Leviticus 11:39

And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcase thereof shall be unclean until the even.

And if any beast {H929}, of which ye may eat {H402}, die {H4191}; he that toucheth {H5060} the carcase {H5038} thereof shall be unclean {H2930} until the even {H6153}.

"'If an animal of a kind that you are permitted to eat dies, whoever touches its carcass will be unclean until evening.

If an animal that you may eat dies, anyone who touches the carcass will be unclean until evening.

And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcass thereof shall be unclean until the even.

Commentary

Leviticus 11:39 is a specific regulation within the extensive purity laws given to ancient Israel, detailing the consequences of touching the carcass of a clean animal that has died naturally. This verse highlights the meticulous nature of God's instructions concerning ritual purity and holiness.

Context

This verse is found within Leviticus chapter 11, which primarily outlines the dietary laws for the Israelites, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals for consumption. Beyond just food, the chapter also addresses various forms of ritual impurity related to these animals. The overarching purpose of these laws was to teach the Israelites about God's holiness and their need to live a life set apart for Him. Contact with death, even from a clean animal, was a source of ritual uncleanness, symbolizing the defilement that sin brings.

Key Themes

  • Ritual Purity and Uncleanness: The primary theme is the distinction between what is ritually clean and unclean. Touching a dead body, regardless of whether the animal was clean for consumption, rendered an Israelite ceremonially impure. This was not a moral failing but a state that temporarily restricted participation in the community's sacred life, such as approaching the Tabernacle or eating holy offerings.
  • Holiness and Separation: God called His people to be holy, just as He is holy (Leviticus 11:44). These laws served as constant reminders of the need for separation from anything that could defile them, preparing them to live in God's presence.
  • Temporary Defilement: The phrase "unclean until the even" signifies that this was a temporary state. It was not permanent exclusion but required a period of waiting, often accompanied by washing, to regain ritual purity. This pointed to the need for purification and atonement.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "unclean" is tameh (טָמ֡א). This term describes a state of ritual impurity or defilement, distinct from moral sin. It signifies being unfit for sacred duties or for drawing near to God's holy presence. The concept of tameh was central to the Levitical system, emphasizing the meticulous care required to maintain a holy environment suitable for God's dwelling among His people.

Practical Application

While these specific ceremonial laws are part of the Old Covenant and are not binding on Christians today (as Acts 10:15 and other New Testament passages indicate), the underlying principles remain highly relevant:

  • Understanding Sin's Defilement: The physical uncleanness caused by touching death symbolically represents the spiritual defilement caused by sin. Sin separates us from God and makes us unfit for His presence.
  • The Need for Purification: Just as the Israelites needed cleansing from ritual uncleanness, humanity needs spiritual cleansing from sin. The Old Testament rituals pointed forward to the ultimate purification offered through the blood of Jesus Christ, which cleanses us from all sin, not just until the evening, but eternally.
  • Living a Holy Life: Christians are called to spiritual holiness and separation from worldly defilement (2 Corinthians 6:17). This means actively avoiding moral corruption and seeking to live in a manner that honors God, reflecting His character in our daily lives.

Leviticus 11:39, though a specific law about a dead animal, serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute holiness and His desire for His people to pursue purity, culminating in the complete and lasting cleansing found in Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 15:7 (2 votes)

    And he that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.

  • Numbers 19:16 (2 votes)

    And whosoever toucheth one that is slain with a sword in the open fields, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.

  • Numbers 19:11 (2 votes)

    ΒΆ He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days.

  • Leviticus 15:5 (2 votes)

    And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.

  • Leviticus 11:24 (2 votes)

    And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.

  • Leviticus 11:28 (2 votes)

    And he that beareth the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: they [are] unclean unto you.

  • Leviticus 11:40 (2 votes)

    And he that eateth of the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: he also that beareth the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.