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 11:36 stands as a critical exception within the intricate purity laws of ancient Israel, specifically addressing contact with the carcasses of unclean animals. While most objects and vessels become ritually defiled upon such contact, natural water sources like flowing fountains or deep, abundant pits are declared clean. This unique provision highlights God's practical wisdom and compassionate foresight, ensuring the availability of essential life resources for the community while simultaneously upholding the overarching principles of holiness and acknowledging the pervasive nature of defilement from death.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within Leviticus 11, a chapter that meticulously details the dietary and ritual purity regulations for the Israelite community. The preceding verses (Leviticus 11:29-35) enumerate various small creeping creatures deemed unclean and prescribe how their carcasses defile any object they fall upon. Specifically, Leviticus 11:33-35 addresses the defilement of earthenware vessels, ovens, and cooking ranges, often requiring their destruction or thorough scouring. Leviticus 11:36 then introduces a vital contrast, providing an exception for large, natural water sources. This progression from general rules of defilement to specific, practical exceptions demonstrates the nuanced and divinely wise application of God's holiness standards, balancing ritual purity with the practical necessities of life.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, water was an indispensable and often scarce commodity, absolutely critical for survival, agriculture, and daily life in a predominantly arid region. Access to clean and reliable water sources was paramount for the health and sustenance of any community, especially for a nomadic or semi-nomadic society like early Israel. The meticulous purity laws, including those in Leviticus 11, served not only profound ritual and theological purposes but also had significant practical implications for hygiene and public health. The distinction made in Leviticus 11:36 reflects a divine understanding of natural processes: large, flowing bodies of water or deep wells with substantial volume possess a natural capacity for dilution and self-purification, unlike stagnant water in smaller, contained vessels. To declare an entire community's primary water supply unclean due to accidental contact with a carcass would have been catastrophic, rendering daily life, essential purification rituals, and even survival impossible. Thus, this law powerfully demonstrates God's compassionate provision and practical wisdom, balancing the rigorous demands of holiness with the realities of human existence and the absolute necessity of vital resources.
Key Themes
Leviticus 11:36 contributes to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout Leviticus. Foremost is the theme of Holiness and Purity, emphasizing God's demand for a set-apart people who reflect His character. This verse, however, introduces the theme of Divine Wisdom and Practicality, showing that God's laws are not arbitrary but are designed with human well-being and the realities of daily life in mind. It underscores God's Provision, ensuring that essential resources remain accessible despite the pervasive nature of defilement. The distinction between the defilable and undefilable also subtly introduces the theme of Source of Purity, hinting that true purity emanates from an uncorrupted, abundant origin, a concept that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament understanding of Christ as the source of living water (John 4:10-14).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H4599) refers to a natural spring or a source of flowing, living water. The implication is a continuous, self-replenishing supply that maintains its purity through constant movement and renewal. This inherent dynamism and abundance are key to its resistance to defilement, contrasting sharply with stagnant or contained water.
This word (H953) denotes a cistern, well, or reservoir, typically a large, deep excavation designed to collect and store a significant volume of water. While not necessarily flowing like a spring, a bôwr contains a substantial quantity of water, which, like a fountain, contributes to its resilience against ritual impurity compared to smaller vessels.
This phrase translates the Hebrew word miqveh (H4723), which literally means "a gathering of water" or "a collection of water." This emphasizes the significant volume and collective nature of the water body. It highlights that the sheer quantity of water in these sources is a decisive factor in their ability to remain ritually clean, as the defiling agent (the carcass) is insufficient to corrupt the entire mass. This concept later informed the Jewish understanding of a mikveh (ritual bath) as a body of "living water" or a significant collection of water.
Verse Breakdown
"Nevertheless a fountain or pit, [wherein there is] plenty of water, shall be clean:"
This opening clause establishes the central exception to the general rules of defilement. Despite the pervasive nature of impurity from an unclean carcass, specific large water sources—natural springs or substantial wells/cisterns—are explicitly exempted from defilement. The underlying principle is the immense volume and often the flowing nature of the water, which prevents the defilement from permeating and corrupting the entire body. This declaration underscores God's practical wisdom and provision for essential life resources, as declaring such vital water sources unclean would have had devastating consequences for the community's survival and ability to maintain daily life and perform necessary purification rituals.
"but that which toucheth their carcase shall be unclean."
This crucial second clause provides a vital qualification and limitation to the exception. While the water source itself remains ritually clean, any object or person that directly touches the unclean carcass, even if that carcass is submerged within the clean water, still becomes unclean. This maintains the potency and pervasive nature of defilement from death, emphasizing that the exception applies only to the water source's integrity, not to the defiling agent or anything that directly contacts it. It underscores that impurity is real and contagious, even as God provides a practical concession for life-sustaining water.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:36 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning with precision and impact. Contrast is the most prominent device, setting apart the resilience of large, natural water sources from the susceptibility of smaller, contained vessels (as described in the preceding verses). This highlights the nuanced and thoughtful application of the purity laws, demonstrating that not all contact with impurity results in the same degree or type of defilement. Legal Precision is evident in the specific conditions ("fountain or pit," "plenty of water") that qualify for the exception, showcasing the meticulous nature of the Mosaic Law in addressing practical realities while upholding divine standards. The underlying Symbolism of water as a medium of cleansing and life is also at play, suggesting that certain fundamental elements, when abundant and pure, possess an inherent resistance to corruption, foreshadowing deeper spiritual truths about the source of true purity and life.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 11:36 profoundly illustrates several enduring theological truths. It reveals God's meticulous concern for the holistic purity of His people, encompassing not only their spiritual state but also their daily practical lives, demonstrating that holiness is meant to permeate every aspect of existence. The distinction between a defiled vessel and an undefiled natural water source beautifully illustrates a principle of divine wisdom and provision: while sin and defilement are pervasive and corrupting, God provides enduring sources of life and purity that are not easily overcome. This law also subtly points to the nature of true holiness—it is not merely about avoiding defilement, but about drawing from an uncorrupted, inexhaustible source, a concept that finds its ultimate spiritual resonance in Christ.
Reflection and Application
While the specific ritual laws of Leviticus no longer bind New Covenant believers, the enduring principles embedded within them offer profound spiritual insights for our lives today. Leviticus 11:36 serves as a powerful reminder that our spiritual "source"—our relationship with God through the indwelling Holy Spirit—is akin to that abundant fountain or pit: a pure, living wellspring that cannot be fundamentally defiled by the "carcasses" or impurities of the world. Our core identity in Christ is secure, and the Spirit within us remains undefiled, continuously cleansing and renewing us. However, just as the law stated that anything touching the carcass became unclean, we must remain vigilant about what we allow to touch and influence our lives. While our spiritual source is pure, our daily walk can be impacted by worldly contact, requiring ongoing repentance, cleansing through God's Word, and reliance on the Spirit. This verse calls us to discern carefully, to guard our hearts, and to continually draw from the pure source of Christ, ensuring that our external actions reflect the internal purity granted by grace, striving for holiness in every sphere.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were natural water sources treated differently from vessels in terms of defilement?
The distinction lies primarily in the volume, nature, and essential function of the water source. Small vessels, especially porous ones like earthenware, could easily absorb and retain defilement, rendering them unusable. In contrast, a "fountain" (a flowing spring) or a "pit" (a large well or cistern with a significant "gathering of water") possessed an inherent capacity for self-purification through dilution or constant replenishment. To declare such vital and large water sources unclean would have rendered them unusable for an entire community, leading to severe practical hardship and threatening their very survival. This law demonstrates God's profound practical wisdom, balancing the theological demand for purity with the essential needs of His people for clean water.
Does this law apply to Christians today?
No, the specific ritual purity laws concerning clean and unclean animals, as found in Leviticus 11, are part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law and do not directly apply to New Covenant believers. The New Testament teaches that all foods are clean and that external rituals do not defile a person (e.g., Mark 7:19, Acts 10:15, Romans 14:14). However, the underlying principles of holiness, God's concern for purity, the pervasive nature of defilement, and the distinction between a pure source and external contamination remain profoundly spiritually relevant.
What is the spiritual significance of "clean" water sources in this context?
Spiritually, the "fountain or pit" with "plenty of water" can symbolize the enduring purity and inexhaustible supply of God's grace and the Holy Spirit. Just as these physical water sources could not be fundamentally corrupted by external defilement, so too the divine source of life within believers remains pure and unblemished by the world's sin. While we may encounter spiritual "carcasses" (sinful influences or temptations) and experience the effects of a fallen world, the Holy Spirit within us is a constant, cleansing, and empowering presence, maintaining our core purity in Christ and providing the resources for ongoing sanctification and growth in holiness.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 11:36, with its unique provision for an undefilable water source, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament "fountain or pit" that could not be fundamentally defiled by the carcass foreshadows Christ as the true and eternal source of "living water" (John 4:10-14 and John 7:37-39). Unlike the temporary ritual cleanings of the Mosaic Law, which required constant repetition and could be easily nullified by contact with death or impurity, Christ offers a cleansing that is complete, perpetual, and eternally effective. His perfect purity and sinlessness mean that He could touch lepers, dead bodies, and sinners without becoming defiled; instead, His touch brought cleansing, healing, and life (Matthew 8:3, Luke 7:14-15). He is the inexhaustible spring of grace and truth, whose once-for-all sacrifice on the cross definitively dealt with the defilement of sin and death, making us eternally clean in Him (Hebrews 9:13-14, 1 John 1:7). In Christ, we have access to a spiritual wellspring that cannot be corrupted by the "carcass" of sin, ensuring our eternal purity and access to abundant life, a purity that flows from an undefilable source.