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Deuteronomy 12:20

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

When the LORD your God expands your territory, as he has promised you, and you say, 'I want to eat meat,' because you crave meat, you may eat meat whenever you desire it.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is telling the Israelites that once they settle in the promised land and it grows larger, they'll be free to eat meat whenever they want it, not just during religious ceremonies.

📚 Historical Context

This verse was given to the Israelites while they wandered in the wilderness, before entering the promised land. Previously, meat could typically only be eaten during religious sacrifices at the tabernacle, but God was preparing them for life in a larger territory where people would live far from the central place of worship. This new freedom would allow them to slaughter animals for food in their own towns without it being a religious sacrifice.

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