Translations
Original
Notes
Dead animals could make objects and people ceremonially unclean. Even a ceremonially clean animal that died without its blood drained was unclean (Leviticus 11:39–40). If a person touched the body of a dead animal, they were unclean until evening. Household items that touched the body of a dead animal needed purification or the people had to destroy the items (11:25, 28, 32, 40; 11:33, 35).
These chapters explain the rules about purity. Mixing different types of animals was forbidden (see Deuteronomy 22:9–11). This is because it opposed God's natural order. Creatures like fish without fins and scales, meat-eating animals, crawling insects, and animals without split hooves were considered "abnormal." They crossed the boundaries between "normal" types and were not suitable for food or offerings (see also Deuteronomy 14:1–21). The dietary laws intended to set Israel apart as a holy people from other nations (Leviticus 11:44–45).
Parallels
Glossary
Animals Biblical Concept of Law Buzzard Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Deuteronomy, Book of Dietary Laws Gecko Gospel of Matthew History of Israel Law of Moses Leviticus, Book of Lizard Medicine and Medical Practice Sackcloth
Topics
Creeping Things: Unclean Defilement: Caused by Touching Carcass of an Unclean Thing Dress: Ceremonial Purification of Food: Things Prohibited As Food Garments: Cleansed by Water from Ceremonial Uncleanness Sanitation: Carcasses Sanitation: Contagion Sanitation: Disinfection Sanitation: Food