Deuteronomy 14:21

Authorized King James Version

Ye shall not eat of any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that is in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
וַֽאֲכָלָ֗הּ
H398
Ye shall not eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#3
כָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
נְ֠בֵלָה
H5038
of any thing that dieth of itself
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
#5
לַגֵּ֨ר
H1616
it unto the stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#6
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
בִּשְׁעָרֶ֜יךָ
H8179
that is in thy gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#8
תִּתְּנֶ֣נָּה
H5414
thou shalt give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
וַֽאֲכָלָ֗הּ
H398
Ye shall not eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#10
א֤וֹ
H176
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#11
מָכֹר֙
H4376
it or thou mayest sell
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
#12
לְנָכְרִ֔י
H5237
it unto an alien
strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)
#13
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
עַ֤ם
H5971
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#15
קָדוֹשׁ֙
H6918
for thou art an holy
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#16
אַתָּ֔ה
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#17
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
H3068
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
H430
thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#19
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#20
תְבַשֵּׁ֥ל
H1310
Thou shalt not seethe
properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen
#21
גְּדִ֖י
H1423
a kid
a young goat (from browsing)
#22
בַּֽחֲלֵ֥ב
H2461
milk
milk (as the richness of kine)
#23
אִמּֽוֹ׃
H517
in his mother's
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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