Leviticus 11:35

KJV

And every [thing] whereupon [any part] of their carcase falleth shall be unclean; [whether it be] oven, or ranges for pots, they shall be broken down: [for] they [are] unclean, and shall be unclean unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And every thing whereupon any part of their carcase {H5038} falleth {H5307} shall be unclean {H2930}; whether it be oven {H8574}, or ranges {H3600} for pots, they shall be broken down {H5422}: for they are unclean {H2931}, and shall be unclean {H2931} unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everything on which any carcass-part of theirs falls will become unclean, whether oven or stove; it is to be broken in pieces -they are unclean and will be unclean for you;

Berean Standard Bible

Anything upon which one of their carcasses falls will be unclean. If it is an oven or cooking pot, it must be smashed; it is unclean and will remain unclean for you.

American Standard Version

And every thing whereupon any part of their carcass falleth shall be unclean; whether oven, or range for pots, it shall be broken in pieces: they are unclean, and shall be unclean unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:35 details a specific and severe consequence for household items that come into contact with the carcass of an unclean animal, particularly ovens and cooking ranges. Unlike other defiled items that could be cleansed by washing, these essential food preparation tools were to be utterly demolished. This stringent command underscores the pervasive nature of ritual impurity, the absolute standard of holiness God required from His people, and the costly implications of defilement within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11 meticulously outlines the dietary laws and regulations for the Israelites, distinguishing between animals deemed "clean" (fit for consumption) and "unclean" (forbidden). Beyond consumption, the chapter also addresses how contact with the dead bodies of unclean animals could render a person or object ritually impure. Verses 32-38 specifically elaborate on the various items that could be defiled by such contact. While many items, like vessels of wood, raiment, or sacks (as mentioned in [Leviticus 11:32](/leviticus/11-32 "Leviticus 11:32 - Purification of Defiled Items")), could be purified by washing, verse 35 introduces a uniquely strict rule for ovens and ranges. This distinction highlights the gravity of their defilement due to their integral role in the preparation of food, which was central to daily life and often had sacred implications in the Israelite worldview. The severity of this particular law emphasizes the pervasive nature of uncleanness and the radical measures required to maintain the sanctity of the community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society was deeply structured around concepts of purity and impurity, which permeated every aspect of life, from diet and hygiene to worship and social interaction. These laws served not only practical purposes but primarily functioned as theological markers, distinguishing Israel as a holy nation set apart for Yahweh from the surrounding pagan cultures. Ovens and cooking ranges were fundamental household staples, often constructed from clay or stone, making their destruction a significant economic and practical burden. This costliness underscored the seriousness with which God viewed ritual uncleanness, especially concerning items related to sustenance. The emphasis on purity related to food preparation ensured that the Israelites were constantly reminded of their covenant relationship with God and His demand for holiness, echoing the foundational command found in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy"), "Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy." The laws of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness") were designed to cultivate a distinct identity and a constant awareness of God's presence and standards within their daily lives.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭāmē'_):** This term refers to a state of ritual impurity, not necessarily physical dirt or defilement in a modern sense. It signifies a condition that renders a person or object unfit for participation in sacred activities or for approaching God's holy presence. In the context of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness"), _ṭāmē'_ often implies a separation from the community's ritual purity, requiring specific actions for restoration. For ovens and ranges, the uncleanness was so pervasive that it could not be removed by ordinary means.
* **Broken Down (Hebrew, _nāthaṣ'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to pull down," "to throw down," or "to demolish," this word emphasizes complete destruction. It is a much stronger command than merely washing or purifying. The use of _nāthaṣ'_ here indicates that the defilement of these specific items was considered so deep-seated or fundamental that only their utter demolition could prevent further contamination and uphold the absolute standard of purity.
* **Carcass (Hebrew, _nəḇēlāh'_):** This term specifically denotes the dead body or corpse of an animal. In the Mosaic Law, contact with any dead body, human or animal, was a primary source of ritual impurity (e.g., [Numbers 19:11](/numbers/19-11 "Numbers 19:11 - Defilement by a Dead Body")). The defilement from an unclean animal's carcass was particularly significant, as these animals were already designated as impure in life, and their dead bodies carried an even greater potential for ritual contamination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every [thing] whereupon [any part] of their carcase falleth shall be unclean;":** This clause establishes the general principle of defilement. Any object that comes into contact with the dead body of an unclean animal immediately becomes ritually impure. The phrase "any part" emphasizes that even minimal contact is sufficient to transmit uncleanness, highlighting the pervasive and infectious nature of ritual impurity.
* **"[whether it be] oven, or ranges for pots, they shall be broken down:":** This specifies the particular items that incur the most severe consequence. Ovens (כִּיר, _kîr_, a portable or fixed clay oven) and "ranges for pots" (כִּירַיִם, _kîrayim_, a double oven or cooking stove) were essential for daily food preparation. The command to "break down" (נָתַץ, _nāthaṣ_) these valuable and fundamental household items signifies that their defilement was considered irreversible by ordinary means. This extreme measure underscores the gravity with which God viewed the contamination of items used for sustenance.
* **"[for] they [are] unclean, and shall be unclean unto you.":** This final clause reinforces the state of impurity and its lasting nature for these specific items. It reiterates the reason for their destruction: once defiled in this manner, they remain perpetually unclean, making them unsuitable for use by a holy people. This declaration serves as a definitive statement on the non-negotiable standard of purity required within the covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:35 employs several literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. The primary device is **Legal Prescription**, as the verse functions as a direct, imperative command within the broader Mosaic Law. This legislative tone emphasizes the divine authority behind the instruction and its non-negotiable nature. The specific instruction to "break down" ovens and ranges, rather than merely wash them, utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**. This extreme measure for valuable household items serves to underscore the severity and pervasive nature of this particular form of defilement. It highlights that some forms of impurity are so fundamental that they require radical removal. Furthermore, the entire chapter, including this verse, relies heavily on **Symbolism**. The physical state of "unclean" (ṭāmē') symbolizes a spiritual separation from God's holiness and the community's purity. The act of "breaking down" these items symbolizes the radical and complete removal of anything that compromises holiness, serving as a tangible representation of the absolute standard of purity God demanded from His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 11:35 profoundly illustrates God's absolute holiness and His demand for a set-apart people. The severity of the command to destroy ovens and ranges, rather than merely cleanse them, highlights that some forms of defilement are so pervasive and deeply ingrained that they necessitate radical separation. This principle extends beyond ritual purity to spiritual purity, teaching that compromise with sin, especially that which corrupts our spiritual "sustenance" or core being, cannot be tolerated. It underscores the costly nature of sin and the non-negotiable standard of purity required for fellowship with a holy God. This concept of radical removal of defilement foreshadows the ultimate purification found in Christ.

* [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13 "The Blood of Christ Purifies Conscience")
* [2 Corinthians 7:1](/2_corinthians/7-1 "Purify Ourselves from All Filthiness")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "Be Holy in All Your Conduct")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 11:35, though part of the ceremonial law, holds profound spiritual lessons for believers today. The command to utterly destroy items deemed irrevocably unclean challenges us to examine our own lives for areas of deep-seated spiritual defilement. Are there "ovens and ranges" in our hearts—habits, attitudes, relationships, or influences—that are so compromised by sin or worldly contamination that they cannot simply be washed clean, but require a radical "breaking down" or removal? This verse calls us to a ruthless honesty about the pervasive nature of sin and the need for decisive action in repentance and sanctification. It reminds us that God's standard of holiness is absolute, and true purity often demands costly sacrifice and a willingness to dismantle anything that hinders our walk with Him. Our pursuit of holiness should reflect the same uncompromising zeal that God demonstrated in these ancient laws, cultivating a life that truly reflects His set-apart nature.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ovens and ranges" (deeply ingrained habits, attitudes, or influences) in my life might be so compromised by spiritual defilement that they require radical removal rather than superficial cleansing?**
* **How does the severity of this ancient law inform my understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin in my own life?**
* **In what ways am I called to "break down" or decisively separate myself from worldly influences that subtly defile my spiritual walk?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sensitivity to spiritual impurity and a more zealous pursuit of holiness in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**Why were ovens and ranges treated more severely than other defiled items?**

Answer: Ovens and ranges were treated more severely because of their essential and continuous role in preparing food, which was central to daily life and intimately connected to the Israelites' physical and spiritual sustenance. Unlike other items that might be used intermittently, these cooking implements were constantly exposed to food and heat, making them potentially pervasive sources of contamination if defiled. The porous nature of clay ovens and ranges also meant that defilement could be deeply absorbed and not easily removed by mere washing, thus requiring their complete destruction to prevent further spread of ritual impurity within the community. This highlighted the extreme seriousness of defilement related to sustenance and the absolute standard of purity God demanded from His people, as seen throughout [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals").

**Does this law apply to Christians today?**

Answer: The literal application of the ceremonial laws concerning ritual purity, including [Leviticus 11:35](/leviticus/11-35 "Leviticus 11:35 - Defilement of Ovens and Ranges"), is not binding for Christians under the New Covenant. Jesus declared all foods clean (see [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")), and the New Testament emphasizes spiritual purity over external ritual purity (e.g., [Romans 14:14-17](/romans/14-14 "Romans 14:14-17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). However, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant. This law teaches us about God's absolute holiness, the pervasive nature of sin (spiritual uncleanness), and the need for radical separation from anything that defiles our relationship with God. It calls us to a spiritual "breaking down" of sinful habits, attitudes, and influences that corrupt our hearts and minds.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 11:35, with its stark command to destroy irrevocably defiled items, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the ultimate purifier and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Old Testament laws concerning ritual purity, including the severe measures for defiled ovens, served as a shadow, pointing to the pervasive nature of sin and humanity's inability to truly cleanse itself. No amount of washing or breaking down of physical objects could address the deep-seated spiritual defilement of the human heart. Jesus, however, entered into our "unclean" world, bearing our sin and uncleanness upon Himself on the cross (as described in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His sacrificial death was not a mere washing but a complete and radical "breaking down" of the power of sin and death, utterly destroying its hold on those who believe. Through His shed blood, we are truly cleansed from all unrighteousness, not just ritually but spiritually and eternally (as highlighted in [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - The Blood of Christ Purifies Conscience") and [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus")). He fulfills the radical demand for purity by providing a radical solution, enabling us to live in true holiness and fellowship with God under the New Covenant (as promised in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")).

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.