Birds, Unclean
TextsWhat is the meaning of Birds, Unclean in the Bible?
The lists of birds forbidden as food are given in Leviticus 11:13-19 and Deuteronomy 14:12-18. The names are almost identical, with one more name in Deuteronomy and varying order.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding these specific prohibitions clarifies the dietary laws that distinguished ancient Israelite identity from neighboring cultures and provided a framework for ritual purity.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Birds, Unclean functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Birds, Unclean in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Birds, Unclean clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Leviticus 11:13-19Deuteronomy 14:12-18
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Birds, Unclean." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/birds-unclean/