Old Testament
Deuteronomy 14:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
the pelican, the Egyptian vulture, the cormorant,
Compare translations
And the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant,
What Deuteronomy 14:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Deuteronomy 14:17, the mention of specific birds like the pelican, Egyptian vulture, and cormorant highlights dietary restrictions for the Israelites. These animals were considered unclean, meaning they were not suitable for consumption. This reflects a broader principle of maintaining purity and making choices that align with one's values. The Israelites were encouraged to be mindful of what they ate, as it was tied to their identity and relationship with God. By avoiding these birds, they demonstrated obedience to divine guidelines. This practice was not just about food; it was about living a life that honors their beliefs. The focus on clean and unclean animals serves as a reminder to consider the impact of our choices on our lives and communities. It encourages us to reflect on what we consume, both physically and spiritually, and to strive for a lifestyle that aligns with our values and beliefs. Ultimately, this passage invites us to think about how our choices shape who we are.
How to apply Deuteronomy 14:17 to your life
Consider what you consume in your life, not just in terms of food but also in your thoughts and actions. Reflect on how your choices align with your values. Strive to make decisions that honor your beliefs and contribute positively to your community and personal growth. Choose wisely and live intentionally, shaping your identity through your actions and choices.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Deuteronomy 14:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Deuteronomy 14:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 14:17 mean?
Deuteronomy 14:17 lists specific birds that are considered unclean for the Israelites, indicating dietary restrictions. This reflects the importance of purity and obedience to God's guidelines in their lives.
What is the significance of the pelican in Deuteronomy 14:17?
The pelican, mentioned in Deuteronomy 14:17, is one of the birds deemed unclean for consumption by the Israelites. Its inclusion emphasizes the dietary laws that were meant to maintain spiritual and physical purity.
Why are certain birds considered unclean in Deuteronomy 14:17?
In Deuteronomy 14:17, birds like the pelican and cormorant are labeled unclean due to their characteristics and behaviors, which were seen as unsuitable for the dietary practices of the Israelites.
What does Deuteronomy 14:17 teach about dietary laws?
Deuteronomy 14:17 teaches that certain animals, including specific birds, are unclean and should not be eaten. This reflects a broader principle of making choices that align with one's values and beliefs.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.