Deuteronomy 14:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The pelican, gier eagle, and cormorant are unclean.
The Context of Deuteronomy 14:17
Unclean birds including water birds and a scavenging raptor.
What Does Deuteronomy 14:17 Mean?
Pelicans are large water birds; the gier eagle (vulture) is a scavenger; cormorants are diving birds that hunt fish. This diverse grouping suggests the law is not based solely on predation.
Their common traits may include size, unusualness in the diet, or religious association. All are relatively large or distinctive birds that stand apart from common domesticated fowl.
Deuteronomy 14:17 in the Original Language
gier eagle (רַחְמָה, rachmah) — a vulture, possibly the Egyptian vulture, known for its aggressive scavenging.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 14:17
What does Deuteronomy 14:17 mean?
The pelican, gier eagle, and cormorant are unclean.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 14:17?
Unclean birds including water birds and a scavenging raptor.