וְ/הָֽ/עָזְנִיָּֽה
וְ/זֶ֕ה zeh H2088 this Conj | Pron
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part
תֹאכְל֖וּ ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
מֵ/הֶ֑ם Prep | Suff
הַ/נֶּ֥שֶׁר nesher H5404 eagle Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/פֶּ֖רֶס pereç H6538 vulture Conj | Art | N-ms
וְ/הָֽ/עָזְנִיָּֽה ʻoznîyâh H5822 vulture Conj | Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 14:12

וְ/זֶ֕ה zeh H2088 "this" Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֹאכְל֖וּ ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
מֵ/הֶ֑ם "" Prep | Suff
הַ/נֶּ֥שֶׁר nesher H5404 "eagle" Art | N-ms
An eagle or other large bird of prey, representing strength and agility. In the Bible, eagles are often used to describe God's care and protection, as seen in Psalm 91 and Matthew 24.
Definition: eagle, vulture, griffon-vulture Aramaic equivalent: ne.shar (נְשַׁר "eagle" H5403)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: eagle. See also: Exodus 19:4; Jeremiah 4:13; Psalms 103:5.
וְ/הַ/פֶּ֖רֶס pereç H6538 "vulture" Conj | Art | N-ms
The Bible uses this word to describe a type of bird of prey, possibly a vulture or eagle. It is known for its sharp claws and is mentioned in the book of Leviticus as an unclean animal.
Definition: 1) bird of prey 1a) perhaps bearded vulture or ossifrage 1b) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: claw, ossifrage. See also: Leviticus 11:13; Deuteronomy 14:12.
וְ/הָֽ/עָזְנִיָּֽה ʻoznîyâh H5822 "vulture" Conj | Art | N-fs
Ozniah refers to a type of bird of prey, possibly an osprey or black eagle, and is considered unclean in biblical times. It is mentioned in the Bible as a bird that was not suitable for consumption. The exact meaning is still unknown today.
Definition: 1) an unclean bird of prey 1a) osprey, black eagle, buzzard 1b) perhaps an extinct bird, exact meaning unknown
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: ospray. See also: Leviticus 11:13; Deuteronomy 14:12.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 14:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — Clean and Unclean Animals

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 11:13–19 Additionally, you are to detest the following birds, and they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the kite, any kind of falcon, any kind of raven, the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat.

Deuteronomy 14:12 Summary

In Deuteronomy 14:12, God gives us a list of birds that the Israelites were not allowed to eat, including the eagle, the bearded vulture, and the black vulture. This list may seem strange to us today, but it was an important part of the Israelites' daily lives and their relationship with God. By following God's commands, even when they don't make sense to us, we can show our love and obedience to Him, just like the Israelites did (as seen in Exodus 19:5 and John 14:15). We can also learn from this verse that God is concerned with the details of our lives and wants us to strive for holiness in all we do, as commanded in 1 Peter 1:15-16 and Leviticus 11:44-45.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God specifically list certain birds as unclean in Deuteronomy 14:12?

God lists these birds as unclean because they are birds of prey or scavengers, which would have been considered dirty or unholy in the eyes of the Israelites, as seen in Leviticus 11:13-19 and Deuteronomy 14:12-18.

What is the significance of the eagle being listed as an unclean bird in Deuteronomy 14:12?

The eagle, being a powerful and majestic bird, may seem like an unexpected addition to the list of unclean birds, but its inclusion serves as a reminder that even the strongest and most powerful creatures can be considered unclean if they do not meet God's standards, as seen in Isaiah 40:31 and Matthew 24:28.

How does the list of unclean birds in Deuteronomy 14:12 relate to the overall theme of holiness in the Bible?

The list of unclean birds in Deuteronomy 14:12 serves as a reminder of the importance of separating oneself from things that are considered unclean or unholy, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17 and Revelation 21:27, and to strive for holiness in all aspects of life, as commanded in Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.

What can we learn from the specific examples of unclean birds listed in Deuteronomy 14:12?

The specific examples of unclean birds listed in Deuteronomy 14:12, such as the eagle, the bearded vulture, and the black vulture, teach us that God is concerned with the details of our lives and that we should be mindful of the things we allow into our lives, as seen in Matthew 15:18-20 and Philippians 4:8-9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be compromising on God's standards of holiness, and how can I apply the principles of Deuteronomy 14:12 to those areas?
  2. How can I balance the need to be separate from the world with the command to be a light to the world, as seen in Matthew 5:14-16 and 1 John 2:15-17?
  3. What are some modern-day equivalents of the unclean birds listed in Deuteronomy 14:12, and how can I avoid them in my daily life?
  4. How can I use the list of unclean birds in Deuteronomy 14:12 as a reminder to examine my heart and motivations, and to seek God's guidance in making decisions, as seen in Psalm 139:23-24 and Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 14:12

Ver. 12-18. But these are they of which they shall not eat,.... Jarchi observes, that the unclean birds are particularly mentioned, to teach that the clean sort are more than the unclean, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 14:12

But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, No JFB commentary on this verse.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 14:12

(12) These are they of which ye shall not eat.—With one exception, the unclean birds are the same described in Leviticus 11:13-19.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 14:12

12. eagle] nesher, Ar. nisr, the great vulture or griffon, gyps fulvus, identified by the baldness of its head and neck, Micah 1:16; from its frequency and its size ‘the most striking ornithological feature of Palestine’ (Tr. 95 f.); worshipped among Syrians and Arabs. gier eagle] peres, the breaker, A.V. the ossifrage, the Lδmmergeier or bearded vulture. It carries its prey to a great height and then drops it, repeating the operation till the prey is shattered (Tr. 94), LXX, γρύψ. ospray] ‘oznξyyah; LXX, ἁλιάετος (the sea-eagle or osprey). Tristram (98) takes it either as generic for all the eagles, or specific either for the golden eagle, ‘not uncommon in winter over the whole country’ but in summer only on Lebanon and Hermon, or (107) the osprey, which would be likely from its fish-eating habits to have a special name. Read eagle. In Arabia the small swart-brown eagle of the desert is called ‘agab (spelt ‘aḳ ?ab), ‘flying in the air they resemble sea-mews’ (Doughty, i. 328, ii. 218).

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 14:12

12. These… ye shall not eat — The birds prohibited here are as in Leviticus 11:13-23, except that the glede is added.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 14:12

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Elijah - Part 3 by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon focuses on the unique characteristics of the dove as a symbol of purity and the importance of being clean and surrendered to receive the Holy Spirit. It delves into the

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate