Leviticus 11 1

Leviticus 11:1 kjv

And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,

Leviticus 11:1 nkjv

Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them,

Leviticus 11:1 niv

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron,

Leviticus 11:1 esv

And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them,

Leviticus 11:1 nlt

Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,

Leviticus 11 verses

Leviticus 11 1 Meaning

Leviticus 11:1 establishes that the dietary laws and purity regulations which follow in this chapter originate directly from God Himself. It specifies that this divine command was given to both Moses, the leader and law-giver, and Aaron, the High Priest, thereby confirming the dual authority through whom these critical instructions were to be conveyed to the entire Israelite community.

Leviticus 11 1 Context

Leviticus 11:1 transitions the Book of Leviticus from laws primarily concerning worship, sacrifices, and priestly ordination (chapters 1-10) to regulations governing the daily lives and ritual purity of the Israelites. Chapter 10 concluded with the tragic deaths of Nadab and Abihu, underscoring the severity of disregarding divine commands. This immediate divine utterance to Moses and Aaron introduces a comprehensive system of dietary laws. Historically and culturally, these laws served to distinguish Israel from the surrounding nations, fostering a sense of unique identity and holiness. They were a visible marker of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, intended to protect them from assimilation into pagan practices, where animal sacrifices and consumption patterns often intertwined with idolatry and immorality.

Leviticus 11 1 Word Analysis

• And (וַיְדַבֵּר - vay·da·ber): The Hebrew conjunctive waw (וְ) often serves as a simple "and" or a "now," connecting a narrative sequence. Here, it introduces a new, significant divine instruction, marking a transition in subject matter. It highlights the continuous nature of God's revelation to His people.

• the LORD (יהוה - Yahweh): This is the covenant name of God, frequently translated as LORD in all capital letters. Its use here emphasizes that these commands are not human decrees or traditions, but directly from the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel. It underscores the divine authority and absolute nature of the instructions that follow. This is God speaking, not a human priest or king.

• spake (דָּבַר - dabar): This verb means "to speak, utter, command." It signifies a direct, articulate, and intentional communication from God. It is a powerful word indicating authoritative declaration, distinct from a casual remark.

• unto Moses (אֶל-מֹשֶׁה - el-mosheh): Moses is God's primary prophet and mediator, chosen to receive and deliver the Law. His central role as the divine spokesman is continually affirmed throughout the Pentateuch.

• and to Aaron (וְאֶל-אַהֲרֹן - ve'el-aharon): Aaron, as the newly consecrated High Priest, represents the priestly authority responsible for teaching and upholding these laws within the community, especially concerning what is holy and what is common, what is clean and what is unclean (cf. Lev 10:10). This joint address emphasizes the dual aspects of leadership (prophetic/civil via Moses, and priestly via Aaron) involved in establishing and enforcing these fundamental laws of purity.

• saying unto them (לֵאמֹר אֲלֵהֶם - lemor aleihem): Lemor is often an idiomatic Hebrew expression that precedes a direct quotation or elaborates on the content of the "speaking." Here, it explicitly clarifies that the subsequent instructions were directed equally to both Moses and Aaron for dissemination and enforcement, emphasizing their shared responsibility in this crucial area of Israelite life.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "And the LORD spake": This common phrase across the Pentateuch acts as a powerful divine signature. It reinforces the theological grounding of all commandments and instructions, asserting their ultimate origin in the holy character and will of Yahweh, not human invention or negotiation.
  • "unto Moses and to Aaron": The pairing of Moses and Aaron here is significant. While many laws are addressed to Moses alone, including Aaron indicates that the ensuing purity laws require both prophetic/judicial discernment and priestly implementation. Moses conveys the law; Aaron's lineage (the priests) will be the primary interpreters and enforcers of the dietary regulations among the people. It demonstrates the complementary nature of their leadership roles in establishing covenant holiness.

Leviticus 11 1 Bonus Section

The consistent use of the phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses (and/or Aaron)" throughout the Pentateuch, especially in Leviticus, underscores the narrative of God as an active, communicating deity. This phrase serves as a literary device to delineate distinct units of divine revelation and emphasize their divine provenance. It reinforces the absolute necessity of God's Word as the sole source of law, truth, and wisdom for Israel's conduct and worship. This repetitive formula acts as a theological refrain, reminding the reader that what follows is not up for debate or cultural adaptation but originates from the divine mouth. This structure is not just stylistic but deeply theological, ensuring that Israel (and subsequent readers) recognizes that their entire existence and system of holiness is predicated upon, and maintained by, God's direct revelation and command.

Leviticus 11 1 Commentary

Leviticus 11:1 is a foundational verse that establishes the divine origin and authoritative delivery of the crucial dietary and purity laws detailed in the subsequent verses. By explicitly stating that "the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron," it immediately positions these regulations not as mere cultural norms or health advisories, but as direct commands from the covenant God, Yahweh. This joint address to both the principal law-giver (Moses) and the high priest (Aaron) underscores the comprehensive scope and critical importance of these laws; they are essential for both societal governance and ritual purity, impacting every Israelite. The phrase highlights God's initiative in structuring the life of His chosen people, aiming to cultivate holiness and distinctiveness in their daily practices, setting them apart from pagan nations. These purity laws, initiated here, ultimately serve as a tangible demonstration of Israel's unique identity as a holy nation, called to reflect God's own holiness in every aspect of their lives.