Deuteronomy 14:13
And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind,
Original Language Analysis
וְהָֽרָאָה֙
And the glede
H7201
וְהָֽרָאָה֙
And the glede
Strong's:
H7201
Word #:
1 of 5
a bird of prey (probably the vulture, from its sharp sight)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures often revered birds of prey as symbols of warrior gods (Egyptian Horus, etc.). Israel's prohibition rejected this veneration, declaring even powerful creatures subordinate to YHWH's holiness standards.
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you tempted to negotiate with sin rather than practice radical amputation?
- How does 'after his kind' speak to the comprehensive nature of holiness—no area of life exempt?
- What worldly 'powers' (money, fame, success) does culture venerate that God calls unclean?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind—Three more birds of prey: ra'ah (רָאָה, 'glede,' possibly red kite), ayyah (אַיָּה, 'kite'), and dayyah (דַּיָּה, 'vulture'). The phrase after his kind (לְמִינָהּ, leminah) extends the prohibition to all species within these families, demonstrating God's comprehensive attention to detail.
The repetition emphasizes principle over mere list: holiness admits no exceptions or gray areas. Jesus applied this rigor spiritually: If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out (Matthew 5:29)—radical amputation of sin, not cautious negotiation. The dietary law was kindergarten training for the mature ethic: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48).