Exodus 22:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 22:31
31 And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.
Chapter Context
Exodus 22 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, righteousness, worship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 22:31
31 And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.
Analysis
And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.
'Holy men' (אַנְשֵׁי־קֹדֶשׁ, anshei-qodesh)—set apart people. Holiness affects diet: don't eat torn flesh (טְרֵפָה, terefah, carrion). Why? It's impure—animals killed by predators likely have blood still in them, violating clean eating laws. 'Cast to dogs'—what's unfit for holy people is fit for animals. The principle: holiness extends to all life areas, including meals. Leviticus 11 expands dietary laws. Peter's vision (Acts 10:9-16) declares all foods clean—ceremonial laws fulfilled in Christ. But principle remains: holiness affects practical choices. 'Whether you eat or drink, do all for God's glory' (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Historical Context
Terefah (torn flesh) laws protected Israel from improperly slaughtered animals. In Christ, dietary laws are fulfilled (Mark 7:19, Acts 10:15), but the principle of holiness affecting daily choices continues.
Reflection
- How do dietary restrictions teach the principle that holiness affects all life areas?
- Although Christians aren't bound by Old Testament food laws, how does 1 Corinthians 10:31 apply the holiness principle?
Word Studies
- Holy: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) H6944 - Holy, set apart
Cross-References
- Holy: Leviticus 19:2, Deuteronomy 14:21
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 22:8, Ezekiel 4:14, 44:31, Acts 15:20