And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten.

DEUTERONOMY 14:19KJV
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Deuteronomy 14:19 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 14:19 mean?

Deuteronomy 14:19 says that every flying creature that creeps or crawls is considered unclean for the Israelites and must not be eaten. This is part of a set of dietary instructions, marking certain animals as off-limits for food.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to live in the land God is giving them. The verse is part of a larger section where Moses lists which animals are clean (allowed to be eaten) and which are unclean (not allowed). The focus here is on flying insects or small flying creatures, which the Israelites are told to avoid eating as part of their distinct way of life.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 14:19

  • "thing" (שֶׁרֶץ, sherets): This word often refers to small creatures that swarm, creep, or crawl, including insects and other small animals. Its use here highlights that not just any flying animal, but specifically those that creep or swarm, are in view.
  • "flieth" (עוֹף, ‘oph): This word means "bird" or "flying creature." In this context, it refers to any creature that flies, not just birds, but also flying insects.
  • "unclean" (טָמֵא, tame): This word means ritually or ceremonially impure. Calling these creatures "unclean" means they are not suitable for eating according to Israelite law.
  • "eaten" (אָכַל, akhal): This is the common word for "to eat." Its use here is straightforward, making it clear that these creatures are not to be consumed as food.

Why Deuteronomy 14:19 matters

  • Deuteronomy 14:19 clarifies that not all flying creatures are treated the same; only those that creep or swarm are labeled unclean, which helps explain why some birds are allowed while flying insects are not.
  • The verse emphasizes the careful distinctions in Israelite dietary laws, showing that the rules were detailed and specific, not just broad categories.
  • This instruction connects to the wider passage by showing how Israel’s food laws set them apart from other nations, reinforcing their unique identity and relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“thing” Hebrew H8318 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 1:20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
  • Leviticus 11:20 All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you.
  • Leviticus 11:41 And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.

“flieth” Hebrew H5775 · used in 70 verses

  • Genesis 1:20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
  • Leviticus 7:26 Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings.
  • Psalms 104:12 By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.

“unclean” Hebrew H2931 · used in 78 verses

  • Leviticus 5:2 Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.
  • Leviticus 14:40 Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:
  • Deuteronomy 14:7 Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you.