Leviticus 11:4

KJV

Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: [as] the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he [is] unclean unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless {H389} these shall ye not eat {H398} of them that chew {H5927} the cud {H1625}, or of them that divide {H6536} the hoof {H6541}: as the camel {H1581}, because he cheweth {H5927} the cud {H1625}, but divideth {H6536} not the hoof {H6541}; he is unclean {H2931} unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you are not to eat those that only chew the cud or only have a separate hoof. For example, the camel, the coney and the hare are unclean for you, because they chew the cud but don't have a separate hoof;

Berean Standard Bible

But of those that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof, you are not to eat the following: The camel, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you.

American Standard Version

Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that part the hoof: the camel, because he cheweth the cud but parteth not the hoof, he is unclean unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:4 provides the first specific example of an animal declared "unclean" for consumption under the Mosaic Covenant, the camel. This verse precisely illustrates the general criteria for land animals established in the preceding verse, highlighting that while the camel possesses one characteristic of clean animals—chewing the cud—it fails the second, having an undivided hoof. Consequently, the camel, despite its rumination, is explicitly forbidden to the Israelites, serving as a foundational illustration of the detailed and non-negotiable distinctions God established to set His people apart as holy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 11 inaugurates a comprehensive section of the Mosaic Law dedicated to dietary regulations, immediately following laws concerning ritual purity related to childbirth and skin diseases (Leviticus 12) and preceding extensive regulations on skin diseases (Leviticus 13-14) and bodily discharges (Leviticus 15). The chapter begins by establishing the general criteria for land animals: only those that both chew the cud and have a truly divided hoof are considered clean and permissible for consumption, as stipulated in [Leviticus 11:3](/leviticus/11-3 "Leviticus 11:3 - Criteria for Clean Animals"). Verse 4 then immediately provides the first of several concrete examples of animals that meet one criterion but fail the other, thus illustrating the strict and absolute application of the law. This chapter is part of a larger block of text (Leviticus 11-15) that meticulously defines various forms of ritual impurity (*ṭumʾah*) and the prescribed means of purification, underscoring God's unwavering demand for holiness in all facets of Israelite life and their approach to His sacred presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dietary laws given to Israel were distinctive among ancient Near Eastern cultures, which often possessed their own taboos and culinary practices, but none with the comprehensive, divinely revealed scope found in Leviticus. These laws served multiple, interconnected purposes for the Israelites. While incidental health benefits may have existed, their primary function was not hygienic. Instead, they acted as a powerful means of **distinction** and **separation**, visibly and practically setting Israel apart from the surrounding pagan nations whose religious practices often involved consuming animals forbidden by Yahweh. By adhering to these specific commands, Israel was constantly reminded of their unique covenant relationship with God and their identity as a holy people, called to reflect God's own holiness, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). This strict adherence fostered a disciplined life, reinforced the concept of ritual purity, and prepared the people for proper worship and interaction with a holy God.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 11:4 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for His covenant people to reflect that purity in their daily lives. The distinction between clean and unclean animals underscores the theme of **Separation and Distinction**, marking Israel as a unique nation set apart for Yahweh. This separation was not merely external but was intended to cultivate an internal disposition of **Obedience and Submission** to God's revealed will, even when the rationale for specific commands was not immediately apparent. The meticulous nature of the laws also highlights God's **Sovereignty** and His right to define what is pure and impure. Furthermore, these laws served a **Didactic** purpose, teaching Israel about the pervasive nature of impurity in a fallen world and the necessity of divine provision for cleansing, foreshadowing the ultimate cleansing found in Christ. The concept of ritual purity, exemplified by these dietary laws, was foundational to Israel's worship and their ability to approach a holy God, as seen throughout the sacrificial system and regulations concerning the tabernacle.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Camel (Hebrew, _gâmâl'_):** This specific animal (H1581) is singled out as the first explicit example of an unclean land creature. Derived from a root suggesting labor or burden-bearing, the camel was a common and valuable animal in the ancient Near East, used for transport and its milk. Its inclusion here highlights that even animals with some characteristics of "clean" animals (chewing the cud) were still declared unclean if they lacked *all* the required criteria, underscoring the strictness of God's commands.
* **Cud (Hebrew, _gêrâh'_):** This term (H1625) refers to the partially digested food that ruminant animals regurgitate and re-chew, literally meaning "that which is scraped" from the throat. The act of "chewing the cud" was one of the two primary physiological indicators of a clean land animal. The camel's possession of this characteristic, despite its overall unclean status, emphasizes that partial compliance with God's standards is insufficient for true cleanness.
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** This word (H2931) signifies a state of ritual impurity, meaning "foul in a religious sense." It does not necessarily imply physical dirtiness or inherent moral evil but rather a state that renders a person or object unsuitable for sacred purposes or for participation in the community's worship. An animal declared *ṭâmêʼ* was forbidden for consumption, and touching its carcass would render an Israelite ritually impure, requiring specific purification rituals. This concept underscored the absolute purity required in God's presence and the need for His people to maintain a consecrated status.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof:":** This opening clause serves as a direct and emphatic prohibition, immediately following the general rule of [Leviticus 11:3](/leviticus/11-3 "Leviticus 11:3 - Criteria for Clean Animals"). It clarifies that even if an animal possesses *one* of the two clean characteristics (chewing the cud *or* having a divided hoof), it is still forbidden if it lacks the *other* necessary characteristic. This sets up the subsequent specific examples, emphasizing that both conditions must be met for an animal to be considered clean.
* **"[as] the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof;":** Here, the camel is presented as the primary and immediate illustration of the preceding prohibition. The verse explicitly states that the camel *does* chew the cud, fulfilling one requirement. However, it *does not* have a truly divided hoof; while its foot is padded and somewhat split, it is not fully cloven like that of a cow or sheep. This precise explanation reinforces the dual criteria and demonstrates that partial compliance or a superficial resemblance to cleanness is insufficient for ritual cleanness in God's eyes.
* **"he [is] unclean unto you.":** This conclusive declaration unequivocally states the camel's status. For the Israelites, "unclean unto you" meant it was strictly forbidden for consumption, and contact with its carcass would result in ritual impurity, necessitating specific purification rituals. This declaration was not open to negotiation or reinterpretation; it was a divine decree, highlighting God's authority to define purity and impurity for His people.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:4 primarily employs **Exemplification**, using the camel as the first concrete illustration of the general dietary laws established in the preceding verse. This serves to clarify the precise application of the dual criteria (chewing the cud and having a divided hoof) by providing a real-world example of an animal that meets one but fails the other. The passage also utilizes **Legal Language**, characterized by its prescriptive and prohibitory nature ("shall ye not eat," "he is unclean unto you"), which is typical of the Mosaic Law and underscores the binding authority of these divine commands. Furthermore, there is an element of **Categorization**, as the verse contributes to the systematic classification of animals into "clean" and "unclean" categories, a fundamental aspect of Israel's ritual purity system that permeated their daily lives. The meticulous distinctions underscore the divine authority behind these laws and their profound role in shaping Israel's identity as a holy nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dietary laws in Leviticus, exemplified by the specific prohibition of the camel, were far from arbitrary rules; they were deeply theological statements. They served as a constant, tangible reminder of God's absolute holiness and His unwavering call for His people to reflect that holiness in their daily lives. By distinguishing between clean and unclean, Israel was taught discernment and the profound importance of separation from the defiling practices and influences of the surrounding pagan nations. This external obedience fostered an internal disposition of submission to God's will, emphasizing that true holiness involved adherence to divine commands, even when their rationale was not fully understood by human reason. The laws underscored the sanctity of life and the meticulous attention God required for His people to remain in covenant relationship with Him, preparing them to live as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests")).

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out From Among Them")
* [1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy as I Am Holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary restrictions of Leviticus 11 are no longer binding for New Covenant believers, as Jesus declared all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")) and Peter's vision affirmed the abolition of such distinctions ([Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Peter's Vision and Clean Foods")), the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. The call to holiness, discernment, and obedience to God's Word transcends the Old Testament's ceremonial laws. For us, spiritual "cleanness" involves separating ourselves from defiling influences, attitudes, and behaviors that contradict God's character and Word. We are called to be set apart, not by what we eat, but by our transformed hearts and lives, reflecting the righteousness, peace, and joy that define the kingdom of God ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Not Food and Drink")). This requires careful spiritual discernment in a world that often blurs moral lines, a commitment to living out our faith in practical, obedient ways, and a willingness to submit to God's commands even when their full rationale is not immediately clear to us, trusting in His perfect wisdom and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to exercise greater spiritual discernment, actively distinguishing between what is spiritually "clean" and "unclean" in God's eyes?**
* **How does my daily conduct, choices, and relationships reflect God's call for me to be holy, set apart for Him, even if not by dietary restrictions?**
* **What are some specific areas where God's Word calls me to obedience today, even when I may not fully understand the rationale, demonstrating my trust and submission to His divine authority?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific animals, like the camel, declared unclean?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state the precise reasons for each specific animal being declared unclean. While various theories have been proposed, such as health benefits or the avoidance of pagan practices, the primary theological reason consistently emphasized in Scripture is God's command to distinguish Israel as a holy nation, set apart for Him ([Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). These laws served as a constant test of obedience and a tangible reminder of their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. The criteria for land animals (chewing the cud and having a divided hoof) were specific and non-negotiable. Any animal failing either criterion, like the camel, was deemed unclean, emphasizing that God's holiness required meticulous adherence to His revealed will, fostering a disciplined and distinct identity for His people.

**Are Christians today still bound by the dietary laws of Leviticus 11?**

Answer: No, Christians are not bound by the Old Testament dietary laws. The New Testament clearly teaches that these ceremonial laws were fulfilled in Christ. Jesus Himself declared all foods clean, stating that "there is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him" ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")). Furthermore, Peter's vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of the Sheet") explicitly revealed that God had cleansed what was once considered unclean, signifying the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant and the abolition of food restrictions. Paul further clarified that the kingdom of God is not about external matters like food and drink, but about "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Not Food and Drink")). While the specific dietary laws are no longer applicable, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and obedience to God's moral will remain eternally relevant for believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dietary laws of Leviticus 11, including the prohibition of the camel, find their ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. These Old Covenant distinctions between clean and unclean animals were not ends in themselves but served as pedagogical shadows, pointing to a deeper spiritual reality: humanity's inherent uncleanness due to sin and God's sovereign provision for true purity. Just as the camel, despite chewing the cud, remained unclean because its hoof was not fully divided, so too humanity, with its partial efforts at righteousness or outward conformity, remains fundamentally unclean without a complete, divine transformation. Christ, the spotless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the Law's demands, not merely by adhering to external regulations, but by embodying perfect holiness and offering Himself as the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His atoning work on the cross, He cleansed us not merely from ritual impurity but from the pervasive defilement of sin itself, making us truly clean and righteous in God's sight ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")). The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, shifts the focus from external dietary codes to an internal transformation of the heart, empowering believers to live lives of genuine holiness by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). In Christ, all things are made clean, and our separation as God's holy people is no longer based on what we eat, but on our union with Him, the very source of all purity and true holiness.

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.