Deuteronomy 14:16
Deuteronomy 14:16 Meaning and Explanation
“The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The little owl, great owl, and swan are unclean.
The Context of Deuteronomy 14:16
More unclean birds: owls of different sizes and the swan.
What Does Deuteronomy 14:16 Mean?
Owls—nocturnal hunters—appear again, emphasizing that multiple species fall under the ban. The swan, though not predatory, is included here, suggesting additional criteria beyond hunting alone.
The swan's inclusion indicates that size, rarity, or ritual association may also play a role. Not all unclean birds fit a single ecological category.
Deuteronomy 14:16 in the Original Language
swan (תִּנְשֶׁמֶת, tinshemeth) — a large water bird; may refer to a swan or certain goose species.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 14:16
What does Deuteronomy 14:16 mean?
The little owl, great owl, and swan are unclean.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 14:16?
More unclean birds: owls of different sizes and the swan.