These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,

DEUTERONOMY 14:4KJV
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Deuteronomy 14:4 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 14:4 mean?

Deuteronomy 14:4 lists three kinds of animals—the ox, the sheep, and the goat—that the Israelites were allowed to eat. This verse begins a section where Moses tells the people which animals are considered clean and permitted for food according to God's law.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land, giving them specific instructions about what is acceptable to eat. The verse sets the stage for a longer list of dietary rules, showing that not all animals were allowed as food. These instructions were part of a larger effort to set Israel apart from other nations in their daily lives.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 14:4

  • "Beasts" (בְּהֵמָה, behemah): This word refers broadly to domesticated land animals, especially larger ones. Here, it highlights that the list is about animals suitable for eating, not just any creature.
  • "Ox" (שׁוֹר, shor): This is a common work animal, valued for strength and usefulness, as well as for food.
  • "Sheep" (שֶׂה, seh and כֶּשֶׂב, kesev): The tags include two words for sheep, but only one is used in this verse. Sheep were a staple animal in Israelite life, important for both food and sacrifices.
  • "Goat" (עֵז, ez): Goats were also common in the region, providing meat, milk, and other resources.

Why Deuteronomy 14:4 matters

  • Deuteronomy 14:4 helps clarify which animals were considered "clean" and allowed as food, which was a key part of Israelite identity and obedience to God's law.
  • The verse shows that not all animals were treated the same; there was a careful distinction made about what was acceptable, which shaped daily habits and community life.
  • This verse connects to the broader passage about holiness and separation, showing how even food choices were part of living as God's distinct people.

Where else these words appear

“sheep” Hebrew H3775 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 30:32 I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire.
  • Leviticus 1:10 And if his offering be of the flocks, namely, of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.
  • Leviticus 17:3 What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,

“sheep” Hebrew H7716 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
  • Exodus 34:20 But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.
  • 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

“ox” Hebrew H7794 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • Leviticus 17:3 What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,
  • Judges 6:25 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:

“goat” Hebrew H5795 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
  • Leviticus 9:3 And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering;
  • Numbers 28:30 And one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you.