Leviticus 11:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: [as] the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he [is] unclean unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible:

But you are not to eat those that only chew the cud or only have a separate hoof. For example, the camel, the coney and the hare are unclean for you, because they chew the cud but don't have a separate hoof;

Berean Standard Bible:

But of those that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof, you are not to eat the following: The camel, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you.

American Standard Version:

Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that part the hoof: the camel, because he cheweth the cud but parteth not the hoof, he is unclean unto you.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Nevertheless^{H389} these shall ye not eat^{H398} of them that chew^{H5927} the cud^{H1625}, or of them that divide^{H6536} the hoof^{H6541}: as the camel^{H1581}, because he cheweth^{H5927} the cud^{H1625}, but divideth^{H6536} not the hoof^{H6541}; he is unclean^{H2931} unto you.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Leviticus 11:4

Leviticus 11:4 is part of a broader section in the book of Leviticus that deals with dietary laws for the Israelites. These laws were given to the ancient Hebrews as a way to distinguish them from other nations and to instill a sense of holiness and purity within their community. The verse specifically addresses the consumption of animals that chew the cud and divide the hoof, which were typically considered clean and suitable for eating according to the dietary regulations outlined by God through Moses.

In Leviticus 11:4, the camel is singled out as an exception to the general rule. Despite chewing the cud, which is one of the criteria for clean animals, the camel does not divide the hoof and is therefore deemed unclean and not to be eaten by the Israelites. This distinction highlights the importance of adhering strictly to both criteria for an animal to be considered clean: it must chew the cud and have a divided hoof.

The historical context of these dietary laws reflects the nomadic and pastoral lifestyle of the ancient Israelites, who would have been familiar with the physical characteristics of various animals. The laws served not only a hygienic purpose, potentially protecting the people from diseases associated with certain animals, but also a symbolic one, reinforcing the idea of separation and holiness before God. The camel, while a useful beast of burden in the harsh desert environment, was not to be consumed, reinforcing the unique identity and religious practices of the Israelite community.

*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: H389
   There are 504 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַךְ
   Transliteration: ʼak
   Pronunciation: ak
   Description: akin to אָכֵן; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only; also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but).
   
2. Strong's Number: H398
   There are 825 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָכַל
   Transliteration: ʼâkal
   Pronunciation: aw-kal'
   Description: a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5927
   There are 817 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָלָה
   Transliteration: ʻâlâh
   Pronunciation: aw-law'
   Description: a primitive root; to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative; arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1625
   There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גֵּרָה
   Transliteration: gêrâh
   Pronunciation: gay-raw'
   Description: from גָּרַר; the cud (as scraping the throat); cud.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6536
   There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּרַס
   Transliteration: pâraç
   Pronunciation: paw-ras'
   Description: a primitive root; to break in pieces, i.e. (usually without violence) to split, distribute; deal, divide, have hoofs, part, tear.
   
6. Strong's Number: H6541
   There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פַּרְסָה
   Transliteration: parçâh
   Pronunciation: par-saw'
   Description: feminine of פֶּרֶס; a claw or split hoof; claw, (cloven-) footed, hoof.
   
7. Strong's Number: H1581
   There are 51 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גָּמָל
   Transliteration: gâmâl
   Pronunciation: gaw-mawl'
   Description: apparently from גָּמַל (in the sense of labor or burden-bearing); a camel; camel.
   
8. 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.