What does Deuteronomy 15:22 mean?
"Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean person shall eat it alike, as the roebuck, and as the hart." - Deuteronomy 15:22

Deuteronomy 15:22 (KJV) states: "Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean person shall eat it alike, as the roebuck, and as the hart."
This verse comes at the end of a section in Deuteronomy that discusses the laws concerning the use of animals for sacrifice. In the preceding verses, God instructs the Israelites on how to properly slaughter their livestock for offerings and how to use the blood and fat of the animals. Then, in verse 22, the Israelites are told that they should eat the meat of the sacrificed animal within their own gates, and that both the unclean and the clean person should eat it alike.
This verse speaks to the equality and inclusivity within the community of the Israelites. It emphasizes that all people, regardless of their status of cleanliness, should partake in the communal meal of the sacrificed animal. This reflects the ideal of unity and equality among the people of Israel, regardless of social or ritualistic differences. It reinforces the idea that all individuals are part of the community and should be treated with the same respect and dignity.
The mention of the roebuck and the hart in this verse also holds symbolic significance. These animals were often associated with grace, swiftness, and agility in ancient Hebrew culture. In this context, their inclusion in the verse may symbolize the qualities that the Israelites should embody as they partake in this communal meal. They should approach it with grace, swiftness, and agility, maintaining a spirit of humility and respect for one another.
This verse also ties into broader themes found throughout the book of Deuteronomy, such as the importance of communal worship and the inclusion of all members of the Israelite community. The book emphasizes the covenant between God and the Israelites, and the ways in which the people are to live in accordance with God's laws. Central to this is the importance of caring for and including the marginalized and vulnerable members of society, as well as upholding justice and righteousness.
The broader context of Deuteronomy 15:22 within the book of Deuteronomy sheds light on the verse's deeper meaning. This chapter, and indeed the entire book, emphasizes the importance of treating others with compassion and generosity. In the preceding verses, there are laws concerning the release of debts and the treatment of servants, which further emphasize the theme of justice and equality within the community.
When understood in this broader context, Deuteronomy 15:22 can be seen as an injunction for the Israelites to live in harmony with each other, regardless of their differences. It is a reminder that all members of the community are to be treated with fairness and respect, and that communal worship and fellowship should be a unifying force for the people.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 15:22 offers a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity, equality, and unity within the community of the Israelites. It reflects the broader themes found throughout the book of Deuteronomy, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice, caring for the vulnerable, and living in accordance with God's laws. It is a reminder that communal worship and fellowship should be a source of unity and harmony within the community, and that all members, regardless of their differences, are to be treated with fairness and respect.
Have questions about Deuteronomy 15:22?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Deuteronomy 15:22 Artwork
Deuteronomy 15:22 - "Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean person shall eat it alike, as the roebuck, and as the hart."
"Thou shalt eat it within thy gates: the unclean and the clean person shall eat it alike, as the roebuck, and as the hart." - Deuteronomy 15:22
Deuteronomy 22:15 - "Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel's virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate:"
"Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel's virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate:" - Deuteronomy 22:15
Deuteronomy 22:20 - "But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel:"
Deuteronomy 22:10 - "¶ Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together."
Deuteronomy 22:18 - "And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him;"
Deuteronomy 23:22 - "But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee."
Deuteronomy 3:15 - "And I gave Gilead unto Machir."
Deuteronomy 9:22 - "And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibroth-hattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath."
Deuteronomy 22:11 - "¶ Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together."
Deuteronomy 22:13 - "¶ If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her,"
Deuteronomy 31:22 - "¶ Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel."
Deuteronomy 22:27 - "For he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her."
Genesis 22:15
Exodus 15:22
Deuteronomy 15:1 - "At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release."
Deuteronomy 14:15 - "And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,"
Deuteronomy 22:23 - "¶ If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;"
Deuteronomy 3:22 - "Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you."
Deuteronomy 33:22 - "¶ And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan."
Deuteronomy 33:15 - "And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills,"
Deuteronomy 22:22 - "¶ If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel."
Deuteronomy 22:30 - "¶ A man shall not take his father's wife, nor discover his father's skirt."
Deuteronomy 22:28 - "¶ If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;"
Joshua 15:22 - "And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,"
Deuteronomy 15:15 - "And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day."
1 Samuel 15:22
1 Samuel 15:22
Leviticus 23:15-22