TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 11:20–42.
Here is the law, 1. Concerning flying insects, as flies, wasps, bees, etc.; these they might not eat (Lev 11:20), nor indeed are they fit to be eaten; but there were several sorts of locusts which in those countries were very good meat, and much used: John Baptist lived upon them in the desert, and they are here allowed them, Lev 11:21, Lev 11:22. 2. Concerning the creeping things on the earth; these were all forbidden (Lev 11:29, Lev 11:30, and again, Lev 11:41, Lev 11:42); for it was the curse of the serpent that upon his belly he should go, and therefore between him and man there was an enmity put (Gen 3:15), which was preserved by this law. Dust is the meat of the creeping things, and therefore they are not fit to be man's meat. 3. Concerning the dead carcasses of all these unclean animals. (1.) Every one that touched them was to be unclean until the evening, Lev 11:24-28. This law is often repeated, to possess them with a dread of every thing that was prohibited, though no particular reason for the prohibition did appear, but only the will of the Law-maker. Not that they were to be looked upon as defiling to the conscience, or that it was a sin against God to touch them, unless done in contempt of the law: in many cases, somebody must of necessity touch them, to remove them; but it was a ceremonial uncleanness they contracted, which for the time forbade them to come into the tabernacle, or to eat of any of the holy things, or so much as to converse familiarly with their neighbours. But the uncleanness continued only till the evening, to signify that all ceremonial pollutions were to come to an end by the death of Christ in the evening of the world. And we must learn, by daily renewing our repentance every night for the sins of the day, to cleanse ourselves from the pollution we contract by them, that we may not lie down in our uncleanness. Even unclean animals they might touch while they were alive without contracting any ceremonial uncleanness by it, as horses and dogs, because they were allowed to use them for service; but they might not touch them when they were dead, because they might not eat their flesh; and what must not be eaten must not be touched, Gen 3:3. (2.) Even the vessels, or other things they fell upon, were thereby made unclean until the evening (Lev 11:32), and if they were earthen vessels they must be broken, Lev 11:33. This taught them carefully to avoid every thing that was polluting, even in their common actions. Not only the vessels of the sanctuary, but every pot in Jerusalem and Judah, must be holiness to the Lord, Zac 14:20, Zac 14:21. The laws in these cases are very critical, and the observance of them would be difficult, we should think, if every thing that a dead mouse or rat, for instance, falls upon must be unclean; and if it were an oven, or ranges for pots, they must all be broken down, Lev 11:35. The exceptions also are very nice, Lev 11:36, etc. All this was designed to exercise them to a constant care and exactness in their obedience, and to teach us, who by Christ are delivered from these burdensome observances, not to be less circumspect in the more weighty matters of the law. We ought as industriously to preserve our precious souls from the pollutions of sin, and as speedily to cleanse them when they are polluted, as they were to preserve and cleanse their bodies and household goods from those ceremonial pollutions.
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Summary
Leviticus 11:24 establishes a specific purity regulation within the Mosaic Law, stipulating that anyone who comes into physical contact with the carcass of certain "unclean" animals, as previously enumerated in the chapter, will incur a state of ritual impurity. This uncleanness was not a moral failing or sin, but a temporary ceremonial condition that rendered an individual unfit for participation in sacred worship or certain social interactions until sunset, at which point prescribed purification rites would restore their clean status.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 11 serves as a foundational chapter within the broader legal framework of the Pentateuch, meticulously detailing Israel's dietary laws and distinguishing between "clean" and "unclean" animals permissible or forbidden for consumption. Verse 24 extends the concept of impurity beyond ingestion to direct physical contact with the deceased forms of these prohibited creatures. This verse is situated within a larger section of Leviticus (chapters 11-15) that comprehensively outlines various sources of ritual impurity—ranging from food and animal carcasses to human conditions like childbirth, skin diseases, and bodily discharges—and the specific purification rites required for each. This pervasive emphasis on purity throughout these chapters profoundly underscores God's absolute holiness and His desire for His covenant people to reflect that holiness in every aspect of their lives, thereby setting the stage for the climactic Day of Atonement rituals in Leviticus 16.
Historical & Cultural Context
The laws presented in Leviticus were given to the nation of Israel shortly after their miraculous exodus from Egypt, as they prepared to enter the Promised Land and establish their unique identity as God's chosen covenant people. These regulations served multifaceted purposes: they fundamentally distinguished Israel from the surrounding pagan nations, whose religious and daily practices often involved ritualistic contact with dead animals or the consumption of foods considered abominable by Yahweh; they instilled a profound and constant awareness of God's holiness and the pervasive nature of impurity in a fallen world; and they meticulously taught the Israelites about the absolute necessity of separation and purification to maintain fellowship with a holy God. The temporary nature of the uncleanness, lasting "until the even," was a practical and essential aspect of daily life, allowing for regular purification and re-entry into community life, much like other purity laws such as those found in Leviticus 15:5. This intricate system was designed to cultivate a perpetual awareness of God's presence and the imperative for ritual purity in all aspects of life, reinforcing their identity as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" as declared in Exodus 19:6.
Key Themes
Leviticus 11:24 significantly contributes to several overarching themes present in the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of Holiness, emphasizing God's intrinsic purity and His call for His people to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2). The distinction between clean and unclean, and the regulations concerning contact with death, serve to underscore the absolute separation between the sacred and the profane. Another critical theme is Purity and Impurity, which defines the conditions necessary for maintaining fellowship with God and participating in communal worship. The verse highlights the ease with which impurity could be contracted, even unintentionally, demonstrating the pervasive nature of defilement in a fallen world. Lastly, the law points to the theme of Atonement and Cleansing, as the temporary nature of the uncleanness and the prescribed purification rites (often involving washing and waiting) foreshadow the greater need for a more permanent and comprehensive cleansing from sin, ultimately fulfilled in Christ. These regulations were pedagogical, teaching Israel about their constant need for divine provision for cleansing, a concept that undergirds the entire sacrificial system.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, derived from a primitive root, signifies a state of being foul, particularly in a ceremonial or moral sense, denoting contamination or defilement. In the context of Leviticus 11:24, it refers to a ritual state of impurity that rendered an individual ceremonially unfit for participation in sacred activities or close community interaction. It was a temporary condition, not a moral failing, requiring specific purification rites to be removed.
This primitive root primarily means "to touch" or "to lay the hand upon," but can also imply reaching, striking, or affecting. In this verse, it denotes direct physical contact with the carcass. The choice of this word emphasizes that even incidental or unintentional contact was sufficient to incur ritual impurity, highlighting the meticulous nature of the purity laws and the pervasive influence of defilement.
Derived from a root meaning "to be flabby" or "to wither," this noun specifically refers to a dead body, whether human or bestial, particularly one that has died naturally or was not ritually slaughtered. Contact with a nᵉbêlâh was a significant source of ritual impurity because death, in the biblical worldview, is the ultimate antithesis of life, which is inherently associated with God's holiness and presence.
This word refers to dusk or evening, signifying the period from sunset to nightfall. In the context of Leviticus 11:24, it specifies the duration of the ritual impurity. The phrase "until the even" indicates that the state of uncleanness was temporary, lasting only until the close of the day, after which, following any prescribed washing, the individual would regain ritual cleanness.
Verse Breakdown
"And for these ye shall be unclean:"
This opening clause establishes the direct consequence of interacting with the specific categories of unclean animals (creeping things, certain flying insects, etc.) previously detailed in Leviticus 11. It declares that such contact results in a state of ritual impurity for the individual, setting the stage for the specific action that triggers this condition.
"whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean"
This specifies the precise action that incurs impurity—direct physical contact with the dead body ("carcase") of these unclean animals. It underscores how easily ritual defilement could be contracted, even through accidental or indirect means, thereby emphasizing the meticulous and pervasive nature of the purity laws in Israelite society.
"until the even."
This concluding phrase provides the temporal limit for the state of uncleanness. It signifies that the impurity was temporary, lasting only until sunset, at which point, following any necessary ritual washing (often implied by the broader context of purity laws), the individual would be considered clean again and could resume full participation in community and worship. This daily reset mechanism was crucial for the practical functioning of Israelite society and worship.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:24 employs several literary devices characteristic of legal and instructional texts in the Old Testament. The most prominent is the Legal Formula, evident in the direct, prescriptive language: "ye shall be unclean" and "whosoever toucheth... shall be unclean." This authoritative phrasing underscores the divine command and the non-negotiable nature of the law. There is also a subtle Repetition of the term "unclean," which serves to emphasize the pervasive nature of this state and the immediate consequence of the prohibited contact. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Categorical Rule, extending the broader principles of clean and unclean animals (established earlier in the chapter) to specific forms of contact with their deceased forms. The phrase "until the even" acts as a Temporal Qualifier, providing a clear boundary and a mechanism for resolution, which is a common feature in purity laws, highlighting the temporary and ritualistic nature of the defilement.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 11:24, while dealing with specific ritual purity, powerfully communicates profound theological truths about God's absolute holiness, the pervasive nature of impurity in a fallen world, and the necessity of divine provision for purification. God, as the immutable source of all life and purity, demands that His covenant people reflect His character in every aspect of their being. Contact with death, symbolized by the "carcase," represents the antithesis of life and thus inherently brings defilement. This law taught Israel that even unintentional contact with impurity required a divine remedy, instilling a deep awareness of their constant need for God's grace and His meticulous provision for cleansing. It underscored the ordered and holy nature of God's creation and His desire for a people set apart for His glory, not just in grand acts of worship, but in the mundane, daily details of life.
Reflection and Application
While the specific ceremonial laws of Leviticus 11, including the prohibition against touching unclean carcasses, are not binding on New Covenant believers, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for Christian living. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute holiness and His unyielding call for His people to be set apart from anything that defiles. For us today, "uncleanness" is not about physical contact with dead animals, but about spiritual defilement—sin, worldly influences, ungodly attitudes, and anything that separates us from God's holy presence and divine purpose. We are called to cultivate a discerning spirit, recognizing what truly pollutes our hearts, minds, and actions. Just as the Israelite's ritual uncleanness was temporary and required a specific action for purification, our spiritual defilement, though infinitely more serious, is also met with God's perfect provision for cleansing through Christ. We are to live in constant awareness of our need for His grace, striving for holiness not out of legalistic obligation, but out of profound love and gratitude for a holy God who has made us clean and righteous in His Son.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was touching an unclean carcass considered a sin in ancient Israel?
No, touching an unclean carcass, as described in Leviticus 11:24, was not considered a moral sin or an act of rebellion against God. Instead, it resulted in a state of ritual or ceremonial impurity (ṭâmêʼ). This state temporarily rendered an individual unfit for participation in sacred activities, such as entering the tabernacle or temple, and sometimes restricted social interaction. It was a condition of ritual defilement, not a moral transgression. The individual would regain ritual cleanness after a prescribed period (until sunset) and often a ritual washing, as indicated by the phrase "until the even" and implied by other purity laws (e.g., Leviticus 15:5). This crucial distinction between ritual impurity and moral sin is fundamental for understanding the Old Testament purity laws.
Why did the uncleanness only last "until the even"?
The phrase "until the even" (or "until sunset") indicates the temporary nature of the ritual impurity. This temporal limitation was highly practical for daily life in ancient Israel, allowing for a regular cycle of defilement and purification. In the Jewish calendar, a new day began at sunset, symbolizing a fresh start. After the designated time, and often following a ritual washing (though not explicitly stated in this specific verse, it is a common requirement in the broader purity code, as seen in Leviticus 15:5), the individual would be considered ritually clean again and could resume full participation in community and worship. This daily rhythm emphasized the constant need for purification and God's gracious provision for it within the Old Covenant system.
Do these laws about clean and unclean animals and touching carcasses apply to Christians today?
No, the specific ceremonial laws regarding clean and unclean animals and the ritual impurity from touching their carcasses do not apply to Christians today. Under the New Covenant, these dietary and purity laws have been fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament clearly teaches that all foods are now clean (Mark 7:19; Acts 10:15; 1 Timothy 4:4). While the literal application of these ceremonial laws is abrogated, the underlying spiritual principles of holiness, separation from sin, and the need for purification remain profoundly relevant. Christians are called to be spiritually clean and set apart for God, not through ritualistic observances, but through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His moral commands, living lives consecrated to Him.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 11:24, with its temporary uncleanness incurred from touching a carcass, finds its ultimate fulfillment and radical transformation in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament purity system, with its daily cycles of defilement and temporary cleansing "until the even," constantly highlighted humanity's pervasive impurity and the inherent inadequacy of ritualistic solutions to truly cleanse the conscience. It underscored that contact with death, the ultimate consequence of sin, always brought defilement and separation from God's holy presence. However, in Christ, this very dynamic is profoundly reversed. He, the sinless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, did not become unclean by touching the defiled; rather, His divine purity, life-giving power, and perfect holiness cleansed the defiled. When He touched lepers, who were considered utterly unclean (Matthew 8:3), or raised the dead, thereby touching a corpse (Mark 5:41-42), He did not contract impurity but instead imparted life, healing, and wholeness. The temporary cleansing "until the even" foreshadowed the dawn of a new, eternal day in Christ, where His singular, perfect sacrifice offers not merely ritual purification but a complete, permanent, and efficacious cleansing from all sin and "dead works" (Hebrews 9:14). Through His shed blood, believers are made perfectly clean and holy, granted direct and perpetual access to God's presence, no longer needing daily rituals but living in the perpetual cleanness and righteousness imputed by His grace (Hebrews 10:10).