*In the hush of the wilderness, the LORD gently whispers to Moses and Aaron, guiding His people toward a life set apart. He shares with them the simple yet profound truth that what we eat can reflect our inner devotion to Him. By distinguishing clean from unclean, He invites Israel into a deeper rhythm of worship and obedience. Let us cherish these divine instructions as pathways to spiritual wholeness, trusting that each bite can be an offering of love.*
Leviticus — Chapter 11 — KJV
1
And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,
Simply PutGod (the Hebrew word for LORD, H3068) speaks to Moses and Aaron. In the original language the verb "spake" (H559, daber) conveys a personal, direct communication. He is calling them by name to deliver His guidance for the life of Israel.
2
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.
Simply PutThe phrase "these are the beasts" (H110) marks the moment God is setting boundaries. He tells the children of Israel what they may eat among all living creatures on earth, establishing order for a people coming out of wilderness and chaos.
3
Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.
Simply PutThe words "parteth the hoof" (H1261) and "cheweth the cud" (H4475) are technical terms that define clean animals. Only those whose hooves split and who chew their cud are fit for the Israelites to eat, showing how God brings order out of nature’s diversity.
4
Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
Simply PutThe camel is singled out because it chews the cud but does not split the hoof (H1261). This makes it "unclean" (H7468) to Israel. God uses this distinction to remind His people that not all appearances fit the divine pattern.
5
And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
Simply PutThe coney (likely a rabbit) also chews the cud but does not split its hoof. It is declared "unclean" (H7468). Even seemingly harmless creatures have a place in God’s blueprint for purity.
6
And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
Simply PutThe hare, like the coney, chews the cud without splitting its hoof. It too is "unclean" (H7468). These details teach the Israelites that obedience to God’s laws requires careful observation of creation.
7
And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.
Simply PutThe swine (pig) splits its hoof but does not chew the cud. It is "unclean" (H7468) to Israel. God’s standards reveal that outward appearance alone does not guarantee inner suitability.
8
Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.
Simply PutThe Israelites are instructed not to eat the flesh nor touch the carcasses of unclean animals. These creatures are "unclean" (H7468), reminding the people that holiness involves both what they consume and how they interact with the world.
9
These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.
Simply PutIn water, any creature that has fins (H3134) and scales (H2730) is fit to eat. This simple rule separates clean from unclean fish, showing God’s precision in design.
10
And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:
Simply PutAny creature without fins or scales is an "abomination" (H2762) to Israel. The term conveys something that is deeply offensive or detestable, underscoring the seriousness of keeping dietary purity.
11
They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.
Simply PutThese fish are "abominations" (H2762). Not only is their flesh forbidden, but even their carcasses are to be treated with disdain. God’s law teaches reverence for the living and the dead alike.
12
Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.
Simply PutAnything lacking fins and scales is an "abomination" (H2762). The repeated emphasis shows that the Israelites must be vigilant in maintaining holiness through their diet.
13
And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,
Simply PutCertain birds—eagle, ossifrage (vulture), and ospray—are listed as "abominations" (H2762). The Hebrew word for "eagle" (H147) and the bird names indicate creatures that soar high, yet they are set apart as unfit for food.
14
And the vulture, and the kite after his kind;
Simply PutThe vulture and kite (both scavengers) are also "abominations" (H2762). Their role in the ecosystem is respected, but they are not to be eaten by Israel.
15
Every raven after his kind;
Simply PutEvery raven (H7285) is an "abomination" (H2762). The word emphasizes the bird’s dark presence, yet it remains off the table for the faithful.
16
And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,
Simply PutOwls and night hawks, along with cuckoos and hawks of the same kind, are "abominations" (H2762). These nocturnal hunters remind Israel that not all life is meant for consumption.
17
And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl,
Simply PutThe little owl, cormorant, and great owl are also "abominations" (H2762). The distinction between small and large emphasizes that size does not affect cleanliness.
18
And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle,
Simply PutSwans, pelicans, and gier eagles (large birds of prey) are "abominations" (H2762). Their majestic flight is admired, yet they remain forbidden.
19
And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.
Simply PutStorks, herons, lapwings, and bats (flying creatures that creep) are "abominations" (H2762). Even the bat, a creature of night, is set apart.
20
All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you.
Simply PutAll birds that creep on four legs are "abominations" (H2762). This categorization separates those that walk from those that fly, establishing a clear boundary.
21
Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth;
Simply PutYet the Israelites may eat certain four-legged flying insects that have legs above their feet. These are seen as acceptable, showing God’s allowance for small, harmless creatures.
22
Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.
Simply PutThe locust, bald locust, beetle, and grasshopper (all hopping insects) may be eaten. Their Hebrew names highlight their jumping nature, yet they are deemed clean.
23
But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you.
Simply PutAll other four-footed flying insects are "abominations" (H2762). The law draws a line between edible and inedible insects, reinforcing the principle of divine order.
24
And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.
Simply PutAnyone who touches a carcass of an unclean animal remains "unclean" (H7468) until evening. The timing reflects the day’s cycle, teaching that purity is restored with time and ritual.
25
And whosoever beareth ought of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutAnyone who carries a carcass must wash their clothes, remaining "unclean" (H7468) until evening. The act of washing signifies repentance and return to holiness.
26
The carcases of every beast which divideth the hoof, and is not clovenfooted, nor cheweth the cud, are unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean.
Simply PutCarcasses of animals that split the hoof but do not chew the cud are "unclean" (H7468). Touching them spreads impurity, reminding Israel that the outer appearance is not enough.
27
And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcase shall be unclean until the even.
Simply PutAny animal that walks on all fours, among those whose paws don’t split the hoof or chew the cud, is "unclean" (H7468). Touching their carcasses makes one impure until evening.
28
And he that beareth the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: they are unclean unto you.
Simply PutCarrying the carcass of these four-footed animals also requires washing and leads to impurity until evening. The law emphasizes the need for separation from uncleanliness.
29
These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,
Simply PutCreeping creatures like weasels, mice, and tortoises are "unclean" (H7468). The variety of names shows the breadth of creatures that must be avoided.
30
And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole.
Simply PutFerrets, chameleons, lizards, snails, and moles are also "unclean" (H7468). Their inclusion demonstrates that even tiny, hidden beings affect purity.
31
These are unclean to you among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even.
Simply PutAnyone who touches these dead creeping creatures remains "unclean" (H7468) until evening. The rule teaches that contact with the dead world requires ritual cleansing.
32
And upon whatsoever any of them, when they are dead, doth fall, it shall be unclean; whether it be any vessel of wood, or raiment, or skin, or sack, whatsoever vessel it be, wherein any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the even; so it shall be cleansed.
Simply PutAnything made of wood, cloth, skin, or sack that becomes contaminated must be immersed in water and remain "unclean" (H7468) until evening. The Hebrew term for "vessel" (H5307) underscores the need to purify everyday objects.
33
And every earthen vessel, whereinto any of them falleth, whatsoever is in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it.
Simply PutAny earthenware that becomes contaminated must be broken. The breakage symbolizes the removal of impurity from daily life.
34
Of all meat which may be eaten, that on which such water cometh shall be unclean: and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean.
Simply PutAny meat that has water poured over it becomes "unclean" (H7468). Even the simplest act of watering food can introduce impurity.
35
And every thing whereupon any part of their carcase falleth shall be unclean; whether it be oven, or ranges for pots, they shall be broken down: for they are unclean, and shall be unclean unto you.
Simply PutAny vessel that becomes contaminated by the carcass of an unclean animal must be broken. The total destruction reflects the seriousness of maintaining holiness.
36
Nevertheless a fountain or pit, wherein there is plenty of water, shall be clean: but that which toucheth their carcase shall be unclean.
Simply PutNonetheless, a clean fountain or well remains pure. The Hebrew word for "gathering together of waters" (H7565) shows that natural, untouched sources are a blessing.
37
And if any part of their carcase fall upon any sowing seed which is to be sown, it shall be clean.
Simply PutIf any part of an unclean carcass falls on sowing seed, the seed remains clean. The law distinguishes between direct contamination and indirect contact.
38
But if any water be put upon the seed, and any part of their carcase fall thereon, it shall be unclean unto you.
Simply PutHowever, if water is poured on the seed along with an unclean carcass, it becomes "unclean" (H7468). The combination of moisture and impurity spreads defilement.
39
And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcase thereof shall be unclean until the even.
Simply PutIf any edible animal dies, anyone who touches its carcass remains "unclean" (H7468) until evening. Death itself brings a state of impurity that must be addressed.
40
And he that eateth of the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: he also that beareth the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutThose who eat the carcass or carry it must wash their clothes and remain "unclean" (H7468) until evening. The washing process restores the individual’s purity.
41
And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.
Simply PutAll creeping things that crawl on the earth are "abominations" (H2762). This final declaration reinforces the separation between clean and unclean.
42
Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination.
Simply PutAny creature that moves on its belly, four legs, or has many feet is an "abomination" (H2762). The Hebrew term for “multiply” (H337) emphasizes the excessive nature of these footed beings.
43
Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby.
Simply PutDo not make yourselves "abominable" (H2762) or "unclean" (H7468) by touching or eating these creatures. The warning is a call to guard one's spiritual health.
44
For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Simply PutI am the LORD your God; therefore you must sanctify yourselves and be holy. The Hebrew word "holy" (H3775) reflects God's own nature, calling the people to mirror His purity.
45
For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.
Simply PutI am the LORD who brought you out of Egypt; therefore be holy. The personal name YHWH (H3068) reminds Israel that their identity is rooted in God's redemptive work.
46
This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:
Simply PutThis is the law of beasts, fowls, fish, and creeping things. It serves as a guide for distinguishing the clean from the unclean.
47
To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.
Simply PutThe purpose is to make a clear difference between what may be eaten and what may not, guiding the Israelites toward holiness.
Genesis 7:2This verse establishes the distinction between clean and unclean animals for sacrifice, which Leviticus 11 later codifies.
Deuteronomy 14:4This passage repeats Leviticus 11's clean/unclean animal list, confirming its continued relevance for Israel.
Romans 14:14Paul references the Mosaic dietary laws, indicating that clean and unclean foods are a matter of personal conviction rather than moral superiority.
Acts 10:15Peter's vision directly references the clean/unclean animal distinctions from Leviticus 11, illustrating a theological shift toward inclusivity.
Reflect
After a recent encounter that left you feeling emotionally "unclean"—such as a tense conversation or a cluttered space—how do you allow yourself time to reset before moving on?
