Deuteronomy 14 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues Moses’ second speech, which began in chapter five.

1. Commands for mourning practices (1–2)
2. Commands regarding the eating of animals (3–21)
3. Commands regarding tithing (22–29)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Law of Moses

This chapter is part of the law of Moses, which is part of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. Yahweh will enable the Israelites to live on the land if they obey his commands. (See: lawofmoses)

Clean animals

There are animals which the law considered to be clean and unclean. The people were not allowed to eat the unclean animals. Scholars are not certain about the reasons that some animals are to be considered clean and others unclean. The result of these food restrictions was a nation that was different from the nations surrounding it.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

“you” and “your” singular and plural

Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, so all forms of the second person pronouns “you” and “your” are plural in this chapter unless otherwise specified. Use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: figs-yousingular and writing-pronouns) (See figs-youcrowd)

Types of living creatures

This chapter discusses which living creatures are permissible for the Israelites to eat. It is unclear which specific creatures some of the Hebrew terms refer to, but the general categories of these creatures are explained in the notes. Additionally, your readers may not be familiar with many of these creatures. In your translation, you could use broad categories of animals, such as fish, birds of prey, and cattle. Or, you could use the names of creatures in your area that are similar to the ones mentioned in this chapter. (See: translate-unknown)

“the place that Yahweh your God will choose”

Moses uses phrases such as this to refer to the future place where the temple will be built. These phrases emphasize that Yahweh will be the one who decides where the Israelites will build his temple as well as how they will worship him. (See: temple)

“the place that he will choose to make his name stay,” “the place that Yahweh your God will choose to put his name”

In 14:23 and 14:24 the author uses God’s name to represent his reputation and presence. These phrases indicate that God would choose a place and make his presence and reputation stay there. That place would be the future temple. (See: figs-metonymy)