Leviticus 11:8

You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.

Study Bible

You must not eat their meat
This command is part of the dietary laws given to the Israelites, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals. These laws served to set Israel apart from other nations, emphasizing holiness and obedience to God. The prohibition against eating certain meats is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting the importance of purity and separation from pagan practices. In the New Testament, Jesus declares all foods clean (Mark 7:18-19), symbolizing the new covenant and the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people.

or touch their carcasses;
Touching the carcasses of unclean animals rendered a person ceremonially unclean, requiring purification rituals. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness, where contact with death or impurity necessitates cleansing. The emphasis on avoiding defilement underscores the need for spiritual purity and the separation from sin. In the New Testament, the concept of spiritual cleanliness is expanded, with believers called to be holy in all conduct (1 Peter 1:15-16).

they are unclean for you.
The designation of certain animals as unclean is a divine ordinance, not based on health or hygiene, but on God's sovereign choice. This distinction teaches the Israelites about the nature of sin and the need for discernment in their daily lives. The unclean animals symbolize spiritual impurity, reminding the Israelites of their call to be a holy nation. In the New Testament, the focus shifts from external observance to internal purity, with Jesus emphasizing the importance of the heart (Matthew 15:11).

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 clean and unclean animals were given.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God delivered the laws to Moses, including dietary laws.

4. Clean and Unclean Animals
Categories of animals defined by God, distinguishing what the Israelites could and could not eat.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites received these laws during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
The dietary laws were a means to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation. As Christians, we are called to live distinct lives that reflect God's holiness.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were required to obey God's laws as an act of faith and trust. Similarly, Christians are called to obey God's Word, trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty.

Symbolism of Purity
The concept of clean and unclean animals symbolizes the importance of spiritual purity. Christians are encouraged to pursue purity in thought, word, and deed.

Cultural and Historical Context
Understanding the historical context of these laws helps us appreciate their significance for the Israelites and their fulfillment in Christ.

Freedom in Christ
While the dietary laws were specific to the Israelites, Christians are reminded of their freedom in Christ, who has fulfilled the law and offers a new covenant of grace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the dietary laws in Leviticus 11:8 reflect God's desire for His people to be set apart?

2. In what ways can Christians today apply the principle of holiness in their daily lives?

3. How does the New Testament teaching on clean and unclean foods (e.g., Acts 10) impact our understanding of Leviticus 11:8?

4. What are some modern-day "unclean" influences that Christians should avoid to maintain spiritual purity?

5. How can understanding the historical and cultural context of Leviticus enhance our appreciation of God's Word and its application today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 7
The distinction between clean and unclean animals is first mentioned in the context of Noah's Ark, indicating an early understanding of these categories.

Acts 10
Peter's vision of clean and unclean animals, which signifies the removal of dietary restrictions for Christians and the inclusion of Gentiles.

Mark 7
Jesus teaches that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out, indicating a shift from external to internal purity.

1 Peter 1:16
The call to holiness, reflecting the underlying principle of the dietary laws to set God's people apart.