Leviticus 7:21

Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean [thing, as] the uncleanness of man, or [any] unclean beast, or any abominable unclean [thing], and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which [pertain] unto the LORD, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Moreover the soul {H5315} that shall touch {H5060} any unclean {H2932} thing, as the uncleanness {H2932} of man {H120}, or any unclean {H2931} beast {H929}, or any abominable {H8263} unclean {H2931} thing, and eat {H398} of the flesh {H1320} of the sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002}, which pertain unto the LORD {H3068}, even that soul {H5315} shall be cut off {H3772} from his people {H5971}.

Anyone who touches something unclean - whether the uncleanness be from a person, from an unclean animal or from some other unclean detestable thing - and then eats the meat from the sacrifice of peace offerings for ADONAI, that person will be cut off from his people.'"

If one touches anything unclean, whether human uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any unclean, detestable thing, and then eats any of the meat of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.”

And when any one shall touch any unclean thing, the uncleanness of man, or an unclean beast, or any unclean abomination, and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace-offerings, which pertain unto Jehovah, that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Commentary

Leviticus 7:21 is part of the extensive legal code given to ancient Israel, specifically dealing with the proper handling and consumption of sacrifices, particularly the peace offerings (also known as fellowship offerings). These offerings were unique in that a portion was eaten by the worshiper and his family, signifying communion with God and thanksgiving.

Context of Purity Laws

In the Old Testament, the concept of ritual purity was paramount for approaching a holy God. Leviticus details numerous laws concerning what made a person or object "unclean" (Hebrew: tameh). This uncleanness was not necessarily sin, but a state that rendered one unfit for worship or participation in sacred rituals. Verse 21 specifies three categories of uncleanness that would defile a person:

  • Uncleanness of man: This could include touching a dead body, certain bodily discharges, or skin diseases (e.g., Numbers 19:13 for corpse defilement).
  • Unclean beast: Referring to animals designated as unclean for consumption or touch under the Mosaic dietary laws (e.g., Leviticus 11:47).
  • Abominable unclean thing: A broader category for anything highly defiling or detestable in God's sight.

The core issue here is that someone in a state of ritual impurity, having touched one of these defiling things, was forbidden from eating the sacred meat of the peace offering. To do so was a serious transgression against God's holiness.

Key Themes and Significance

  • Holiness and Separation: The verse underscores God's absolute holiness and the necessity for His people, Israel, to maintain a state of ritual purity to approach Him and partake in sacred activities. It highlights the stark contrast between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean.
  • Sanctity of Offerings: The peace offering, though shared with the worshiper, was still "unto the LORD." Its sacred nature demanded reverence and adherence to God's prescribed conditions for participation. Defiling it was an affront to God Himself.
  • Consequences of Defilement: The severe penalty, "that soul shall be cut off from his people" (Hebrew: karat), signifies more than just excommunication. It implies a divine judgment, a severance from the covenant community and its blessings, and sometimes even physical death. This demonstrates the gravity of disrespecting God's holy institutions and covenant.

Practical Application for Believers Today

While believers under the New Covenant are no longer bound by these specific ceremonial purity laws (as seen in Mark 7:15 where Jesus teaches that defilement comes from within the heart), the underlying principles remain highly relevant:

  • Spiritual Purity: We are called to live a life of spiritual purity, cleansed by the blood of Christ and separated from the defilements of the world (2 Corinthians 7:1). Our "offerings" are now spiritual, such as praise, service, and our very lives presented as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
  • Reverence for God's Presence: The principle of approaching God with reverence and respect for His holiness endures. Whether in worship, prayer, or partaking in communion, we are to do so with a pure heart and conscience, acknowledging His majesty.
  • Consequences of Spiritual Defilement: Deliberate and unrepentant engagement with spiritual "uncleanness" (sin) can still lead to a hindering of our communion with God and a diminishing of our spiritual vitality within the community of believers.

Leviticus 7:21 serves as a powerful reminder that God's holiness demands respect and that our approach to Him must be in accordance with His divine standards, both then and now.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 11:20

    ¶ All fowls that creep, going upon [all] four, [shall be] an abomination unto you.

  • Leviticus 12:1

    ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

  • Leviticus 13:59

    This [is] the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of woollen or linen, either in the warp, or woof, or any thing of skins, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.

  • Leviticus 5:2

    Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether [it be] a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and [if] it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.

  • Leviticus 5:3

    Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness [it be] that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth [of it], then he shall be guilty.

  • Ezekiel 4:14

    Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.

  • Leviticus 15:1

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