Leviticus 11:31

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

They are unclean crawling creatures; whoever touches them when they are dead will be unclean until evening.

Berean Standard Bible:

These animals are unclean for you among all the crawling creatures. Whoever touches them when they are dead shall be unclean until evening.

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

These are unclean^{H2931} to you among all that creep^{H8318}: whosoever doth touch^{H5060} them, when they be dead^{H4194}, shall be unclean^{H2930} until the even^{H6153}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Leviticus 11:31

1. **Themes:**
- **Ritual Purity:** Leviticus 11:31 is part of a larger section in the book that deals with the laws of clean and unclean foods, as well as the associated rituals for maintaining purity. The verse specifically addresses the impurity associated with certain creeping creatures.
- **Holiness and Separation:** The theme of holiness is central to Levitical law, with the idea that God's people should be distinct from other nations. Adherence to these dietary and purity laws was a way for the Israelites to set themselves apart.
- **Health and Hygiene:** Some scholars suggest that these dietary restrictions may have had health benefits, as some of the prohibited animals can carry diseases.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **Israelite Society:** The book of Leviticus was written during the time of Moses, when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. It was a formative period for the Israelite nation, and the laws in Leviticus were given to shape their society and religious practices.
- **Cultural and Religious Distinction:** The laws in Leviticus, including those on clean and unclean foods, served to distinguish the Israelites from their pagan neighbors. By following these unique dietary laws, the Israelites affirmed their commitment to the God of Israel.
- **Priestly Code:** Leviticus is part of the Priestly source in the Pentateuch, which reflects the concerns and theology of the priestly class. The focus on purity and proper worship practices is consistent with the role of priests in maintaining the sacredness of the tabernacle (and later the Temple) and the community.

In summary, Leviticus 11:31 reflects the themes of ritual purity, holiness, and separation that were crucial in the formation of Israelite identity and religious practice. It is set within the historical context of the Israelites' establishment as a distinct nation under the guidance of Moses, with a particular focus on priestly concerns for maintaining purity before God.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H2931
   There are 78 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טָמֵא
   Transliteration: ṭâmêʼ
   Pronunciation: taw-may'
   Description: from טָמֵא; foul in a religious sense; defiled, [phrase] infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean.
   
2. Strong's Number: H8318
   There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֶׁרֶץ
   Transliteration: sherets
   Pronunciation: sheh'-rets
   Description: from שָׁרַץ; a swarm, i.e. active mass of minute animals; creep(-ing thing), move(-ing creature).
   
3. Strong's Number: H5060
   There are 142 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָגַע
   Transliteration: nâgaʻ
   Pronunciation: naw-gah'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive, acquire); violently, to strike (punish, defeat, destroy, etc.); beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch.
   
4. Strong's Number: H4194
   There are 155 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָוֶת
   Transliteration: mâveth
   Pronunciation: maw'-veth
   Description: from מוּת; death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin; (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d).
   
5. Strong's Number: H2930
   There are 142 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טָמֵא
   Transliteration: ṭâmêʼ
   Pronunciation: taw-may'
   Description: a primitive root; to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated); defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly.
   
6. Strong's Number: H6153
   There are 130 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֶרֶב
   Transliteration: ʻereb
   Pronunciation: eh'-reb
   Description: from עָרַב; dusk; [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night.