The dietary regulations in Deuteronomy 14 within its literary context

Abstract

A  structural analysis of Deuteronomy 14:1-21 indicates a  well planned composition. A comparison with the same set of dietary regulations in Leviticus 11:2-20 indicates a process of literary growth in the Deuteronomy composition. An original list of land animals was extended into a literary unit on dietary regulations. A technique of  inclusio was used in different literary layers to form this
unit and to include it in the Deuteronomic Code and eventually in the Pentateuch. Different theories on Pentateuchal growth are considered so as to understand the ethical meaning of these dietary regulations within this larger literary framework.