Leviticus 11:37

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

If any carcass-part of theirs falls on any kind of seed to be sown, it is clean;

Berean Standard Bible:

If a carcass falls on any seed for sowing, the seed is clean;

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And if any part of their carcase^{H5038} fall^{H5307} upon any sowing^{H2221} seed^{H2233} which is to be sown^{H2232}, it shall be clean^{H2889}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Leviticus 11:37

Leviticus 11:37 is part of a larger section in the book of Leviticus that deals with the dietary laws given to the Israelites by God through Moses. These laws were designed to set the Israelites apart from other nations, both spiritually and physically, by prescribing what was considered clean and unclean for consumption and ritual purposes.

In the immediate context, Leviticus 11 outlines which animals are clean and can be eaten and which are unclean and forbidden. The verse in question addresses a specific scenario within this framework: if an unclean animal's carcass comes into contact with seeds that are intended for planting, the seeds remain clean. This is significant because it shows that the principle of cleanness or holiness was not easily compromised; the potential for contamination was limited in the laws God gave to Israel.

Historically, these dietary laws served to instill a sense of holiness in the everyday life of the Israelites. They were to be a people set apart for God, and their observance of these laws was a reflection of their covenant relationship with Him. The laws also had practical implications for health and hygiene, as many of the forbidden animals are known to carry diseases or are scavengers that consume carrion.

In summary, Leviticus 11:37 reflects the detailed nature of the Mosaic Law regarding cleanliness and holiness. It illustrates the care with which the Israelites were to approach their religious and agricultural practices, ensuring that even in accidental contact with the unclean, the sanctity of their sustenance and their relationship with God was maintained. This verse is a microcosm of the broader theme of holiness that permeates the book of Leviticus, emphasizing the importance of separation from defilement and dedication to the Lord.

*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: H5038
   There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נְבֵלָה
   Transliteration: nᵉbêlâh
   Pronunciation: neb-ay-law'
   Description: from נָבֵל; a flabby thing, i.e. a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol; (dead) body, (dead) carcase, dead of itself, which died, (beast) that (which) dieth of itself.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5307
   There are 403 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָפַל
   Transliteration: nâphal
   Pronunciation: naw-fal'
   Description: a primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative); be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for פָּלַל), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down.
   
3. Strong's Number: H2221
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: זֵרוּעַ
   Transliteration: zêrûwaʻ
   Pronunciation: zay-roo'-ah
   Description: from זָרַע; something sown, i.e. a plant; sowing, thing that is sown.
   
4. Strong's Number: H2233
   There are 205 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: זֶרַע
   Transliteration: zeraʻ
   Pronunciation: zeh'-rah
   Description: from זָרַע; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity; [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time.
   
5. Strong's Number: H2232
   There are 54 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: זָרַע
   Transliteration: zâraʻ
   Pronunciation: zaw-rah'
   Description: a primitive root; to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify; bear, conceive seed, set with sow(-er), yield.
   
6. Strong's Number: H2889
   There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טָהוֹר
   Transliteration: ṭâhôwr
   Pronunciation: taw-hore'
   Description: or טָהֹר; from טָהֵר; pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense); clean, fair, pure(-ness).