Leviticus 11:39
And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcase thereof shall be unclean until the even.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Dietary laws distinguishing clean from unclean animals, teaching Israel holiness and separation from pagan practices. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
- In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
- How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcase thereof shall be unclean until the even.
This verse falls within the section on Clean and Unclean Animals. Dietary laws distinguishing clean from unclean animals, teaching Israel holiness and separation from pagan practices.
Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.