Leviticus 11:1

KJV

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto Moses {H4872} and to Aaron {H175}, saying {H559} unto them,

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe and Aharon,

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD spoke again to Moses and Aaron, telling them,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:1 serves as the authoritative divine preamble to the detailed dietary laws of the Old Covenant, establishing God's direct communication to Israel's two primary leaders, Moses and Aaron. This introductory verse underscores the divine origin and binding nature of the purity regulations that follow, setting the stage for a comprehensive system designed to distinguish Israel as a holy people set apart for the LORD. It highlights God's initiative in revealing His will and the crucial roles of His appointed mediators in guiding the nation, thereby laying the groundwork for Israel's unique identity as a covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11:1 initiates a new and significant section of laws within the book of Leviticus, marking a clear transition from the preceding regulations concerning priestly consecration, sacrificial offerings, and the tragic incident of Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized fire in [Leviticus 8-10](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8-10 - Priestly Consecration and Incident"). While the earlier chapters focused on the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood and the intricate sacrificial system designed to facilitate God's holy presence among His people, Chapter 11, introduced by this verse, shifts the divine focus to the daily life and practices of the entire Israelite community, particularly their dietary habits. This verse, therefore, acts as a formal divine decree, signaling the commencement of a series of laws (Leviticus 11-15) that meticulously delineate what is "clean" and "unclean," thereby extending the concept of holiness from the sacred space of the tabernacle and the consecrated priesthood to the common activities and physical states of the people. It is a pivotal verse that sets the stage for Israel's ongoing pursuit of ritual purity and distinct identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time these laws were given, the Israelites were encamped at Mount Sinai, having been miraculously delivered from centuries of slavery in Egypt. God was actively establishing a covenant relationship with them, transforming them into His unique "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and Holy Nation")). The surrounding pagan nations often engaged in practices that blurred the lines between the sacred and the profane, including their dietary customs, which were frequently intertwined with idolatrous rituals, consumption of animals considered abominable by Yahweh, and a general lack of distinction in their daily lives. By instituting specific dietary laws, God provided Israel with a tangible and pervasive means of expressing their covenant loyalty and maintaining their separation from the corrupting influences of their neighbors. The addressing of these commands to "Moses and Aaron" underscores their distinct and complementary leadership roles: Moses as the primary mediator and lawgiver of the covenant ([Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")), and Aaron as the high priest responsible for administering the rituals of purity and atonement ([Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")). This dual address emphasizes the comprehensive scope of these laws, impacting both the civil and religious life of the community.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 11:1 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Revelation and Authority**, as the verse explicitly states that the LORD "spake," emphasizing that the subsequent laws are not human constructs but direct, authoritative pronouncements from God Himself. This undergirds the entire legal framework of the Old Covenant. Secondly, it introduces the pervasive theme of **Holiness and Purity**, which is central to Leviticus. The dietary laws that follow are a practical outworking of God's command for Israel to "be holy, for I am holy" ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). These regulations serve to distinguish Israel from other nations, creating a tangible boundary between the sacred and the profane in their daily lives. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Mediated Leadership**, as God chooses to communicate His will through His appointed human agents, Moses and Aaron, underscoring the importance of spiritual and civil leadership in guiding God's people and administering His covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), the personal, covenant name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or rendered as "the LORD" in English Bibles. Its use here emphasizes that the commands that follow are not arbitrary human decrees but direct pronouncements from the self-Existent, Eternal God who entered into a covenant relationship with Israel. It highlights His personal involvement and supreme authority over His people's lives, underscoring the relational basis of the law and His ownership of Israel.
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** The Hebrew verb דָּבַר (_dâbar_) signifies more than just casual conversation; it denotes a weighty, authoritative, and deliberate utterance. It implies a formal declaration, often with legal or covenantal implications, suggesting an act of arranging or ordering through speech. In this context, it emphasizes the divine origin and binding nature of the dietary laws, indicating that these are not suggestions but direct commands from the ultimate Lawgiver, intended to shape the very fabric of Israelite life.
* **Moses (Hebrew, _Môsheh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "drawing out" (of the water), Moses is identified as the Israelite lawgiver and the primary mediator of the Old Covenant. His specific mention here, alongside Aaron, highlights his unique, divinely appointed role as the prophet through whom God directly communicates His laws to the people. His presence underscores the continuity of divine revelation from the giving of the Ten Commandments to the detailed purity laws that follow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD spake":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine initiative and supreme authority behind the ensuing instructions. It signifies that the source of the dietary laws is not human wisdom or cultural tradition, but the direct, authoritative revelation of God Himself. This phrase is a common and weighty formula for divine pronouncements in the Pentateuch, lending immense solemnity and binding power to the commands that follow, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over His creation and His people.
* **"unto Moses and to Aaron":** The specific recipients of God's word are highlighted, emphasizing their distinct yet complementary roles in leading Israel. Moses is the chosen prophet and covenant mediator, through whom God delivers His entire law to the nation. Aaron, as the newly consecrated High Priest, is responsible for the administration and interpretation of these laws, particularly those pertaining to ritual purity and the distinction between clean and unclean. Their joint address indicates that these laws are binding on all Israel, to be taught and administered by both their civil and religious leadership, ensuring comprehensive implementation.
* **"saying unto them,":** This concluding phrase serves as a direct introduction to the content of God's communication. It signals that the subsequent verses (Leviticus 11:2-47) are the direct words of the LORD, spoken through His chosen intermediaries. It emphasizes the directness, clarity, and intentionality of the divine command, leaving no ambiguity about the origin or purpose of the detailed dietary regulations that are about to be revealed.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:1 employs several key literary devices that underscore its significance and establish the tone for the subsequent regulations. The most prominent is the **Formularic Opening**, "And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them." This is a common and highly recognizable literary convention throughout the Pentateuch, especially in Leviticus and Numbers, serving to introduce divine commands or instructions. Its repeated use establishes the **Divine Authority** of the text, emphasizing that the laws are not human inventions but direct revelations from God Himself. This formula acts as a literary cue, signaling to the reader that what follows is of paramount importance and carries the full weight of divine decree. Furthermore, the verse employs a subtle form of **Repetition** through the pairing of "spake" and "saying," which reinforces the act of communication and the directness of God's address. This linguistic emphasis ensures that the audience understands these are not mere suggestions but binding pronouncements, setting a solemn and authoritative tone for the entire chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 11:1, though brief, is pregnant with profound theological significance, primarily underscoring God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people and His unwavering desire for their holiness. It highlights the fundamental principle of **divine revelation**, where God graciously initiates communication to guide His people in every facet of their daily lives, demonstrating His sovereign authority and His meticulous commitment to their well-being and distinct identity. The verse also implicitly introduces the pervasive theme of **separation and distinction**, as the detailed dietary laws that follow are meticulously designed to set Israel apart from the surrounding pagan nations, reflecting the holy and distinct character of the God who called them. It emphasizes the concept of **mediated revelation**, where God chooses to speak through His appointed human agents, Moses and Aaron, highlighting the crucial importance of faithful spiritual leadership in conveying divine truth and administering God's covenant.

* [Exodus 19:3](/exodus/19-3 "God Calls Moses to Sinai")
* [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "God Speaks Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 11:1, despite introducing ancient dietary laws, offers timeless and profound principles for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that we serve a God who speaks, who desires to reveal His will, and who actively engages with His people in every aspect of their lives. This verse calls us to cultivate an attentive and responsive spirit, diligently listening for God's voice through His inspired Word, through prayer, and through the discerning guidance of the Holy Spirit. While the specific dietary regulations are no longer binding for New Covenant believers, the underlying call to holiness, distinction, and obedience remains paramount. We are called to live lives set apart for God's glory, not primarily by external rules about food, but by an internal transformation that impacts our attitudes, actions, and choices, reflecting the righteousness of Christ. This distinction should manifest as a moral and spiritual purity that genuinely reflects the character of Christ in a world often hostile to God's ways. Our willing and joyful obedience to God's revealed will, whether in the Old or New Covenant, is a tangible demonstration of our faith and love for Him, leading us into a deeper, more intimate, and more transformative relationship with our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the opening phrase "And the LORD spake" shape our understanding of the authority and relevance of Scripture in our lives today?**
* **In what ways do we, as New Covenant believers, live a life "set apart" for God, if not through adherence to Old Testament dietary laws?**
* **What are practical, daily steps we can take to better listen for and discern God's voice, and to respond in faithful obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why are both Moses and Aaron mentioned as recipients of God's word?**

Answer: The mention of both Moses and Aaron highlights their distinct yet complementary roles in leading the nation of Israel and administering God's covenant. Moses was the primary prophet and lawgiver, the one through whom God delivered the covenant and its stipulations to the entire nation (e.g., [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")). Aaron, on the other hand, was the High Priest, recently consecrated, whose sacred responsibilities included the administration of the sacrificial system, the rituals of purity, and the teaching of God's laws to the people, particularly discerning between the clean and the unclean ([Leviticus 10:10-11](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10-11 - Priestly Responsibilities")). By addressing both, God underscored that the dietary laws were not just for the general populace but also had specific implications for the priestly service and the maintenance of ritual purity within the tabernacle system. These laws were foundational for the entire community, impacting both their civil and religious life.

**Are the dietary laws introduced in Leviticus 11 still binding for Christians today?**

Answer: No, the specific dietary laws found in Leviticus 11 are generally not considered binding for New Covenant believers. The New Testament teaches that Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant law, including its ceremonial and dietary regulations. [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean") records Jesus explicitly declaring all foods clean, thereby dismantling the Old Testament distinctions. Similarly, in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals"), Peter's vision explicitly communicates that God has cleansed what was once considered unclean, opening the door for Gentiles to be included in the church without adherence to Jewish dietary laws. The emphasis for Christians shifts from external dietary purity to internal spiritual purity and a transformed heart, recognizing that "the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness and Peace")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 11:1, with its emphasis on divine revelation and the establishment of laws for holiness, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very "Word of God" made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom God has spoken His final, complete, and most perfect revelation to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). The dietary laws, meticulously introduced by this verse, served as a "shadow" or a pedagogical tool, pointing to a greater spiritual reality and teaching Israel about the vital importance of distinction and purity. Christ, however, fulfilled these shadows by declaring all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")) and, more significantly, by providing the true and ultimate means of cleansing from sin, not through external regulations or animal sacrifices, but through His perfect, atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, while Moses and Aaron faithfully mediated God's law and administered the Old Covenant system, Jesus is our ultimate, perfect, and eternal High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")), who grants us direct and confident access to God's holy presence. Through Him, believers are made truly holy and set apart, not by adherence to a legal code, but by the indwelling Holy Spirit and a transformed heart, enabling them to live lives that genuinely reflect God's character and holiness in the world ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness"), [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice, Transformed Mind")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.