Deu 14:1-2 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Deut 14:1-21: 14:1-21 See thematic note for Clean, Unclean, and Holy at end of chapter. 14:1 cut yourselves: This pagan custom was usually associated with mourning rites, perhaps to induce the dead to come back to life (see 1 Kgs 18:28 ; Zech 13:4-6 ). • shave the hair: This practice also pertained to lament for the dead (see Lev 19:27-28 ; 21:5-6 ), but the exact meaning of this rite is unknown.

a14:1-21►

c1 Kgs 18:28►

dZech 13:4-6►

eLev 19:27-28►

f21:5-6►

‏ Deuteronomy 14:1-2

Summary for Deut 14:1-21: 14:1-21 ^a See thematic note for Clean, Unclean, and Holy at end of chapter. 14:1 ^b cut yourselves: This pagan custom was usually associated with mourning rites, perhaps to induce the dead to come back to life (see 1 Kgs 18:28 ^c; Zech 13:4-6 ^d).

• shave the hair: This practice also pertained to lament for the dead (see Lev 19:27-28 ^e; 21:5-6 ^f), but the exact meaning of this rite is unknown.
14:2 ^g The fundamental Hebrew meaning of holy focuses on separation of a person or thing for a particular function or use. A derivative meaning is “pure” or “morally and spiritually upright.”