Leviticus 11:28

and anyone who picks up a carcass must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean until evening. They are unclean for you.

Study Bible

The carcass of any such animal
The term "carcass" refers to the dead body of an animal. In the Hebrew context, the word used is "נְבֵלָה" (nevelah), which signifies something that has died of itself, without being slaughtered for food. This distinction is crucial in the Levitical laws, as it separates what is considered clean and unclean. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for God, and this included their dietary practices. The carcass of an animal that was not slaughtered according to God's laws was deemed unclean, symbolizing spiritual impurity and separation from God.

will be unclean for you
The concept of "unclean" in Hebrew is "טָמֵא" (tamei), which means ritually impure. This impurity was not just a physical state but a spiritual one, affecting one's ability to participate in communal worship and activities. The Israelites were to maintain a state of ritual purity to approach God, and touching an unclean carcass would disrupt this state. This law served as a constant reminder of the holiness required to be in God's presence and the need for spiritual cleanliness.

anyone who touches it
Touching the carcass of an unclean animal rendered a person unclean. This highlights the importance of personal responsibility in maintaining purity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, touch was a powerful symbol of connection and transfer. By touching something unclean, a person symbolically transferred that impurity to themselves. This law underscores the need for vigilance and intentionality in one's actions to remain in a state of holiness.

must wash his clothes
Washing clothes was a symbolic act of purification. In the Hebrew tradition, water is often associated with cleansing and renewal. The act of washing one's clothes after touching an unclean carcass was a physical representation of the spiritual cleansing required to restore purity. This practice pointed forward to the New Testament understanding of spiritual cleansing through Christ, who washes away our sins and impurities.

and he will be unclean until evening
The phrase "until evening" indicates a temporary state of impurity. In the Hebrew calendar, a new day begins at sunset, symbolizing a fresh start and renewal. This temporary uncleanliness served as a reminder of the grace and mercy of God, who provides a way for His people to be restored to purity. It also foreshadows the ultimate cleansing and renewal found in Jesus Christ, who offers eternal purification and reconciliation with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
- The primary human author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites.

2. Israelites
- The chosen people of God, to whom the laws of cleanliness and uncleanliness were given.

3. The Wilderness
- The setting where the Israelites received the law, emphasizing their journey and dependence on God.

4. Clean and Unclean Animals
- The focus of Leviticus 11, detailing which animals are permissible to eat and which are not.

5. Evening
- The time by which a person who has become unclean is considered clean again, symbolizing a new beginning.

Teaching Points

Understanding Ritual Purity
The laws of cleanliness in Leviticus highlight the holiness of God and the need for His people to be set apart.

Symbolism of Washing
Washing clothes symbolizes the need for spiritual cleansing, pointing to the deeper need for purification from sin.

Temporary vs. Permanent Cleansing
The temporary nature of being unclean until evening foreshadows the permanent cleansing available through Christ.

Holiness in Daily Life
The call to avoid uncleanliness reminds believers to pursue holiness in all aspects of life, reflecting God's character.

Transformation through Christ
The fulfillment of the law in Christ invites believers to live in the freedom of grace, while still honoring the principles of holiness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of ritual purity in Leviticus 11:28 reflect the holiness of God, and how can we apply this understanding to our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the requirement to wash clothes and wait until evening before becoming clean again point to the need for spiritual renewal?

3. How do the dietary laws in Leviticus 11, including verse 28, find their fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in Acts 10 and Mark 7?

4. What are some practical ways we can pursue holiness in our lives today, in light of the principles found in Leviticus 11:28?

5. How does the concept of temporary uncleanliness until evening in Leviticus 11:28 help us appreciate the permanent cleansing offered through Jesus Christ, as described in 1 John 1:9?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:31
- God's creation was initially declared "very good," but the fall introduced sin and corruption, necessitating laws of cleanliness.

Acts 10:9-16
- Peter's vision, where God declares all foods clean, showing the fulfillment and transformation of the Old Testament dietary laws in Christ.

Hebrews 10:1
- The law as a shadow of good things to come, pointing to the ultimate cleansing through Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:9
- The promise of cleansing from sin through confession, paralleling the temporary cleansing rituals of the Old Testament.

Mark 7:18-23
- Jesus' teaching that true defilement comes from within, not from external sources, shifting the focus from ritual purity to heart purity.