Ella 
Read the Verse of the Day – Deuteronomy 14:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Bible contains many instructions that were given to the people of Israel to help them live holy and obedient lives before God. One such instruction is found in Deuteronomy 14:20. At first glance, this verse may seem simple, but when studied carefully, it reveals important truths about God’s guidance, dietary laws, and how believers should live in obedience and discernment.
The Context of Deuteronomy 14:20 KJV
The Book of Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible. It is a part of the Pentateuch, the five books of Moses. The word “Deuteronomy” means “second law.” It is not a new law, but a repetition and explanation of the law given earlier in Exodus and Leviticus.
This book records the final words of Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. Moses was preparing the people to live under God’s rule in a new land. He reminded them of their history, God’s faithfulness, and the laws they needed to follow.
Deuteronomy 14: Clean and Unclean Animals
Deuteronomy 14 focuses on dietary laws. God wanted His people to be holy and different from other nations. One way He made them different was through food laws.
The chapter begins by telling the Israelites not to cut themselves or shave the front of their heads for the dead (verse 1). These were pagan mourning practices. Then it moves into laws about clean and unclean animals.
The Israelites were allowed to eat only clean animals. God listed animals they could eat (verses 4–6), animals they could not eat (verses 7–8), and clean versus unclean sea creatures (verses 9–10). Birds that were not to be eaten were listed in verses 11–19.
Finally, we arrive at verse 20, which says something different.
Deuteronomy 14:20 (KJV)
“But of all clean fowls ye may eat.” — Deuteronomy 14:20, KJV
This verse is short but important. It contrasts with the previous verses that listed the unclean birds. Here, God says that the people may eat all clean birds.
Deuteronomy 14:20 Meaning
What Is a “Fowl”?
The word “fowl” in the King James Bible refers to birds in general. This includes both wild and domesticated birds.
In the verses just before verse 20, God gives a list of unclean birds that the Israelites should avoid. These include vultures, eagles, hawks, owls, and bats (Deuteronomy 14:11–18).
Then, in verse 20, God gives permission again: “But of all clean fowls ye may eat.” This means that there were also birds that were considered clean and acceptable to eat.
Examples of clean birds in the Bible include:
- Doves
- Pigeons
- Quails
- Certain types of hens or chickens
These birds were often used in sacrifices as well, especially doves and pigeons (see Leviticus 1:14; Luke 2:24).
Clean vs. Unclean Birds
The Bible does not give a detailed scientific description of how to tell a clean bird from an unclean bird. However, scholars and Jewish tradition say clean birds were:
- Not birds of prey
- Usually seed eaters
- Non-scavengers
- Often domesticated or used in offerings
In contrast, unclean birds were:
- Predators (like eagles and hawks)
- Scavengers (like vultures)
- Associated with death or decay
- Often symbolic of sin or evil (like the raven or bat)
Why Did God Give These Laws?
There are several reasons why God gave these food laws:
1. To Teach Holiness
God told His people, “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44). Obeying food laws reminded the Israelites daily that they were set apart.
2. To Protect Their Health
Some unclean animals carry more diseases or are more likely to eat rotten food. These laws may have helped keep the people physically healthy.
3. To Show Obedience
Even if the reasons were not fully understood, following these laws was an act of trust and obedience to God.
4. To Separate Them from Other Nations
Other nations ate anything they wanted. But Israel was supposed to be different — a chosen nation (Deuteronomy 14:2).
So when Deuteronomy 14:20 says, “But of all clean fowls ye may eat,” it reminds the people to stay within the boundaries God gave, and not to copy the other nations.
Deuteronomy 14:20 Application in Life
Although we are not under the Old Testament food laws today (see Acts 10; Mark 7:18–19), this verse still has meaning and application for us. Let’s look at how.
1. God Cares About Every Detail
God gave very specific laws about what the Israelites could eat. This shows us that God cares about the details of our lives.
He is not just concerned with spiritual things. He cares about our bodies, our habits, and even our meals. As Jesus said, “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Luke 12:7).
We can trust Him with every area of our life — from the big decisions to the small daily routines.
2. Discernment Is Important
God told His people to discern between clean and unclean animals. This teaches us to be discerning as well.
As believers, we must learn to:
- Discern between truth and lies
- Discern between what is good and what is harmful
- Discern between holy and sinful behavior
Hebrews 5:14 says mature Christians “have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
In today’s world, many things may seem harmless but are not good for our spiritual life. Just as Israelites had to know which birds were clean, we must learn what pleases God.
3. Obedience Matters, Even in Small Things
Deuteronomy 14:20 may seem like a small rule — it’s just about birds! But every command from God matters.
When we obey God in the little things, it shows our love for Him. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Obedience in daily life — how we speak, how we treat others, what we watch, what we eat, what we listen to — all matters to God.
4. Holiness Is Still God’s Desire
God wanted His people to be holy. That desire has not changed.
1 Peter 1:15-16 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.”
Holiness today does not come from food laws, but from living a life that is clean from sin and filled with God’s Spirit.
We are called to be different — in our speech, our relationships, our behavior, and our values.
5. Jesus Fulfilled the Law
In the New Testament, Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19). Peter had a vision in Acts 10 where God told him not to call unclean what God had made clean.
This doesn’t mean Deuteronomy 14 is useless. Instead, it points us to Christ — the One who fulfilled the law perfectly and made a way for all people, not just Israelites, to be part of God’s family.
By studying verses like Deuteronomy 14:20, we can see the holiness of God, His order, and the care He takes in preparing His people.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 14:20 may appear to be a small and simple verse. It says, “But of all clean fowls ye may eat.” Yet, when we study it in context, we discover rich lessons.
This verse is part of God’s dietary laws, given to the Israelites so they could live as a holy and distinct people. It reminds them to eat only clean birds and avoid unclean ones. It teaches obedience, holiness, and the importance of daily decisions.
Today, we may not follow the Old Testament food laws, but the principles behind them still apply. We are still called to:
- Be holy
- Be discerning
- Obey God
- Trust Him in every detail
- Live differently from the world
Deuteronomy 14:20 is not just about birds — it’s about a holy God who lovingly guides His people and wants them to walk in purity and wisdom.
Let us seek to apply these truths in our own lives today, honoring God in everything we do, even in the small things.
You Might Be Interested In: