Leviticus 20:25

KJV

Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall therefore put difference {H914} between clean {H2889} beasts {H929} and unclean {H2931}, and between unclean {H2931} fowls {H5775} and clean {H2889}: and ye shall not make your souls {H5315} abominable {H8262} by beast {H929}, or by fowl {H5775}, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth {H7430} on the ground {H127}, which I have separated {H914} from you as unclean {H2930}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore you are to distinguish between clean and unclean animals and between clean and unclean birds; do not make yourselves detestable with an animal, bird or reptile that I have set apart for you to regard as unclean.

Berean Standard Bible

You are therefore to distinguish between clean and unclean animals and birds. Do not become contaminated by any animal or bird, or by anything that crawls on the ground; I have set these apart as unclean for you.

American Standard Version

Ye shall therefore make a distinction between the clean beast and the unclean, and between the unclean fowl and the clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by bird, or by anything wherewith the ground teemeth, which I have separated from you as unclean.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 20:25 serves as a culminating divine injunction within a chapter dedicated to Israel's covenant holiness, reiterating the fundamental command for the community to meticulously distinguish between clean and unclean animals. This comprehensive distinction, encompassing beasts, fowls, and creeping things, was not merely a dietary regulation but a foundational principle for maintaining ritual purity and spiritual consecration, thereby preventing self-defilement and affirming their unique identity as a nation set apart by God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a powerful concluding statement in [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Laws of Holiness and Penalties"), a chapter primarily focused on severe prohibitions and their corresponding capital punishments for actions that defile the covenant community, such as idolatry, child sacrifice, various sexual perversions, and divination. The overarching theme is the absolute necessity of holiness for Israel to remain in covenant with Yahweh and to dwell securely in the promised land. Verses 22-24 immediately precede our text, emphasizing God's command to observe His statutes and judgments to prevent the land from "vomiting out" its inhabitants, just as it had the nations before them. Leviticus 20:25 then functions as a summarizing principle, drawing together the broader concept of moral and ritual holiness by specifically recalling the detailed dietary laws previously established in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), thereby reinforcing that physical and spiritual purity are inextricably linked in the covenant relationship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For ancient Israel, the distinction between clean and unclean animals was a crucial aspect of their unique identity and covenant fidelity, setting them apart from the surrounding pagan cultures. Nations like the Canaanites and Egyptians had vastly different dietary customs and religious practices, often involving the consumption of animals considered abhorrent by Yahweh's standards or engaging in cultic rituals that involved animal sacrifice to various deities. The dietary laws, as detailed in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Dietary Laws for Israel"), were not primarily health codes, though they might have had incidental health benefits. Instead, they served as tangible markers of Israel's separation unto God, a constant, daily reminder of their call to holiness. By adhering to these divinely ordained categories, the Israelites ritually expressed their allegiance to Yahweh, avoiding the defilement that could compromise their access to His presence and their distinct witness among the nations, as highlighted in passages like [Leviticus 18:24-30](/leviticus/18-24-30 "Leviticus 18:24-30 - Consequences of Impurity").
* **Key Themes:** The central theme permeating Leviticus 20:25, and indeed the entire book of Leviticus, is **holiness**. This verse underscores the concept of **separation** (Hebrew: _badal_), emphasizing that Israel's identity as God's chosen people necessitated a distinct lifestyle. The distinction between clean and unclean animals served as a practical, daily manifestation of this call to be set apart, reflecting God's own holy nature. It also highlights the theme of **purity and defilement**, demonstrating that certain actions or contacts could render an individual or the community ritually impure, thus hindering their ability to approach a holy God. This is intricately linked to the theme of **covenant fidelity**, as adherence to these laws was a demonstration of obedience and loyalty to Yahweh, ensuring Israel's continued dwelling in the promised land and their unique relationship with Him, as emphasized in [Leviticus 20:22-24](/leviticus/20-22-24 "Leviticus 20:22-24 - Living in the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Difference (Hebrew, _bâdal_ H914):** This verb means "to divide," "to separate," or "to distinguish." Its usage here emphasizes the active, intentional act of discernment required of the Israelites. It is the same root used in the creation account where God "separated" light from darkness ([Genesis 1:4](/genesis/1-4 "Genesis 1:4 - God Separates Light from Darkness")) and the waters from the dry land ([Genesis 1:7](/genesis/1-7 "God Separates Waters")). This linguistic connection underscores that the distinctions between clean and unclean are not arbitrary human constructs but divinely established categories, reflecting God's own order and holiness.
* **Abominable (Hebrew, _shâqats_ H8262):** This primitive root means "to be filthy," or "to loathe, pollute." When used reflexively, as here ("make your souls abominable"), it signifies an act of self-defilement that renders one detestable, abhorrent, or repulsive in God's eyes, particularly in a ritual or moral sense. The Strong's definition highlights the intensity of this defilement, which is not merely external but affects one's very being or "soul" (Hebrew, _nephesh_ H5315), highlighting the profound spiritual implications of violating these commands.
* **Ground (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh_ H127):** Derived from a root meaning "to be red," this noun refers to "soil" or "earth." In this context, it specifically denotes the surface upon which living things "creep" (Hebrew, _râmas_ H7430). Its inclusion emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the dietary laws, extending to even the lowest forms of life that move upon the earth, ensuring that no category of animal is overlooked in the divine mandate for distinction and purity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean:"** This opening clause issues a direct, imperative command for active and meticulous discernment. The repetition of "clean" (Hebrew, _ṭâhôwr_ H2889) and "unclean" (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ_ H2931) and the chiastic structure ("clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean") emphasize the comprehensive nature of the distinction required across different categories of animals (quadrupeds and birds). It highlights that this is not a passive acceptance but an intentional, conscious act of differentiating according to precise divine standards.
* **"and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground,"** This part of the verse reveals the severe consequence of failing to make the distinction: self-defilement. The phrase "make your souls abominable" underscores that the defilement is not just external or ritualistic but penetrates to the very essence of the person (their _nephesh_, or life-force/being). It enumerates the categories of animals (beasts, fowls, and creeping things, including those that crawl on the ground) to ensure no loophole, reinforcing the comprehensive scope of the prohibition against contact or consumption that leads to impurity.
* **"which I have separated from you as unclean."** This concluding phrase provides the divine rationale and ultimate authority for the preceding commands. It is God Himself who has established these categories; the distinction is not arbitrary or culturally derived but divinely ordained. The use of "I have separated" (a form of _bâdal_ H914) grounds the entire system of purity in God's sovereign will and His holy nature (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ_ H2930, here as the state of being unclean), making Israel's obedience an act of submission to His authority and a recognition of His unique, sanctifying relationship with them.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 20:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with clarity and force. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated use of "clean" and "unclean," as well as the root _badal_ ("put difference," "separated"), which serves to underscore the paramount importance of distinction and God's active role in establishing these categories. The phrase "between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean" exhibits a subtle **Chiasm** (ABBA structure), drawing attention to the comprehensive nature of the dietary laws and the meticulous discernment required. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded, where the physical act of distinguishing between animals symbolizes a broader spiritual principle of moral and ritual separation from the defiling influences of the world. The "unclean" animals are not inherently evil but serve as tangible representations of that which is incompatible with divine holiness. Finally, the verse concludes with a powerful statement of **Divine Fiat**, "which I have separated from you as unclean," asserting God's absolute authority as the definer of purity and defilement, reinforcing that these are not human conventions but divine decrees but rather the very essence of His holy character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 20:25 is a profound theological statement on the nature of holiness and separation within the Mosaic Covenant. It teaches that God's people are called to reflect His holy character not only in their moral conduct but also in their daily practices, including what they consume. The distinction between clean and unclean animals served as a constant, tangible reminder of Israel's unique identity as a nation "set apart" for Yahweh. This separation was essential for maintaining ritual purity, which enabled them to approach God in worship and to avoid the spiritual defilement that characterized the surrounding pagan nations. The underlying principle is that God is holy, and therefore His people must also strive for holiness in every aspect of their lives, recognizing that true purity originates from His divine decree and not from human preference.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness in the New Covenant")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out From Among Them")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary laws of the Old Covenant are no longer binding on New Testament believers, the timeless principles embedded in Leviticus 20:25 remain profoundly relevant for Christian living. The call to "put difference" between clean and unclean transcends literal food choices and challenges us to exercise spiritual discernment in all areas of life. We are called to be a people set apart, not by external regulations alone, but by a transformed heart that seeks to honor God in every thought, word, and deed. This means consciously choosing what is spiritually nourishing and life-giving, and actively rejecting what is defiling or compromises our witness for Christ. It compels us to evaluate our influences, entertainment, relationships, and moral decisions through the lens of God's holiness, striving to live in a manner that reflects His character and brings Him glory. This active discernment is crucial for maintaining spiritual vitality and ensuring our lives are a fragrant offering to God, rather than becoming "abominable" through compromise with the world's defilements.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to exercise greater spiritual discernment to "put difference" between what is spiritually clean and unclean?**
* **How does my daily conduct reflect the call to be a "set apart" people for God, distinct from the values and practices of the world?**
* **What specific influences or habits might be "making my soul abominable" (hindering my spiritual vitality or witness) that I need to address?**
* **How does recognizing God's authority as the definer of holiness impact my understanding of personal purity and obedience?**

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

Answer: While some of the dietary laws may have had incidental health benefits, their primary purpose was theological and ritualistic. They served to distinguish Israel as God's holy people, reinforcing their covenant relationship and teaching them about purity, separation, and obedience to a holy God. These laws were identity markers, setting Israel apart from the surrounding nations and symbolically representing their call to live a life consecrated to Yahweh, as seen throughout [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Laws of Clean and Unclean Animals"). The emphasis was on maintaining a holy identity, not merely physical well-being.

**How do Christians apply Leviticus 20:25 today, given that New Testament believers are not bound by Old Covenant dietary laws?**

Answer: For Christians, the literal dietary laws are fulfilled and superseded by the New Covenant, as indicated by Jesus' declaration that all foods are clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")) and Peter's vision in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter's Vision and the Inclusion of Gentiles"). However, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant. We are called to exercise spiritual discernment, distinguishing between what is spiritually pure and impure in our lives, influences, and choices. The emphasis shifts from external ritual purity to internal moral and spiritual holiness, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies Are Temples")). The call is to live a life set apart for God, avoiding anything that would defile our conscience or hinder our relationship with Him, and instead pursuing what is honorable and pleasing to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 20:25, with its emphasis on distinguishing between clean and unclean and the imperative to avoid defilement, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in Christ. While the Old Covenant dietary laws served to physically separate Israel and teach them about holiness, Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, fundamentally redefines purity and defilement. He declared all foods clean, stating that "nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them; rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them" ([Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Defiles a Person")). This radical shift, further illuminated by Peter's vision in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter's Vision and the Inclusion of Gentiles"), reveals that true defilement originates from the sinful heart, not from external contact with certain foods or animals. Christ Himself is the ultimate "separator," not by categorizing animals, but by separating humanity from the defilement of sin through His atoning sacrifice. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), making us clean and holy in God's sight, not through adherence to ritualistic laws, but through faith in His perfect work on the cross. In Christ, believers are made a "holy priesthood" and a "chosen race" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), called to live lives of spiritual discernment and separation from the world's sin, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - A Living Sacrifice")), rather than by external regulations.

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

Deuteronomy 14:3

Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

Deuteronomy 14:21

Ye shall not eat [of] any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that [is] in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

Leviticus 11:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,

Leviticus 11:47

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.

Ephesians 5:7

Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

Acts 10:11

And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: