Deuteronomy 14:5

Study note

Setting — Moses addresses the Israelites on the plains of Moab as he reviews covenant statutes before they cross the Jordan. He expands the preceding list of domestic animals to include specific wild game.

The words — The text names hunted species, including אַיָּ֥ל ('ai.Yal) = a deer and וְ/אַקּ֥וֹ (ve./'a.Ko) = and/ a wild goat. These terms identify the exact animals that require classification under the dietary law.

The thread — This same sequence runs in Leviticus 11:4-5, where the priestly code lists these creatures to mark them as unclean. The parallel shows the Torah applying a single physical standard to both farmed and hunted food.

Why it lands — The verse forces the reader to test wild game against the split-hoof and cud-chewing criteria rather than granting automatic permission. It requires deliberate identification of permissible versus prohibited animals in daily sustenance.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.