Deuteronomy 14:12 Meaning and Explanation
“But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The eagle, ossifrage, and ospray are unclean birds and forbidden.
The Context of Deuteronomy 14:12
First unclean birds: raptors including eagle, ossifrage, and ospray.
What Does Deuteronomy 14:12 Mean?
These three are birds of prey—raptors that hunt living animals. The eagle and ossifrage (bearded vulture) are apex predators; the ospray hunts fish. All are carnivorous birds of power and ferocity.
They begin the list of unclean birds. The pattern suggests that predatory birds fall under the prohibition, though the full principle emerges from the complete list.
Deuteronomy 14:12 in the Original Language
ossifrage (פֶּרֶס, peres) — means 'bone-breaker'; identified with the bearded vulture, a large scavenging raptor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 14:12
What does Deuteronomy 14:12 mean?
The eagle, ossifrage, and ospray are unclean birds and forbidden.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 14:12?
First unclean birds: raptors including eagle, ossifrage, and ospray.