Deuteronomy 15:22 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean person shall eat it alike, as the roebuck, and as the hart.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The blemished firstborn is eaten by all in your settlement; it is like common game.
The Context of Deuteronomy 15:22
Blemished firstborns are treated as common food for all.
What Does Deuteronomy 15:22 Mean?
Unlike holy sacrifices that only the clean could eat, a blemished firstborn was profane—ordinary food. It could be consumed by anyone in the city, clean or unclean. This classification aligned it with wild animals like deer, which were hunted and eaten freely.
The law ensures the blemished animal was not wasted and that its meat fed the community. The distinction between holy (unblemished firstborn) and common (blemished firstborn) remained clear, yet wastefulness was prevented.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 15:22
What does Deuteronomy 15:22 mean?
The blemished firstborn is eaten by all in your settlement; it is like common game.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 15:22?
Blemished firstborns are treated as common food for all.