Leviticus 11 37

Leviticus 11:37 kjv

And if any part of their carcass fall upon any sowing seed which is to be sown, it shall be clean.

Leviticus 11:37 nkjv

And if a part of any such carcass falls on any planting seed which is to be sown, it remains clean.

Leviticus 11:37 niv

If a carcass falls on any seeds that are to be planted, they remain clean.

Leviticus 11:37 esv

And if any part of their carcass falls upon any seed grain that is to be sown, it is clean,

Leviticus 11:37 nlt

If the carcass falls on seed grain to be planted in the field, the seed will still be considered clean.

Leviticus 11 verses

Leviticus 11 37 Meaning

Leviticus 11:37 describes a specific scenario within the complex system of purity laws concerning contact with the carcasses of ritually unclean swarming creatures. It stipulates that if the carcass of such an animal falls upon dry seeds intended for sowing, the seeds do not become ritually unclean. This stands in contrast to other forms of food or liquid, which would become defiled by contact. The emphasis here is on the dry state of the seed and its purpose for sowing, making it an exception to the general rule of ritual impurity by contact.

Leviticus 11 37 Context

Leviticus chapter 11 meticulously details the laws concerning clean and unclean animals, differentiating between those permissible for consumption and those prohibited, based on specific physiological characteristics. The chapter further elaborates on the ritual defilement that results from contact with the carcasses of various animals, particularly the small "swarming creatures" (sheretz) listed in verses 29-30, such as mice, lizards, and chameleons, which are among the most defiling. Verses 32-38 specifically address how defilement spreads to vessels, food, and water upon contact with these carcasses. Within this context, verse 37 introduces a specific exemption for seeds. The immediate context provided by verse 38 clarifies that this exemption is only for dry seeds, highlighting that moisture enables the transfer of ritual impurity, while a dry state acts as a barrier. Historically, these laws were critical for maintaining Israel's distinctiveness as a holy nation set apart for Yahweh, distinguishing them from the pagan practices of surrounding nations which often consumed animals deemed abominable or had different concepts of purity. The laws fostered a sense of separation and constant awareness of God's presence in daily life.

Leviticus 11 37 Word analysis

• And if any part: This phrase indicates a conditional statement, setting up an exception or specific circumstance to the general rule previously stated regarding defilement by carcasses. It points to a nuanced application of the law.
• of their carcass: Hebrew: nivlatah (נִבְלָה). Refers to the dead body, especially of an animal that is already ritually unclean by its nature, specifically those listed in vv. 29-30 (swarming creatures). The presence of such a carcass on an item is a primary source of impurity.
• falls on: Signifies direct contact. The transmission of ritual defilement is often initiated by physical touch or falling onto an object.
• any sowing seed: Hebrew: zera‘ zera‘ (זֶרַע זֶרַע). Literally "seed of seed" or "seed for seed." This specific doubling of "seed" emphasizes its purpose: it's not just any seed, but seed preserved or designated for the purpose of sowing for a future harvest, rather than for immediate consumption. This distinction is crucial for the verse's meaning.
• that is to be sown: Hebrew: lᵉmizrâ‘ (לְמִזְרָע). An infinitive construction reinforcing the purpose. It’s explicitly for agriculture, not food. This is key because seeds used as food would become unclean (see v. 34 and 38).
• it shall be clean: Hebrew: tahor yihyeh (טָהוֹר יִהְיֶה). Ritually pure. Despite contact with an unclean carcass, the seeds retain their clean status. This is the central point of the verse, an exemption based on the dry state and purpose of the seeds, showcasing God's practical wisdom within ritual law.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And if any part of their carcass falls on": This phrase establishes the scenario: the mechanism of defilement is the contact of a dead unclean animal with an object. This mirrors similar principles of defilement throughout Leviticus.
• "any sowing seed that is to be sown": This is the precise object under consideration. The specification of "sowing seed" (not seed for eating) and "to be sown" (future purpose) highlights divine concern for agricultural provision and avoidance of unnecessary economic burden or waste on the Israelite community, even within the strictures of purity law. The economic practicality alongside the spiritual commands shows God's comprehensive care for His people.
• "it shall be clean": This declares the outcome. The preservation of purity in this specific circumstance underscores that the purity laws were not arbitrary, but often contained logical distinctions based on material properties (dryness) and practical function (sowing vs. eating). It teaches that uncleanness did not transfer indiscriminately. This rule prevented mass defilement of an essential agricultural resource.

Leviticus 11 37 Bonus section

This verse implicitly addresses potential agricultural hardship. If valuable sowing seeds could be easily defiled by common occurrences (like a mouse carcass in storage), it would have been an undue burden on the people, threatening their food supply for the next season. The distinction in Leviticus 11:37 demonstrates that divine law, while rigorous in calling for holiness, was also compassionate and practically oriented to ensure the well-being of the covenant community. It is a testament to the comprehensive wisdom of God, covering both the spiritual and practical aspects of His people's lives. Furthermore, the emphasis on dryness for preventing impurity transfer reflects an intuitive understanding of basic hygiene principles, where moisture often facilitates decay and contamination.

Leviticus 11 37 Commentary

Leviticus 11:37 presents a narrow but significant exception to the broad rule that contact with dead unclean animals imparts ritual impurity. The wisdom embedded in this verse is profound. It demonstrates God’s nuanced approach to ritual purity, not simply laying down absolute rules, but incorporating practical considerations that acknowledged the Israelites’ dependence on agriculture. The critical factor is the dry state of the seed for the purpose of sowing. If the seed were wet, or intended for food, it would become unclean (as per v. 38 and 34). This distinction highlights a crucial principle: the transfer of impurity was tied to a medium, often moisture, which enabled the "spirit" of defilement to spread, a concept that mirrors ancient understanding of physical contamination. From a polemical standpoint, it contrasts sharply with some ancient Near Eastern practices where any contact with death might bring universal taboo, showing God's specific, rational, and bounded purity. Spiritually, while these Old Testament laws are fulfilled and superseded by Christ's New Covenant (Col 2:16-17; Heb 9:10-14), they underscore God’s call for a set-apart people (1 Pet 1:16). The detailed rules were a tangible representation of sin’s pervasive nature and God’s absolute holiness, demonstrating that true spiritual purity requires divine intervention—ultimately found only in Christ, who perfectly cleanses not just the outside, but the heart itself (Matt 15:11; Rom 14:14). This verse's focus on preserving future life (the seed's purpose for sowing) within a context of death and defilement subtly points to God's providence and life-giving power even in fallen circumstances.