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Deuteronomy 14:19 - Flying creepers: forbidden food?

Deuteronomy 14:19 - דברים 14:19

Hebrew Text

וְכֹל שֶׁרֶץ הָעוֹף טָמֵא הוּא לָכֶם לֹא יֵאָכֵלוּ׃

English Translation

And every creeping thing that flies is unclean to you: they shall not be eaten.

Transliteration

Vechol sheretz ha'of tame hu lakhem lo ye'akhelu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכֹל֙ שֶׁ֣רֶץ הָע֔וֹף טָמֵ֥א ה֖וּא לָכֶ֑ם לֹ֖א יֵאָכֵֽלוּ׃
וְכֹל֙ שֶׁ֣רֶץ הָע֔וֹף טָמֵ֥א ה֖וּא לָכֶ֑ם לֹ֖א יֵאָכֵֽלוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Source and Context

The verse "וְכֹל שֶׁרֶץ הָעוֹף טָמֵא הוּא לָכֶם לֹא יֵאָכֵלוּ" (Devarim 14:19) appears in the Torah's list of non-kosher animals, birds, and insects. It prohibits the consumption of flying creatures that are classified as sheretz ha-of (creeping things that fly). This is part of the broader laws of kashrut given to Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 14:19) clarifies that this verse refers to insects that fly but do not have the four legs required for kosher locusts (as specified in Vayikra 11:21). He cites the Talmud (Chullin 65a), which states that only certain locusts with specific signs are permitted, while all other flying creeping things are forbidden.

Halachic Implications

  • Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 2:15-16): Rules that any flying insect lacking the four legs and jumping legs mentioned in Vayikra is forbidden. This includes creatures like flies, bees, and wasps.
  • Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 85:1): Codifies this prohibition, emphasizing that only locusts with a mesorah (tradition) of being kosher may be eaten.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 14:19) connects this prohibition to the idea of spiritual refinement. Just as certain foods elevate or degrade a person's spiritual state, avoiding sheretz ha-of helps maintain purity. The Sages teach that forbidden foods negatively influence the soul's sensitivity to kedushah (holiness).

Philosophical Perspective

Ramban (Devarim 14:3) explains that the Torah's dietary laws train a person in self-discipline and separation from base desires. Flying creeping things, often associated with decay or impurity, symbolize unrefined tendencies that one must avoid to achieve spiritual growth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 14:19 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 14:19 states that any flying creeping creatures (such as certain insects or winged swarming things) are considered unclean according to Jewish law and are forbidden to eat. This is part of the Torah's kosher dietary laws (kashrut).
Q: Why are flying creeping things considered unclean?
A: The Torah categorizes certain animals as unclean (טמא) based on their characteristics. Rashi explains that these creatures are spiritually impure and unfit for consumption. The Talmud (Chullin 66b) further discusses the specific criteria that make them forbidden.
Q: Are there any exceptions to this rule?
A: Yes, the Torah (Leviticus 11:21-22) permits certain types of locusts that have specific signs (four legs and jointed legs for hopping). The Talmud (Chullin 59a) elaborates on how to identify kosher locusts based on tradition.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: Orthodox Jews today strictly avoid eating any flying creeping creatures (like insects), except for the specific kosher locusts that have a clear tradition of being permitted. This is part of maintaining the biblical laws of kashrut as interpreted by halacha (Jewish law).
Q: What is the spiritual lesson behind this prohibition?
A: The Rambam (Guide for the Perplexed 3:48) suggests that these laws teach discipline and elevate the Jewish people by separating them from lowly or harmful creatures. The Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 157) adds that avoiding impure creatures helps refine a person's spiritual sensitivity.