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Read the Verse of the Day – Deuteronomy 14:16 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Law of Moses. It is filled with instructions, commandments, and guidelines for God’s people. Among these instructions are lists of clean and unclean animals. Deuteronomy 14:16 is part of such a list. But what does this verse really mean? What can we learn from it today?
The Context of Deuteronomy 14:16 KJV
The Purpose of Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible. It is the last of the five books of Moses, also called the Torah or the Pentateuch. The word “Deuteronomy” means “second law.” This book contains Moses’ final words to the people of Israel before they entered the Promised Land.
He reminded them of God’s commandments. He also gave them laws for worship, food, cleanliness, and how to live as God’s chosen people.
Chapter 14 Overview
Deuteronomy chapter 14 begins with a reminder: Israel is a holy people. They belong to the Lord. Because of this, they must live differently than the nations around them.
The chapter gives:
- A warning against pagan mourning practices (verses 1–2)
- A list of clean and unclean animals (verses 3–20)
- Laws about tithes and giving (verses 22–29)
Our focus is on the list of clean and unclean animals. This is where we find verse 16.
Why Lists of Animals?
God gave the Israelites food laws to set them apart. These laws reminded them that they were different. They were to be holy, as God is holy (Leviticus 11:44).
Some animals were called “clean.” These were allowed for eating. Others were “unclean.” These were forbidden.
These food laws had practical and spiritual purposes. Practically, they protected the Israelites from disease. Spiritually, they taught obedience and reverence for God.
Deuteronomy 14:16 (KJV)
Let’s look at the verse:
“The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan,” — Deuteronomy 14:16, KJV
This verse is part of a larger list of unclean birds. Starting in verse 12, Moses lists birds that the Israelites must not eat. Verse 16 is in the middle of this list.
Here is the broader passage (Deuteronomy 14:12–18):
“But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,
And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind,
And every raven after his kind,
And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,
The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan,
And the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant,
And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.”
All these birds were considered unclean for food.
Deuteronomy 14:16 Meaning
Understanding the Animals Mentioned
Let’s look more closely at the three animals listed in Deuteronomy 14:16:
The Little Owl – This is a small nocturnal bird. In Hebrew, the word used is kos. It refers to a bird that makes a high-pitched sound and lives in desolate places. The little owl was likely a symbol of desolation and unclean habits.
The Great Owl – In Hebrew, the word is yanshuph. This is believed to refer to a larger species of owl, possibly the horned owl. It also was seen as a night-dwelling bird.
The Swan – This translation in the King James Version is debated. In Hebrew, the word is tinshemeth. Many modern translations (like the NIV or ESV) translate it as “white owl” or “desert owl.” The swan as we know it today does not live in desert areas. So “swan” may not be the best word here.
These birds share similar traits:
- They are scavengers or predators
- They are active at night (nocturnal)
- They dwell in unclean or deserted places
- They do not fit the pattern of birds used for sacrifices or offerings
God’s people were not to eat these birds because of what they represented—death, desolation, and impurity.
Symbolism of Unclean Birds
In the Bible, owls and other birds of prey often symbolize judgment or ruin.
For example:
- Isaiah 34:11–15 talks about owls living in ruined cities
- Jeremiah 50:39 describes how wild animals will dwell in Babylon
- Revelation 18:2 speaks of fallen Babylon becoming a dwelling place for “every unclean and hateful bird”
These birds point to abandonment, darkness, and things that are not suitable for God’s holy people.
Deuteronomy 14:16 Application in Life
1. God Cares About Holiness in Everyday Life
Though we do not follow the Old Testament food laws today (see Acts 10:13–15), we can still learn from them.
God gave these laws to teach Israel to live with daily awareness of Him. Every meal was a chance to choose obedience.
Application:
As Christians, we should live with that same awareness. Every part of our life—what we watch, say, or do—should reflect holiness.
1 Peter 1:15–16 (KJV) says:
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
2. Discernment Between Clean and Unclean
God wanted His people to learn discernment. They needed to recognize what was clean and unclean.
Today, we still face choices. We must discern between what pleases God and what doesn’t.
Philippians 1:10 (KJV):
“That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.”
Application:
Ask God for wisdom. Discernment is a gift of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10). Use it in what you read, listen to, and associate with.
3. Be Set Apart from the World
Deuteronomy 14:2 says:
“For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God…”
This identity was the reason for these food laws. God’s people were not to live like the surrounding nations.
Though we live in a different time, the principle still applies.
Romans 12:2 (KJV):
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Application:
Be different for the right reasons. Let your holiness show in your words, relationships, work, and habits.
4. Avoid Spiritual Impurity
The owl and other unclean birds point to spiritual impurity. Many of them were scavengers. They lived off death.
In the New Testament, Jesus warns about the “unclean” condition of the heart.
Mark 7:20–23 (KJV):
“That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts… All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”
Application:
Avoid the “spiritual scavenging” of feeding on anger, gossip, lust, or bitterness. These things defile the heart.
5. Respect God’s Creation
Even though some animals were not for eating, they still belonged to God. The owls and other unclean animals were not evil—they just had a different role.
We must remember that all of creation has value.
Application:
Respect nature. Steward the environment. Do not abuse animals or the earth. God is Creator of all life (Psalm 104).
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 14:16 may seem like just another list of animals. But when we take a closer look, we find deeper meaning.
The little owl, great owl, and the swan (or white owl) were birds God called unclean. They represented impurity, desolation, and things that defile.
God gave these food laws to His people to teach them holiness, obedience, and discernment. Though we no longer follow these dietary rules, the principles remain:
- Live holy lives
- Discern between good and evil
- Be set apart for God
- Avoid impurity
- Respect God’s creation
As believers in Christ, we are also a holy people. Let us live in a way that reflects that calling.
1 Thessalonians 4:7 (KJV):
“For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”
When we read verses like Deuteronomy 14:16, we should remember that every part of Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).
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