Leviticus 11:47

KJV

To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.

KJV (with Strong's)

To make a difference {H914} between the unclean {H2931} and the clean {H2889}, and between the beast {H2416} that may be eaten {H398} and the beast {H2416} that may not be eaten {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Its purpose is to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, and between the creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.'" Suggested readings for Parashah Sh'mini from the B'rit Hadashah:

Berean Standard Bible

You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not.’”

American Standard Version

to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:47 serves as the culminating theological rationale for the extensive dietary laws detailed throughout the chapter. It succinctly articulates God's primary intention behind these regulations: to establish a clear, divinely mandated distinction between what is ritually pure and impure, and consequently, between animals permissible and impermissible for consumption. This verse underscores that these distinctions are not arbitrary but are foundational to Israel's identity as a holy, set-apart nation, reflecting the very character of God Himself and guiding His people in their pursuit of holiness in every aspect of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11:47 functions as the concluding statement for the comprehensive dietary laws outlined in [Leviticus 11:1-46](/leviticus/11-1-46 "Leviticus 11:1-46 - Dietary Laws"). The chapter meticulously categorizes various creatures—mammals, aquatic life, birds, insects, and creeping things—into "clean" (permissible for consumption) and "unclean" (forbidden) categories. This verse, along with the preceding verses [Leviticus 11:44-46](/leviticus/11-44-46 "Leviticus 11:44-46 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"), transitions from the specific regulations to their overarching theological purpose. It emphasizes that these distinctions are rooted in God's holiness and His desire for Israel to reflect that holiness in every aspect of their lives, including their daily diet. It thus serves as a crucial bridge, linking the practical dietary commands to the deeper spiritual principles of purity and separation that are central to the entire book of Leviticus, which is fundamentally concerned with Israel's relationship with a holy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dietary laws of [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals") were given to the Israelites shortly after their exodus from Egypt and their arrival at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai"), where God established His covenant with them. These laws were an integral part of the Mosaic Law, designed to govern every facet of Israelite life, setting them apart from the surrounding Canaanite and other pagan cultures. In the ancient Near East, many cultures had their own dietary customs and taboos, often linked to their polytheistic religious practices or mythological beliefs. However, Israel's dietary laws were unique in their explicit connection to the holiness of Yahweh, the one true God. Unlike modern health codes, the primary intent was not merely hygiene, but ritual purity, spiritual distinction, and obedience to divine command. By adhering to these specific regulations, Israel visibly demonstrated their unique covenant relationship with God and their commitment to His standards, which contrasted sharply with the practices of nations that engaged in idolatry and ritual impurity, as detailed in passages like [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations"). The dietary laws were a tangible expression of Israel's identity as a "holy nation" and a "kingdom of priests" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Holy Nation")), called to live distinctly in the world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, the theme of **Holiness** is paramount; God is holy, and He calls His people to be holy ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). The dietary laws provide a practical, daily means of pursuing and embodying this holiness. Secondly, the theme of **Separation and Distinction** is central; Israel is to be distinct from other nations, and this distinction is manifested in their practices, including what they eat. This separation is not about superiority but about maintaining a unique covenant relationship with God. Thirdly, **Obedience to Divine Command** is highlighted; the laws are not presented as suggestions but as divine imperatives that require faithful adherence. Finally, the theme of **Purity and Impurity** is foundational to the entire sacrificial system and ritual life in Israel, with the clean/unclean distinction extending beyond food to various aspects of life, underscoring the pervasive nature of sin and the constant need for divine provision for purity and reconciliation with a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Difference (Hebrew, _bâdal'_):** From the primitive root H914, meaning "to divide," "to separate," "to distinguish," or "to set apart." This verb is a foundational concept in the biblical narrative, first appearing in [Genesis 1:4](/genesis/1-4 "Genesis 1:4 - God Separates Light from Darkness") where God "separated" light from darkness. Here in Leviticus, it signifies a divinely instituted separation, not merely a human preference or a hygienic recommendation. It implies a clear, unambiguous demarcation between categories, reflecting God's order and His intention for Israel to be distinct from other nations in their practices and identity. This "difference" is a theological imperative, not a cultural custom.
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** From H2931, meaning "foul in a religious sense," "defiled," or "polluted." In the context of dietary laws, an "unclean" animal was one whose consumption or even contact would render an Israelite ritually impure, requiring specific purification rites (e.g., washing clothes, waiting until evening). This impurity was not necessarily a moral failing but a state that prevented full participation in the community's worship and interaction with the holy God. It underscored the pervasive nature of sin and the need for divine provision for purity, highlighting the sacred space between God and humanity.
* **Clean (Hebrew, _ṭâhôwr'_):** From H2889, meaning "pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)." It denotes a state of ritual purity, suitability for sacred use, or permissibility. A "clean" animal was one that could be consumed without incurring ritual defilement. This term is intrinsically linked to the concept of holiness, as only that which is pure can approach or be consecrated to a holy God. The distinction between _ṭâmêʼ_ and _ṭâhôwr_ formed the bedrock of Israelite ritual life, guiding their interactions with food, people, and sacred spaces, emphasizing the importance of ritual readiness to approach God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To make a difference between the unclean and the clean":** This initial clause states the overarching purpose of the dietary laws. It emphasizes God's command for Israel to actively discern and maintain a clear separation between categories of ritual purity. This "difference" was not arbitrary but divinely ordained, serving as a constant reminder of God's holy character and His call for His people to reflect that holiness in their daily lives. It highlights the theological framework behind the specific regulations, establishing a fundamental principle of discernment that permeates all aspects of their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **"and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.":** This second clause provides the practical application and specific manifestation of the "difference" mentioned in the first clause. It directly refers to the distinction between permissible ("clean") and impermissible ("unclean") animals for consumption. This practical outworking of the principle of "making a difference" ensured that the Israelites' daily habits, particularly their diet, became a tangible expression of their covenant relationship with God and their commitment to His standards of holiness and separation from the defiling practices of the surrounding cultures. It transformed mundane acts into acts of worship and obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:47 primarily employs **Parallelism** and **Legalistic Language**. The verse presents two parallel clauses, "To make a difference between the unclean and the clean" and "and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten." This **Synonymous Parallelism** reinforces the central idea of distinction by restating it in slightly different terms, emphasizing both the abstract concept of purity and its concrete application to diet. This repetition serves to underscore the importance and clarity of the divine command. The language itself is direct, declarative, and prescriptive, characteristic of **Legalistic Language** found throughout the Mosaic Law. This straightforward formulation leaves no room for ambiguity, underscoring the divine authority and the mandatory nature of these commands. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Summary Statement**, drawing together the detailed regulations of the preceding chapter into a concise theological rationale, providing a definitive conclusion to the dietary laws.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 11:47 encapsulates profound theological truths concerning God's holiness, His desire for a distinct people, and the importance of obedience. The dietary laws, though specific to the Old Covenant, served as a tangible means for Israel to embody the principle of separation unto God. They taught Israel that holiness was not merely an abstract concept but permeated every aspect of life, including the most mundane acts like eating. This distinction was a pedagogical tool, training them in discernment and reminding them daily of their unique identity as God's chosen people, called to reflect His purity in a fallen world. The underlying principle of spiritual discernment and separation from defilement remains a vital theme for believers today, emphasizing that our choices reflect our identity and allegiance.
* [Leviticus 20:25-26](/leviticus/20-25-26 "Leviticus 20:25-26 - Be Holy as I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 14:3-21](/deuteronomy/14-3-21 "Deuteronomy 14:3-21 - Clean and Unclean Animals")
* [Ezekiel 44:23](/ezekiel/44-23 "Ezekiel 44:23 - Priestly Teaching on Clean and Unclean")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary restrictions of Leviticus 11 are no longer binding for New Covenant believers, the profound principle of "making a difference" remains profoundly relevant. As followers of Christ, we are called to live distinctively in a world that often blurs the lines between good and evil, truth and falsehood. This requires spiritual discernment—the ability to distinguish between what is spiritually "clean" (honoring to God, righteous, wholesome, life-giving) and "unclean" (sinful, worldly, defiling, destructive). Our "diet" today is not merely physical food but encompasses what we consume through our eyes, ears, and minds—our media, relationships, values, and priorities. Just as Israel's physical diet reflected their covenant identity, so too should our spiritual "diet" and daily choices reflect our identity as children of God, set apart for His glory. We are called to be holy as He is holy, not by adhering to Old Testament food laws, but by pursuing righteousness, truth, and love in every sphere of life, demonstrating a clear difference between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness, and living out our transformed nature in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to "make a difference" between what is spiritually clean and unclean?**
* **How does my "spiritual diet" (what I consume through media, relationships, and thoughts) reflect my identity as a follower of Christ?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment in my daily choices?**
* **How does the concept of God's holiness, as seen in Leviticus, inform my understanding of my own call to holiness today?**

### FAQ
**Were the dietary laws primarily for health reasons?**

Answer: While some of the dietary laws may have had incidental health benefits, their primary purpose was not hygiene or physical health as understood today. The biblical text consistently links these laws to ritual purity and holiness, not public health. They were designed to set Israel apart as a holy nation, distinct from surrounding pagan cultures, and to teach them about the pervasive nature of sin and the necessity of divine purity. The terms "clean" and "unclean" refer to ritual status, not necessarily physical cleanliness or edibility. The overarching goal was theological: to reflect God's holiness in their daily lives and to maintain their covenant relationship with Him, as seen in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dietary laws of [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), summarized in verse 47, find their ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in Christ. While the Old Covenant's specific regulations served to establish a physical and ritual distinction for Israel, Jesus declared all foods clean, thereby fulfilling the ceremonial law and shifting the focus from external purity to internal spiritual purity. In [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), Jesus states that "there is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him... because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly." This radical declaration, later affirmed by Peter's vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of the Sheet"), where God declares, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common," dismantled the literal application of the dietary laws. The "difference" now is not between clean and unclean animals, but between a heart transformed by Christ and one still enslaved by sin. Christ, as the perfect Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfectly fulfilled the requirements of the Law, including its emphasis on purity. Through His sacrifice, He cleanses us from all sin, making us spiritually pure and holy before God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). Thus, the call to "make a difference" for believers in the New Covenant is no longer about dietary restrictions but about living a life set apart for God's glory, characterized by spiritual discernment, moral purity, and a transformed heart, as exhorted by Paul in [2 Corinthians 6:17-18](/2_corinthians/6-17-18 "2 Corinthians 6:17-18 - Come Out and Be Separate").

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.

Cross-References

Leviticus 10:10

And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;

Ezekiel 44:23

And they shall teach my people [the difference] between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

Romans 14:13

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.

Romans 14:23

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin.

Malachi 3:18

Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Romans 14:2

For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

Romans 14:3

Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.