Leviticus 11:36

Nevertheless, a spring or cistern containing water will remain clean, but one who touches a carcass in it will be unclean.

Study Bible

Nevertheless
This word serves as a transition, indicating an exception to the preceding rules about uncleanness. In the Hebrew text, the word is "אַךְ" (akh), which often introduces a contrast or exception. It highlights God's provision for purity even amidst impurity, emphasizing His grace and the possibility of maintaining holiness in a fallen world.

a spring or cistern
The Hebrew words here are "מַעְיָן" (ma'yan) for spring and "בּוֹר" (bor) for cistern. Springs are natural sources of flowing water, symbolizing life and purity in biblical literature. Cisterns, on the other hand, are man-made reservoirs for collecting water. Both are essential for survival in the arid climate of the ancient Near East, representing God's provision and the sustenance He offers His people.

that collects water
This phrase underscores the function of springs and cisterns as sources of life-giving water. Water is a powerful biblical symbol of cleansing and renewal. In the Hebrew context, water is often associated with God's Spirit and His ability to purify and sustain His people, as seen in passages like Isaiah 44:3 and John 4:14.

will remain clean
The Hebrew word for clean is "טָהוֹר" (tahor), which signifies ritual purity. Despite the potential for contamination, the water in these sources remains clean, illustrating God's power to preserve purity. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God can maintain holiness and purity even in a world tainted by sin.

but one who touches a carcass in it
The term "carcass" in Hebrew is "נְבֵלָה" (nevelah), referring to a dead body, which is a source of ritual impurity. The act of touching signifies a direct contact with death, which is contrary to the life-giving nature of God. This highlights the biblical principle that sin and death contaminate, and contact with them requires purification.

will be unclean
The Hebrew word for unclean is "טָמֵא" (tamei), indicating a state of ritual impurity. This impurity is not just physical but also spiritual, necessitating a process of cleansing. It serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the need for atonement and purification, pointing ultimately to the redemptive work of Christ, who cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites on how to live a holy life.

2. Israelites
The recipients of the Levitical laws, including the laws of cleanliness and uncleanliness.

3. Springs and Cisterns
Natural and man-made sources of water that are considered clean despite contact with unclean things.

4. Carcass
The dead body of an animal, which is considered unclean and can transmit impurity.

5. Priests
The mediators of the law who would have been responsible for teaching and enforcing these cleanliness laws.

Teaching Points

Understanding Cleanliness
The distinction between clean and unclean in Leviticus highlights God's holiness and the need for His people to be set apart. This calls us to examine our own lives for spiritual purity.

Symbolism of Water
Water is a powerful symbol of cleansing and life throughout Scripture. Just as physical water cleanses, we are called to seek spiritual cleansing through Christ, the living water.

Holiness in Daily Life
The laws of cleanliness remind us that holiness should permeate every aspect of our lives, not just our religious practices. We are called to live in a way that reflects God's purity.

Community Responsibility
The laws were given to the community of Israel, emphasizing that holiness is a communal responsibility. We are called to support one another in living lives that honor God.

Spiritual Renewal
Just as water sources were to remain clean, we are reminded of the need for continual spiritual renewal through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of cleanliness in Leviticus 11:36 relate to our understanding of spiritual purity today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of being set apart for God in our daily lives?

3. How does the symbolism of water in the Bible enhance our understanding of spiritual cleansing and renewal?

4. What role does community play in helping us maintain spiritual purity, and how can we support one another in this?

5. How can we ensure that our spiritual "springs and cisterns" remain clean and life-giving in our walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 19:15
Discusses the laws of purification, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and the procedures for purification.

John 4:10-14
Jesus speaks of living water, symbolizing spiritual purity and eternal life, contrasting with the physical purity laws of the Old Testament.

Psalm 1:3
Describes a righteous person as a tree planted by streams of water, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and purity.

Ezekiel 36:25-27
God promises to cleanse His people with clean water, symbolizing spiritual renewal and purity.

Revelation 22:1
Describes the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God, symbolizing ultimate purity and life.