Leviticus 11:31

These animals are unclean for you among all the crawling creatures. Whoever touches them when they are dead shall be unclean until evening.

Study Bible

These are unclean for you
The phrase "These are unclean for you" establishes a clear distinction between what is considered pure and impure according to the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word for "unclean" is "טָמֵא" (tamei), which implies a state of ritual impurity. This concept of uncleanness is not merely about physical dirtiness but is deeply rooted in the spiritual and ceremonial life of Israel. It reflects God's desire for His people to be set apart, emphasizing holiness and the need for separation from anything that defiles. The laws of clean and unclean animals serve as a constant reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God and their call to live distinctively.

among all the swarming creatures
The term "swarming creatures" refers to small animals that move in large numbers, often on the ground or in the water. The Hebrew word "שֶׁרֶץ" (sheretz) is used here, which can denote creatures that swarm or teem. This includes insects, rodents, and other small animals. In the ancient Near Eastern context, these creatures were often associated with chaos and disorder, contrasting with the order and holiness God desired for His people. By declaring these creatures unclean, God was teaching the Israelites to discern and avoid spiritual chaos and impurity.

Whoever touches them when they are dead
The act of touching a dead swarming creature results in uncleanness, highlighting the importance of life and the aversion to death in the Hebrew culture. The Hebrew verb "נָגַע" (naga) means "to touch" and implies a direct physical contact that results in ritual impurity. This regulation underscores the sanctity of life and the separation from death, which is seen as a consequence of sin. It serves as a metaphor for the spiritual contamination that comes from engaging with sin and death, urging the Israelites to maintain purity in their daily lives.

will be unclean until evening
The phrase "will be unclean until evening" indicates a temporary state of impurity. The Hebrew word "עַד" (ad) means "until," and "עֶרֶב" (erev) means "evening." This time frame suggests a period of reflection and purification, allowing the individual to return to a state of ritual cleanliness. The evening marks the beginning of a new day in the Hebrew calendar, symbolizing renewal and restoration. This temporary uncleanness serves as a reminder of the need for continual cleansing and the hope of restoration through God's provision. It points forward to the ultimate purification and redemption found in Christ, who cleanses believers from all unrighteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses and Aaron
The primary recipients of the laws in Leviticus, tasked with communicating God's commandments to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are given these laws to maintain holiness and purity.

3. Swarming Creatures
Refers to various small animals and insects that move in large numbers, considered unclean under Mosaic Law.

4. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites received the Law, emphasizing their journey and dependence on God.

5. The Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where purity laws were especially significant.

Teaching Points

Understanding Holiness
The laws in Leviticus, including those about unclean animals, were given to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation. This underscores the importance of holiness in our lives today.

Symbolism of Cleanliness
The distinction between clean and unclean animals symbolizes the separation between sin and righteousness. Believers are called to discern and avoid spiritual impurity.

Temporary vs. Eternal Purity
The uncleanness from touching dead creatures was temporary, lasting until evening. This points to the temporary nature of ceremonial laws compared to the eternal purity found in Christ.

Respect for God's Commands
The detailed laws in Leviticus demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's commands, encouraging believers to respect and follow God's Word diligently.

Community and Contamination
The laws about uncleanness also served to protect the community from physical and spiritual contamination, reminding us of our responsibility to maintain purity within the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the laws about clean and unclean animals in Leviticus 11:31 reflect God's desire for His people to be set apart?

2. In what ways can the principles of cleanliness and holiness in Leviticus be applied to our spiritual lives today?

3. How does the New Testament teaching on food and purity (e.g., Acts 10, Mark 7) expand or transform the understanding of Leviticus 11:31?

4. What are some modern "unclean" influences that believers should be cautious of, and how can we guard against them?

5. How can the concept of community purity in Leviticus 11:31 inform our interactions and relationships within the church today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:24-25
Discusses the creation of animals, including those that swarm, highlighting God's sovereignty over all creatures.

Acts 10:9-16
Peter's vision of clean and unclean animals, illustrating the shift from Old Testament dietary laws to New Testament freedom in Christ.

Mark 7:14-23
Jesus teaches that what defiles a person comes from within, not from external sources, pointing to a deeper understanding of purity.

Romans 14:14-20
Paul discusses the freedom believers have regarding food, emphasizing love and consideration for others' consciences.

1 Peter 1:15-16
Calls believers to be holy in all conduct, reflecting the holiness God required of the Israelites.