Deuteronomy 14:19 Meaning and Explanation
“And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →All flying insects are unclean and forbidden for eating.
The Context of Deuteronomy 14:19
Prohibition on flying insects extends the dietary law to arthropods.
What Does Deuteronomy 14:19 Mean?
Flying insects—locusts, grasshoppers, and other arthropods—are grouped under 'creeping things that fly.' This appears to be a blanket prohibition on insects as food.
The rule is absolute: any creature that crawls and flies is unclean. This contrasts with Leviticus 11:22, which permits certain locusts, suggesting Deuteronomy takes a stricter stance on insects.
Deuteronomy 14:19 in the Original Language
creeping thing that flieth (שֶׁרֶץ עוֹף, sherets of) — insects and other small creatures that move about and have wings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 14:19
What does Deuteronomy 14:19 mean?
All flying insects are unclean and forbidden for eating.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 14:19?
Prohibition on flying insects extends the dietary law to arthropods.