Leviticus 11:34

Of all meat which may be eaten, [that] on which [such] water cometh shall be unclean: and all drink that may be drunk in every [such] vessel shall be unclean.

Of all meat {H400} which may be eaten {H398}, that on which such water {H4325} cometh {H935} shall be unclean {H2930}: and all drink {H4945} that may be drunk {H8354} in every such vessel {H3627} shall be unclean {H2930}.

Any food permitted to be eaten that water from such a vessel gets on will become unclean, and any permitted liquid in such a vessel will become unclean.

Any food coming into contact with water from that pot will be unclean, and any drink in such a container will be unclean.

All food therein which may be eaten, that on which water cometh, shall be unclean; and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean.

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 11:34

Leviticus Chapter 11 lays out extensive dietary laws and regulations regarding clean and unclean animals for the people of ancient Israel. These laws were not merely about hygiene, but primarily about ceremonial purity and maintaining a state of holiness before God. Verse 34 specifically addresses how certain actions or contact can render otherwise clean food and drink unclean, focusing on the pervasive nature of ritual defilement. It follows verses discussing dead carcasses and their ability to defile various objects, including vessels and ovens.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Holiness and Purity: A central theme throughout Leviticus is God's call for His people to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 11:44). These laws provided tangible ways for Israel to understand and live out this separation from the defilement of the surrounding pagan nations.
  • The Pervasiveness of Uncleanness: This verse highlights how defilement could spread. Just as a small amount of leaven can leaven the whole lump (Galatians 5:9), so too could ritual uncleanness spread through contact, making food and drink unfit for consumption by those seeking to remain ceremonially pure.
  • God's Detailed Instructions: The meticulous nature of these laws demonstrates God's desire for His people to live in a way that honored Him in every aspect of life, even in their daily meals.

Linguistic Insights

The core concept here revolves around the Hebrew terms แนญamฤ“' (ื˜ึธืžึตื), meaning "unclean" or "defiled," and แนญahor (ื˜ึธื”ื•ึนืจ), meaning "clean" or "pure." In this context, "unclean" does not always imply literal dirtiness or disease, but rather a state of ritual impurity that rendered a person or object unfit for participation in worship or for approaching God. The laws served to teach Israel the profound distinction between the holy and the profane, and the clean and the unclean (Leviticus 10:10).

Practical Application and Reflection

While the specific ceremonial laws of Leviticus, including these dietary restrictions and rules about defilement, are not binding on New Covenant believers (as clarified in passages like Acts 10:15 and Mark 7:19), the underlying spiritual principles remain relevant.

  • Understanding Sin's Pervasiveness: This verse serves as a powerful illustration of how sin (spiritual uncleanness) can spread and corrupt. A small compromise or exposure to defilement can affect broader areas of our lives, underscoring the need for vigilance and spiritual purity.
  • The Need for Cleansing: The detailed laws of cleansing in the Old Testament point to the ultimate and perfect cleansing offered through the blood of Jesus Christ, who purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
  • Living a Separated Life: Though not by external regulations concerning food and drink, believers are still called to live a life set apart for God's purposes, avoiding the defilement of the world's values and practices (Romans 12:2).
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Titus 1:15

    Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

  • Proverbs 15:8

    ยถ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.

  • Proverbs 21:27

    ยถ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

  • Proverbs 21:4

    ยถ An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the plowing of the wicked, [is] sin.

  • Proverbs 28:8

    ยถ He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
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