Leviticus 7:24

KJV

And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the fat {H2459} of the beast that dieth of itself {H5038}, and the fat {H2459} of that which is torn with beasts {H2966}, may be used {H6213} in any other use {H4399}: but ye shall in no wise {H398} eat {H398} of it.

Complete Jewish Bible

The fat of animals that die of themselves or are killed by wild animals may be used for any other purpose, but under no circumstances are you to eat it.

Berean Standard Bible

The fat of an animal found dead or mauled by wild beasts may be used for any other purpose, but you must not eat it.

American Standard Version

And the fat of that which dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn of beasts, may be used for any other service; but ye shall in no wise eat of it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:24 delineates specific regulations regarding the fat of animals that were not ritually slaughtered, distinguishing between fat from animals that died naturally or were killed by wild beasts. While the consumption of such fat was unequivocally prohibited for the Israelites, the verse pragmatically permits its use for various non-dietary purposes, thereby preventing waste and demonstrating God's wisdom in balancing ritual purity with responsible stewardship of resources within the broader framework of the Mosaic Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:24 is situated within a detailed exposition of the laws concerning offerings and sacrifices, specifically following instructions for the peace offering (Leviticus 7:11-21) and a general prohibition against eating blood (Leviticus 7:26-27). Crucially, it immediately follows [Leviticus 7:23](/leviticus/7-23 "Leviticus 7:23 - Prohibition on Eating Fat from Sacrifices"), which issues a blanket prohibition against eating *any* fat from an animal offered to the Lord. This preceding verse establishes the sacred nature of fat as belonging exclusively to God in the context of sacrifice, a theme echoed in passages like [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - The Lord's Portion of Fat"). Leviticus 7:24 then serves as a vital clarification, addressing a distinct category of animal fat—that which does not originate from a ritually slaughtered offering—and specifying its permissible, albeit restricted, applications. This meticulous differentiation highlights the nuanced and comprehensive nature of the Mosaic Law in defining boundaries between the sacred and the common, and the clean and the unclean.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the distinction between clean and unclean animals, meticulously outlined in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), was fundamental to their covenant identity and their relationship with Yahweh. Animals that died naturally (נְבֵלָה, _nəḇēlāh_, a carcass) or were torn by wild beasts (טְרֵפָה, _ṭərêp̄âh_, torn/prey) were considered ritually unclean, and contact with or consumption of them rendered a person impure, requiring purification (e.g., [Leviticus 11:40](/leviticus/11-40 "Leviticus 11:40 - Uncleanness from Carcasses")). This prohibition extended beyond mere hygiene, deeply embedding itself in theological principles of holiness and separation, setting Israel apart from surrounding pagan cultures. Despite their ritual impurity for consumption, these animals still contained valuable components. Fat, a vital commodity in the ancient Near East, was used for lamp fuel, soap production, lubrication, and various other practical purposes. Leviticus 7:24 thus demonstrates a pragmatic dimension of divine law, allowing for responsible resource management by permitting the non-dietary use of fat from otherwise unclean animals, thereby preventing waste while rigorously upholding the dietary and purity regulations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's demand for a set-apart people. The strict prohibitions on consuming certain fats, particularly from unclean animals, underscore the pervasive nature of ritual purity in Israelite life, extending even to byproducts. This is intrinsically linked to the theme of **Distinction and Separation**, as these laws served to differentiate Israel from the nations around them, reinforcing their unique covenant relationship with a holy God. Furthermore, the allowance for "any other use" introduces the theme of **Stewardship and Practical Wisdom**. While God demands holiness, His laws are not wasteful or impractical; they provide for the responsible management of resources, demonstrating that divine decrees are both spiritually profound and practically applicable. This balance reveals God's comprehensive care for His people's spiritual well-being and their physical sustenance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fat (Hebrew, _ḥēleḇ_):** In the context of Levitical law, this term (H2459) refers specifically to the suet or internal fat surrounding vital organs (kidneys, liver, entrails), rather than intramuscular fat. This particular fat was considered the choicest part of the animal, symbolically representing the best and most vital portion. Consequently, it was reserved exclusively for the Lord in sacrifices (e.g., [Leviticus 3:3-5](/leviticus/3-3 "Leviticus 3:3-5 - Offering of Fat in Peace Offering")), signifying God's supreme claim over all life and the Israelites' complete devotion. The prohibition against eating it, even from non-sacrificial animals in this verse, reinforces this sacred distinction and the broader principle that the best belongs to God.
* **Dieth of itself (Hebrew, _nəḇēlāh_):** This Hebrew term (H5038) refers to an animal that has died of natural causes, without being ritually slaughtered. Such an animal was considered ritually unclean. According to the Law, anyone who touched its carcass or ate of it would be unclean until evening (e.g., [Leviticus 11:39-40](/leviticus/11-39 "Leviticus 11:39-40 - Uncleanness from Carcasses")). The inclusion of this category in Leviticus 7:24 highlights the comprehensive nature of the purity laws, extending even to the byproducts of animals not intended for consumption.
* **Torn with beasts (Hebrew, _ṭərêp̄âh_):** This term (H2966) denotes an animal that has been attacked and killed or mortally wounded by wild animals. Like _nəḇēlāh_, an animal that was _ṭərêp̄âh_ was ritually unclean and unfit for consumption (e.g., [Exodus 22:31](/exodus/22-31 "Exodus 22:31 - Prohibition on Eating Torn Meat")). The prohibition on eating its fat further underscores the pervasive nature of the purity laws, ensuring that no part of an unclean animal, whether by natural death or violent attack, was to be consumed by the Israelites.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself":** This opening clause introduces the first category of animal fat under consideration, specifying that it comes from an animal that has died by natural causes. Such an animal, not having been ritually slaughtered according to the Law, was inherently ritually impure, and its flesh was strictly forbidden for consumption by the Israelites.
* **"and the fat of that which is torn with beasts":** This second clause identifies another distinct category of animal fat, derived from an animal that has been attacked and killed or mortally wounded by wild animals. Similar to the naturally deceased animal, this animal was also deemed ritually unclean, and its flesh was likewise prohibited for human consumption, reinforcing the comprehensive scope of the purity regulations.
* **"may be used in any other use":** This pivotal phrase introduces a crucial allowance for the fat from these two categories of unclean animals. While their consumption was absolutely forbidden, their fat was not to be wasted. This permission indicates that the ritual impurity associated with these animals did not extend to their fat for non-dietary purposes, such as fuel for lamps, soap-making, or lubrication, thereby demonstrating God's practical wisdom and emphasis on resource stewardship within the covenant community.
* **"but ye shall in no wise eat of it":** This emphatic prohibition serves as the absolute and unequivocal command regarding the consumption of fat from both categories of animals mentioned. The Hebrew construction "eating, you shall not eat it" (using an infinitive absolute) powerfully emphasizes the absolute and unyielding nature of this command, reiterating the strict boundary between permissible and forbidden consumption, and reinforcing the broader dietary laws and the concept of holiness for the Israelite community.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:24 primarily employs **Legal Specification** and **Distinction**. The verse functions as a precise legal addendum, meticulously clarifying the disposition of a specific type of animal byproduct (fat) under particular circumstances (death by natural causes or wild beasts). This **Legal Specification** is crucial for the meticulous application of the broader purity codes and the comprehensive nature of the Mosaic Law. Furthermore, the verse makes a clear **Distinction** between the fat of ritually sacrificed animals (which, as per [Leviticus 7:23](/leviticus/7-23 "Leviticus 7:23 - Prohibition on Eating Fat from Sacrifices"), was entirely forbidden for human consumption and reserved for the altar) and the fat of animals that died unceremoniously. While both are forbidden for consumption, the latter is explicitly permitted for "any other use," highlighting a pragmatic allowance within the rigid framework of the Law. This pragmatic aspect also demonstrates a form of divine **Pragmatism**, where God's laws are not merely ritualistic but also consider the practical realities of human life and resource management, preventing waste while upholding the core principles of holiness and separation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:24, though seemingly a minor detail, profoundly illustrates several core theological principles embedded within the Mosaic Law. It underscores God's meticulous concern for the holiness and purity of His people, not just in their worship but in every facet of their daily lives, including their diet. The sharp distinction between fat reserved for God in sacrifice and fat from unclean animals (even if used for other purposes) highlights the sacred-common dichotomy that permeated Israelite existence. It teaches that obedience to God's commands, even those whose rationale may not be immediately apparent, is paramount for a people set apart. Furthermore, the allowance for "any other use" demonstrates God's wisdom in balancing His demand for holiness with practical stewardship, ensuring that valuable resources are not wasted, even if they cannot be used in a ritually pure manner. This verse is a microcosm of the Law's comprehensive nature, touching on purity, reverence, and responsible living, revealing a God who cares for both the spiritual and practical dimensions of His covenant people.

* [Leviticus 11:40](/leviticus/11-40 "Leviticus 11:40 - Uncleanness from Carcasses")
* [Deuteronomy 14:21](/deuteronomy/14-21 "Deuteronomy 14:21 - Prohibition on Eating Carcasses")
* [Ezekiel 4:14](/ezekiel/4-14 "Ezekiel 4:14 - Ezekiel's Refusal to Eat Defiled Food")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today are no longer bound by the ceremonial dietary laws of the Old Covenant, as affirmed in the New Testament (e.g., [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean") and [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Peter's Vision and Dietary Laws")), Leviticus 7:24 offers enduring principles for spiritual growth and daily living. It reminds us of God's desire for our holistic holiness in every aspect of life, not just in overt acts of worship. Just as the Israelites were called to discern between the sacred and the common, we are called to live distinct lives, set apart for God's purposes in a world that often blurs moral and spiritual lines. The principle of stewardship is also powerfully present: even when certain things are "unclean" or inappropriate for one use (like consumption), God encourages us to find constructive, non-wasteful applications for them. This translates into a call for responsible living, managing our resources, time, and talents wisely, always seeking to honor God and contribute positively to His creation, even with aspects of life that might not seem overtly "spiritual." Ultimately, it encourages a posture of discerning obedience and practical wisdom in all our choices, recognizing that God's wisdom extends to every detail of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of God's commands in Leviticus, even concerning seemingly minor issues like animal fat, deepen your understanding of God's character and His desire for comprehensive holiness in our lives?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "waste" resources (time, talent, material possessions) that, while perhaps not suitable for one purpose, could be repurposed for good, reflecting God's principle of stewardship?**
* **Considering the distinction between "sacred" and "common" in this verse, how can believers today practically live out a life of distinction and holiness in a world that often blurs moral and spiritual boundaries, without falling into legalism?**

### FAQ
**Why was the fat of animals that died naturally or were torn by beasts prohibited for consumption but permitted for other uses?**

Answer: The prohibition on consuming fat from animals that died naturally ("dieth of itself") or were torn by beasts was primarily rooted in the Israelite purity laws. Such animals were considered ritually unclean (Hebrew: _nəḇēlāh_ or _ṭərêp̄âh_) because they were not ritually slaughtered according to the Law (e.g., [Leviticus 11:39-40](/leviticus/11-39 "Leviticus 11:39-40 - Uncleanness from Carcasses")). Consuming any part of an unclean animal would render a person unclean, thereby defiling them and the community. This served to distinguish Israel from surrounding nations and reinforce their unique covenant relationship with a holy God. However, the fat of these animals, while unfit for consumption, was still a valuable commodity in ancient society. The allowance to use it for "any other use" (e.g., fuel for lamps, soap-making, lubrication, or leather treatment) demonstrates God's practical wisdom and His emphasis on responsible stewardship of resources. It highlights that while ritual purity was paramount for consumption, the material itself was not inherently defiled for all purposes, thus preventing unnecessary waste. This distinction showcases the nuanced and comprehensive nature of God's Law, balancing theological principles of holiness with practical considerations for daily life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:24, with its detailed regulations concerning clean and unclean animals and the proper handling of their fat, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant laws, including those on ritual purity, meticulously defined what made one "clean" or "unclean," often through external contact or dietary practices. Animals that died naturally or were torn by beasts were deemed unclean, and their consumption was strictly forbidden, underscoring humanity's pervasive state of impurity and separation from a holy God. However, Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, abolished the need for these ceremonial distinctions. He declared all foods clean (as recorded in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")), signifying that true defilement comes not from what enters the body, but from the heart, where sin originates (see also [Matthew 15:11](/matthew/15-11 "Matthew 15:11 - What Defiles a Person")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself became the ultimate "clean" and perfect sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fulfilling all the Old Testament sacrificial laws and rendering the animal sacrifices obsolete. Through His blood, He cleanses us not merely from external ritual impurity but from the defilement of sin itself, making us truly clean and holy before God (e.g., [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). Thus, the meticulous regulations of Leviticus 7:24 point forward to Christ, who, by His perfect work, transformed the very nature of purity from an external, ritualistic adherence to an internal, spiritual reality, enabling us to approach God not through meticulous distinctions of fat, but through faith in His finished work, which offers complete and lasting cleansing.

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

Exodus 22:31

And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat [any] flesh [that is] torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.

Leviticus 17:15

And every soul that eateth that which died [of itself], or that which was torn [with beasts, whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean.

Leviticus 22:8

That which dieth of itself, or is torn [with beasts], he shall not eat to defile himself therewith: I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 44:31

The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast.

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.

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.