Deuteronomy 14:19
And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten.
Original Language Analysis
וְכֹל֙
H3605
וְכֹל֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שֶׁ֣רֶץ
And every creeping thing
H8318
שֶׁ֣רֶץ
And every creeping thing
Strong's:
H8318
Word #:
2 of 8
a swarm, i.e., active mass of minute animals
הָע֔וֹף
that flieth
H5775
הָע֔וֹף
that flieth
Strong's:
H5775
Word #:
3 of 8
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
ה֖וּא
H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 8
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
Swarming insects were agricultural threats in the ancient Near East, destroying crops and bringing famine. Their association with Egyptian plagues reinforced their uncleanness—Israel must not eat symbols of their former oppression.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'plagues' (destructive patterns, toxic influences) from your old life must you refuse to 'internalize'?
- How does God's protection from the locust-demons (Revelation 9) encourage you about His preservation in spiritual warfare?
- What symbols of judgment or oppression are you tempted to 'consume' (normalize, accept) rather than reject?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten—Flying insects (שֶׁרֶץ הָעוֹף, sherets ha'of, 'swarming winged creatures') are categorically unclean except locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers (Leviticus 11:21-22). The 'creeping' designation recalls the serpent's curse: Upon thy belly shalt thou go (Genesis 3:14)—association with sin's entrance.
Insects represented the plagues on Egypt (Exodus 8:16-24, 10:4-15), God's judgment instruments. Israel must not internalize judgment's symbols. Revelation reverses this: locust-demons torment the unsealed (Revelation 9:3-11), but God's people are protected. The dietary law foreshadowed eschatological separation: the righteous avoid consuming judgment's agents.