Leviticus 11 31

Leviticus 11:31 kjv

These are unclean to you among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even.

Leviticus 11:31 nkjv

These are unclean to you among all that creep. Whoever touches them when they are dead shall be unclean until evening.

Leviticus 11:31 niv

Of all those that move along the ground, these are unclean for you. Whoever touches them when they are dead will be unclean till evening.

Leviticus 11:31 esv

These are unclean to you among all that swarm. Whoever touches them when they are dead shall be unclean until the evening.

Leviticus 11:31 nlt

All these small animals are unclean for you. If any of you touch the dead body of such an animal, you will be defiled until evening.

Leviticus 11 verses

Leviticus 11 31 Meaning

Leviticus 11:31 specifies that particular small, ground-dwelling, "swarming" creatures—previously identified as ritually unclean—will impart impurity upon contact with their dead bodies. Any individual who touches such a carcass will become ceremonially defiled, and this defilement persists until the evening. This directive highlights the extensive and easily transferable nature of ritual impurity within the Israelite community, thereby reinforcing the boundaries set for the people of God to maintain a state of distinction and holiness for their relationship with the divine.

Leviticus 11 31 Context

Leviticus chapter 11 systematically delineates the divinely established categories of clean and unclean animals for the nation of Israel. It serves as a foundational segment of the Mosaic Covenant's purity codes, defining what could or could not be consumed, and detailing sources of ritual impurity, such as contact with dead animal carcasses. The primary aim of these intricate regulations, explicitly stated at the chapter's conclusion (Lev 11:44-45), was to instill holiness in the Israelite people, reflecting the holiness of God Himself. These laws constantly reminded Israel of their distinct identity as God's chosen people, setting them apart from surrounding pagan nations whose customs often involved the consumption or veneration of animals deemed unclean. By delineating sources of defilement, the laws cultivated a meticulous awareness of physical and spiritual separation necessary for living in God's presence and maintaining communion.

Leviticus 11 31 Word analysis

• These: (וְאֵלֶּה - wəʾēlleh). A demonstrative referring directly to the list of specific "swarming things" (Lev 11:29-30) that transmit ritual impurity.

• are unclean: (הַטְּמֵאִים - haṭṭəmēʾîm). Derived from טָמֵא (ṭāméʾ), signifying a state of ritual impurity that restricts participation in sacred acts or communion. This designation is ritual, not moral.

• to you: (לָכֶם - lāḵem). Directs the command and its implications specifically to the Israelite community, underscoring their covenant relationship and unique identity.

• among all: (בְּכָל־ - bəḵol). "Among all," emphasizes the comprehensive inclusion of these creatures within the category of sources of impurity.

• that swarm: (הַשֶּׁרֶץ - haššereṣ). Refers to "swarming things," particularly small, ground-dwelling creatures (e.g., reptiles, rodents). These animals were typically associated with decay or lack of order, often viewed as less noble creatures, further highlighting their unsuitability for holiness.

• on the earth: (עַל־הָאָרֶץ - ʿal-hāʾāreṣ). Specifies the habitat of these swarming things, distinguishing them from other categories of unclean animals like certain birds or aquatic creatures.

• whoever touches them: (כָּל־הַנֹּגֵעַ בָּהֶם - kol-hannōḡēaʿ bāhem). נֹגֵעַ (nōḡēaʿ) means "to touch." This indicates direct physical contact as the method by which impurity is transmitted. The universal "whoever" underscores the broad application of the law.

• when they are dead: (בְּמֹתָם - bəmōtām). Lit. "in their death." Crucially specifies that impurity is contracted from the carcass or dead body, not from the living creature. Death itself is a source of defilement in the Israelite worldview, as it contrasts with God's life-giving nature.

• will be unclean: (יִטְמָא - yiṭmāʾ). The verb indicates the resultant state of ritual defilement.

• until the evening: (עַד־הָעָרֶב - ʿaḏ-hāʿāreḇ). A common duration for minor ritual impurities. This clause indicates the temporary nature of the defilement, which can be remedied through a purification process (usually washing) before sunset, allowing one to resume full communal and cultic participation the next day.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "These are unclean to you among all that swarm on the earth": This phrase serves as an affirmation of a divinely imposed status of defilement for this specific class of low-lying creatures. It defines the source of ritual impurity, which is integral to God's standard of holiness for Israel, separating them from the practices of other nations.
  • "whoever touches them when they are dead will be unclean until the evening": This section outlines the specific condition (contact), the activating factor (their dead bodies), the resulting state (unclean), and the precise duration of that state. The emphasis on "dead" reinforces the theological connection between defilement and death, highlighting life's sanctity before God. The temporal limit "until the evening" showcases a gracious aspect of the law, allowing for manageable and temporary purifications, demonstrating that this type of defilement did not lead to permanent exclusion.

Leviticus 11 31 Bonus section

The prevalence of "swarming things" like mice, lizards, and other small creatures meant that contracting this specific impurity was a common occurrence in ancient Israelite daily life. This continuous engagement with purity laws, even concerning seemingly insignificant contacts, fostered an ingrained national consciousness of distinctions—between clean and unclean, holy and common. Such a widespread application ensured that the theological principles of defilement and purity permeated every facet of Israelite existence, making their holiness not merely an abstract concept but a lived reality. This systematic process of contamination and purification acted as a profound teaching mechanism, educating Israel on the pervasive nature of defilement and pointing towards a future, more comprehensive, and spiritual purification that would eventually be accomplished by God.

Leviticus 11 31 Commentary

Leviticus 11:31 underscores the pervasive nature of ritual defilement within daily life under the Old Covenant. It identifies specific "swarming things" as particularly potent sources of impurity upon death. This highlights the concept that death, in its opposition to God's life-giving holiness, universally defiles. The detailed regulation was not primarily for hygienic purposes, though incidental health benefits might have arisen; rather, its profound purpose was theological. It perpetually reminded Israelites of God's absolute holiness and their constant need to live in a state of distinction, preparing them for sacred interactions and worship. The phrase "until the evening" provided a practical framework, ensuring that routine exposure to defilement could be quickly and simply remedied through washing, thereby preventing prolonged communal exclusion and maintaining the rhythms of Israelite life within the divine order. These temporary purity laws foreshadowed the complete and ultimate spiritual cleansing provided through Christ.