Old Testament
Leviticus 11:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Leviticus 11:13, God provides specific dietary laws for the Israelites, identifying certain birds that are considered unclean and should not be eaten.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Among the birds, these are the ones you must treat as forbidden and never eat: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture,
And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 11:13, God provides specific dietary laws for the Israelites, identifying certain birds that are considered unclean and should not be eaten. The eagle, vulture, and black vulture are mentioned as examples of these forbidden birds. This directive emphasizes the importance of holiness and obedience to God's commands. The distinction between clean and unclean animals serves to set the Israelites apart from other nations, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people. These dietary restrictions are part of a broader set of laws intended to guide the Israelites in their daily lives, promoting a lifestyle that reflects their covenant relationship with God. By adhering to these laws, the Israelites demonstrate their commitment to God's standards and their desire to live in a way that honors Him. The underlying principle is about purity and the need to avoid anything that could defile them spiritually.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 11:13 to your life
Understanding these dietary laws can help us reflect on our own choices and the importance of living in a way that honors God. While we may not follow these specific rules today, the principle of making choices that align with our faith remains relevant. We should consider how our actions reflect our commitment to God.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 11:13 mean?
Leviticus 11:13 outlines specific birds that the Israelites are forbidden to eat, such as the eagle and vulture. This verse emphasizes the dietary laws that distinguish the Israelites as God's chosen people and highlights the importance of holiness and obedience to God's commands.
What birds are mentioned in Leviticus 11:13?
In Leviticus 11:13, the birds specifically mentioned as forbidden to eat are the eagle, the vulture, and the black vulture. These birds are classified as unclean according to the dietary laws given to the Israelites.
Why are certain birds considered unclean in Leviticus 11:13?
Certain birds, including the eagle and vulture, are considered unclean in Leviticus 11:13 due to their scavenging nature and association with death. These dietary restrictions serve to maintain the Israelites' spiritual purity and set them apart from other nations.
What is the significance of dietary laws in Leviticus 11:13?
The dietary laws in Leviticus 11:13 signify God's desire for His people to live in a way that reflects their covenant relationship with Him. By following these laws, the Israelites demonstrate their commitment to holiness and obedience.

The Book of Leviticus
Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering
The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.
Unlock the full Leviticus summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Leviticus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 27 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Leviticus summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.