Leviticus 11:26

KJV

[The carcases] of every beast which divideth the hoof, and [is] not clovenfooted, nor cheweth the cud, [are] unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean.

KJV (with Strong's)

The carcases of every beast {H929} which divideth {H6536} the hoof {H6541}, and is not clovenfooted {H8157}{H8156}, nor cheweth {H5927} the cud {H1625}, are unclean {H2931} unto you: every one that toucheth {H5060} them shall be unclean {H2930}.

Complete Jewish Bible

every animal that has a separate but incompletely divided hoof or that doesn't chew the cud is unclean for you; anyone who touches them will become unclean.

Berean Standard Bible

Every animal with hooves not completely divided or that does not chew the cud is unclean for you. Whoever touches any of them will be unclean.

American Standard Version

Every beast which parteth the hoof, and is not clovenfooted, nor cheweth the cud, is unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:26 is an integral component of Israel's purity laws, specifically addressing land animals that possess only one of the two characteristics (cloven hoof, chewing the cud) required for ritual cleanness. It emphatically declares such animals, particularly their carcasses, to be ritually unclean, imposing a state of impurity upon anyone who touches them. This regulation, alongside other detailed stipulations within the chapter, served to profoundly distinguish Israel as a holy nation set apart by God, instilling in them a deep understanding of the sacredness of His presence and the imperative for purity in every facet of their daily lives and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11:26 is precisely positioned within a comprehensive legal framework that delineates the dietary and purity regulations for the Israelite community, spanning [Leviticus 11:1-47](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"). This pivotal chapter immediately follows the solemn consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, and the tragic, cautionary account of Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized offering, thereby profoundly emphasizing the critical importance of holiness, obedience, and proper conduct in the divine presence. The chapter systematically categorizes various animal types—land animals, aquatic creatures, and birds—based on specific, observable physical attributes, meticulously defining what is permissible for consumption and contact. While [Leviticus 11:1-23](/leviticus/11-1 "Leviticus 11:1-23 - Clean and Unclean Animals") establish the foundational criteria for clean and unclean animals, [Leviticus 11:24-47](/leviticus/11-24 "Leviticus 11:24-47 - Laws of Uncleanness") meticulously detail the consequences of contact with unclean carcasses and the precise purification rituals required. The chapter powerfully culminates with a profound theological summary, reiterating God's unwavering command for Israel to be holy because He is holy, as articulated in passages like [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** These intricate purity laws were divinely imparted to Israel during their arduous wilderness wanderings, a period immediately following their miraculous Exodus from Egypt and the foundational establishment of the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai. Dwelling in intimate proximity to the Tabernacle, the physical dwelling place of the Most High God, necessitated an exceptionally strict code of conduct and purity to perpetually maintain the sanctity of the divine presence within their very encampment. While it is true that other ancient Near Eastern cultures possessed their own forms of purity rituals and dietary restrictions, Israel's laws stood uniquely apart due to their explicit and profound connection to Yahweh's absolute holiness and His exclusive covenant with them. These regulations transcended mere hygienic guidelines; they functioned as profound theological statements, powerfully reinforcing Israel's distinct identity as a people "set apart" from the surrounding pagan nations whose practices often involved cultic prostitution, idolatry, and animal sacrifices to false gods. The laws meticulously fostered an acute sense of separation and a constant, vigilant awareness of God's holy character, thereby preparing the people for a life of consecrated worship and unwavering obedience in the promised land, as emphatically outlined in passages such as [Leviticus 20:26](/leviticus/20-26 "Leviticus 20:26 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 11:26 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. A primary theme is **Holiness and Separation**, underscoring God's absolute holiness and His call for His people to reflect that holiness by being distinct from the surrounding nations. The clean/unclean distinction served as a tangible, daily reminder of this separation, both ritually and ethically. Another crucial theme is **The Nature of Defilement**, illustrating that impurity is not merely a moral failing but a contagious state that affects one's ability to approach a holy God. Contact with death, as seen in the uncleanness of carcasses, highlights the pervasive consequence of sin. Furthermore, the meticulousness of these laws emphasizes **Divine Order and Authority**, demonstrating God's sovereign right to establish boundaries and His expectation of precise obedience from His covenant people. This concept of order extends to creation itself, with the physical characteristics of animals serving as markers of divine classification. Finally, these laws point to the theme of **Atonement and Purification**, as they necessitated rituals to restore cleanness, foreshadowing the ultimate and complete purification provided through Christ, as seen in the broader context of the sacrificial system and the Day of Atonement described in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beast (Hebrew, _bᵉhêmâh'_):** from an unused root (probably meaning to be mute); properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective); beast, cattle. In Leviticus 11:26, this term refers to land animals, specifically those that do not meet the criteria for ritual cleanness. The use of this general term for "beast" underscores that the regulations apply broadly to the animal kingdom, emphasizing God's comprehensive ordering of creation and His specific directives for human interaction with it, particularly in the context of purity.
* **Cud (Hebrew, _gêrâh'_):** from גָּרַר; the cud (as scraping the throat); cud. This refers to the regurgitated food that ruminant animals chew a second time. The ability to "chew the cud" was one of the two essential biological markers for a land animal to be considered ritually clean for consumption and contact. Its inclusion here highlights a specific physiological characteristic that, when absent in an animal that otherwise "divides the hoof," renders it unclean, emphasizing the precise nature of God's purity criteria.
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** from טָמֵא; foul in a religious sense; defiled, [phrase] infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean. This is the central descriptive term in the verse, signifying a state of ritual impurity. An object or person designated as _ṭâmêʼ_ was temporarily unfit for participation in sacred cultic activities or for entering the Tabernacle/Temple. This state was considered contagious, meaning contact could transfer impurity. The declaration "unclean unto you" underscores that this status is specifically for the Israelites, setting them apart and reinforcing the sacredness of God's presence and the need for His people to maintain a state of ritual readiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[The carcases] of every beast which divideth the hoof, and [is] not clovenfooted, nor cheweth the cud, [are] unclean unto you:"** This initial clause meticulously defines the specific criteria for ritual uncleanness concerning land animals. For an animal to be considered ritually clean, it was required to possess *both* a fully cloven (split) hoof *and* to chew the cud (meaning it must be a ruminant). This verse specifically addresses animals that fulfill only one of these two conditions, or neither. Examples include the camel, which chews the cud but does not have a fully cloven hoof; or the pig, which has a cloven hoof but does not chew the cud, as detailed in [Leviticus 11:4-8](/leviticus/11-4 "Leviticus 11:4-8 - Examples of Unclean Animals"). The declaration "unclean unto you" is a direct address to the Israelites, emphasizing that this status is a divine mandate for them, serving to distinguish them from other nations and to reinforce their covenant identity.
* **"every one that toucheth them shall be unclean."** This second part of the verse explicitly outlines the immediate consequence of contact with the carcasses of such designated unclean animals. Touching these carcasses would instantly render an Israelite ritually impure. It is crucial to understand that this impurity was not inherently a moral sin, but rather a temporary ritual state that disqualified the individual from participating in sacred activities or entering the holy precincts of the Tabernacle. This state necessitated a prescribed purification process, typically involving washing clothes, bathing, and waiting until evening, to restore a state of ritual cleanness. This regulation powerfully reinforced the pervasive nature of defilement and the constant need for vigilance, discernment, and prescribed purification within a community called to holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:26, situated within its broader chapter, powerfully employs several literary techniques. It exemplifies **Legal Categorization**, systematically classifying animals based on observable physical traits (cloven hoof, chewing the cud) to establish clear and unambiguous boundaries of clean and unclean. This precise, almost taxonomic approach reflects the divine order God imposes on creation and, by extension, on His covenant people. The repeated use of the term "unclean" (Hebrew, _ṭâmê'_) throughout the chapter, including its dual appearance in this verse, functions as **Repetition** to emphasize the pervasive nature of defilement and the constant need for discernment and separation from anything that would compromise holiness. There is an implicit yet profound **Contrast** drawn between the clean and the unclean, the holy and the common, serving as a pedagogical tool to instruct Israel about God's character and their call to reflect His holiness. Furthermore, the physical characteristics of the animals (cloven hoof, chewing the cud) function as **Symbolism**, pointing to deeper spiritual truths about distinction, purity, and adherence to divine instruction, thereby setting Israel apart from the chaotic and defiling influences of the surrounding world and reinforcing their identity as a consecrated people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The regulations in Leviticus 11, including the specific declaration in verse 26, are profoundly theological, establishing a foundational framework for Israel's understanding of God's absolute holiness and their own divine call to reflect it. The meticulous distinction between clean and unclean animals was not arbitrary; it served to inculcate a deep and abiding awareness of the sacredness of life, the pervasive nature of death and defilement, and the constant, existential need for separation unto God. These laws underscored that God is inherently holy, utterly distinct from His creation, and His people, by virtue of their unique covenant relationship, were likewise called to be distinct and holy. Ritual impurity, though temporary and rectifiable, served as a tangible, daily reminder of the spiritual defilement of sin, which truly separates humanity from a holy God. The meticulous nature of these laws highlighted the meticulousness of God's own character and His fervent desire for His people to live in a manner worthy of His glorious presence.

* [Leviticus 20:26](/leviticus/20-26 "Leviticus 20:26 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 14:3-20](/deuteronomy/14-3-20 "Deuteronomy 14:3-20 - Clean and Unclean Animals")
* [Haggai 2:10-14](/haggai/2-10-14 "Haggai 2:10-14 - The Contagion of Uncleanness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary and purity laws of the Old Covenant are no longer literally binding for New Testament believers, the profound spiritual principles they embody remain eternally relevant and deeply instructive. Leviticus 11:26, by meticulously defining and isolating sources of ritual impurity, teaches us invaluable lessons about the nature of defilement and the paramount importance of holiness. For Christians today, the focus has profoundly shifted from external, ritualistic purity to internal, spiritual purity of heart and life, a transformation wrought by the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are called to exercise spiritual discernment, distinguishing between what is holy and unholy, beneficial and harmful, in our thoughts, words, and actions. The enduring call to be "set apart" for God compels us to live lives that authentically reflect the character of Christ in a world often saturated with moral and spiritual uncleanness. This involves consciously choosing righteousness, diligently pursuing truth, and vigilantly guarding our hearts and minds against influences that would defile our intimate relationship with a holy God and hinder our walk of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the purpose of these Old Testament purity laws deepen our appreciation for the spiritual cleansing and new covenant freedom offered in Christ?**
* **In what practical ways are we called to exercise spiritual discernment today, distinguishing between what is "clean" (holy, beneficial, life-giving) and "unclean" (unholy, harmful, defiling) in our contemporary lives and culture?**
* **How can the timeless principle of "being set apart for God" be lived out authentically and practically in our modern context, even without adherence to specific dietary restrictions or ritualistic purity codes?**

### FAQ
**Are these dietary laws still binding for Christians today?**

Answer: No, these specific dietary and purity laws, including those in Leviticus 11:26, are not binding for Christians under the New Covenant. The New Testament clearly indicates a profound shift from external ritualistic purity to internal spiritual purity. In [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of the Sheet"), Peter receives a transformative vision where God declares all foods clean, symbolizing that the distinction between Jew and Gentile has been broken down and that ritual food laws no longer apply. The Apostle Paul further clarifies this in [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Not Food and Drink"), stating, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." The ultimate purpose of these Old Testament laws was to set Israel apart and to point forward to a greater spiritual reality, which has now been fully realized and fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

**What was the primary purpose of these laws for ancient Israel?**

Answer: The primary purpose of these laws was not merely hygienic, but fundamentally theological and pedagogical. They were meticulously designed to teach Israel about God's absolute holiness and to reinforce their unique identity as a people set apart exclusively for Him. By establishing clear distinctions between clean and unclean, God was teaching Israel about the sacredness of His indwelling presence and the imperative for purity in every aspect of their lives and worship. These laws served as a constant, tangible reminder of their covenant relationship with Yahweh and their divine calling to be a holy nation, authentically reflecting His character, as powerfully stated in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). Furthermore, they served as a protective barrier, separating Israel from the idolatrous, defiling, and often immoral practices of the surrounding pagan nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 11:26, with its emphasis on ritual uncleanness resulting from contact with defiling carcasses, finds its ultimate fulfillment and radical reinterpretation in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Under the Old Covenant, touching the unclean rendered one unclean, necessitating prescribed purification rituals to restore one to a state of cleanness. However, Jesus, the Holy One of God, fundamentally reversed this dynamic. He frequently and intentionally touched those considered ritually unclean by the law—lepers ([Mark 1:40-42](/mark/1-40-42 "Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus Cleanses a Leper"), [Matthew 8:2-3](/matthew/8-2-3 "Matthew 8:2-3 - Jesus Cleanses a Leper")), the dead (e.g., [Mark 5:41-42](/mark/5-41-42 "Mark 5:41-42 - Jesus Raises Jairus's Daughter")), and those with chronic discharges ([Matthew 9:20-22](/matthew/9-20-22 "Matthew 9:20-22 - Jesus Heals a Woman with a Discharge"))—and rather than becoming defiled Himself, He miraculously imparted cleansing, healing, and life. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing a spiritual cleansing infinitely deeper and more permanent than any ritual bath or Old Covenant purification. The Old Testament laws, including those in Leviticus 11, were a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow and Reality in Christ")). Through His once-for-all, perfect sacrifice on the cross, Christ purifies our consciences from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - The Blood of Christ Cleanses")), making us truly clean and holy, fit to dwell in God's presence not by meticulously avoiding defilement, but by being supernaturally transformed by His grace and righteousness. Our holiness is now found solely in Him, and His precious blood cleanses us from all sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")), which is the ultimate and most profound source of true uncleanness.

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.