Leviticus 11:46
Leviticus 11:46 in Multiple Translations
This is the law regarding animals, birds, all living creatures that move in the water, and all creatures that crawl along the ground.
This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:
This is the law of the beast, and of the bird, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth;
This is the law about beasts and birds and every living thing moving in the waters, and every living thing which goes flat on the earth:
These are the regulations about animals, birds, everything that lives in the water, and all animals that crawl along the ground.
This is the law of beasts, and of foules, and of euery liuing thing that moueth in the waters, and of euery thing that creepeth vpon the earth:
'This [is] a law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature which is moving in the waters, and of every creature which is teeming on the earth,
“‘This is the law of the animal, and of the bird, and of every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps on the earth,
This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth;
You shall be holy, because I am holy. This is the law of beasts and fowls, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and creepeth on the earth:
'Those are the regulations concerning animals and birds, all the living creatures that live in water or scurry across the ground.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 11:46
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 11:46 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זֹ֣את
תּוֹרַ֤ת
הַ/בְּהֵמָה֙
וְ/הָ/ע֔וֹף
וְ/כֹל֙
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
הַֽ/חַיָּ֔ה
הָ/רֹמֶ֖שֶׂת
בַּ/מָּ֑יִם
וּ/לְ/כָל
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
הַ/שֹּׁרֶ֥צֶת
עַל
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
זֹ֣את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
תּוֹרַ֤ת
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs
הַ/בְּהֵמָה֙
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
Art | N-fs
וְ/הָ/ע֔וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
bird
Conj | Art | N-ms
וְ/כֹל֙
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
הַֽ/חַיָּ֔ה
chay
H2416
alive
Art | Adj
הָ/רֹמֶ֖שֶׂת
râmas
H7430
to creep
Art | V-Qal
בַּ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
וּ/לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | Prep | N-ms
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
הַ/שֹּׁרֶ֥צֶת
shârats
H8317
to swarm
Art | V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 11:46
זֹ֣את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
תּוֹרַ֤ת
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
הַ/בְּהֵמָה֙
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
Art | N-fs
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
וְ/הָ/ע֔וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
"bird"
Conj | Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word simply means a bird, like the ones that fly in the sky. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms, often symbolizing freedom.
Definition: 1) flying creatures, fowl, insects, birds 1a) fowl, birds 1b) winged insects Aramaic equivalent: oph (עוֹף "bird" H5776)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: bird, that flieth, flying, fowl. See also: Genesis 1:20; 1 Samuel 17:46; Psalms 50:11.
וְ/כֹל֙
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
הַֽ/חַיָּ֔ה
chay
H2416
"alive"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
הָ/רֹמֶ֖שֶׂת
râmas
H7430
"to creep"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to creep or move lightly, often used to describe the movement of animals. It appears in the Bible to describe the action of creeping things, such as insects or reptiles. In KJV translations, it is rendered as 'creep' or 'move'.
Definition: 1) to creep, move lightly, move about, walk on all fours 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to creep, teem (of all creeping things) 1a2) to creep (of animals) 1a3) to move lightly, glide about (of water animals) 1a4) to move about (of all land animals generally)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: creep, move. See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 8:19; Psalms 69:35.
בַּ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וּ/לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
הַ/שֹּׁרֶ֥צֶת
shârats
H8317
"to swarm"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to swarm or abound, and is used in the Bible to describe the multiplication of living things, like in Genesis 8:17. It can also mean to breed or increase, and is often associated with the abundance of God's creation. The word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to teem, swarm, multiply 1a) to swarm, teem 1b2) to swarm
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: breed (bring forth, increase) abundantly (in abundance), creep, move. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 11:29; Psalms 105:30.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Leviticus 11:46
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 11:46 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:46
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:46
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:46
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:46
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 11:46
- Sermons on Leviticus 11:46
Context — Clean and Unclean Animals
44For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any creature that crawls along the ground.
45For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt so that I would be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
46This is the law regarding animals, birds, all living creatures that move in the water, and all creatures that crawl along the ground.
47You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 14:54 | This is the law for any infectious skin disease, for a scaly outbreak, |
| 2 | Leviticus 15:32 | This is the law of him who has a discharge, of the man who has an emission of semen whereby he is unclean, |
| 3 | Ezekiel 43:12 | This is the law of the temple: All its surrounding territory on top of the mountain will be most holy. Yes, this is the law of the temple. |
| 4 | Leviticus 7:37 | This is the law of the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering, and the peace offering, |
Leviticus 11:46 Summary
Leviticus 11:46 is a summary of the laws God gave to the Israelites about animals, birds, and other creatures, reminding them to distinguish between clean and unclean things. This was important for the Israelites because it helped them remember to be holy, just like God is holy, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45. As Christians, we can learn from this principle by seeking to live a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16, and by remembering that our actions and choices have consequences. By following God's commands and living a life of obedience, we can show our love and respect for Him, just like the Israelites were called to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of Leviticus 11:46?
Leviticus 11:46 serves as a summary statement for the laws regarding animals, birds, and creatures that move in the water or crawl along the ground, as given by God to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between clean and unclean creatures, as seen in Leviticus 11:47 and Deuteronomy 14:3-21.
How does this verse relate to the concept of holiness in the Bible?
This verse is connected to the idea of holiness, as God commands the Israelites to be holy because He is holy, as stated in Leviticus 11:44-45, and this includes obeying the laws regarding clean and unclean creatures, which is also reflected in Leviticus 20:25-26.
Is this verse still relevant to Christians today?
While the specific laws regarding clean and unclean creatures in Leviticus 11:46 may not directly apply to Christians today, the principle of seeking to please God and live a life of holiness, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16, is still highly relevant and important for believers.
What can we learn from the context of this verse?
The context of Leviticus 11:46, surrounded by verses emphasizing God's holiness and the importance of the Israelites' consecration, reminds us that our obedience to God's commands is a response to His love and redemption, as seen in Exodus 20:2 and Deuteronomy 5:6, and is essential for living a life that honors Him.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of distinguishing between clean and unclean things in my own life, beyond just the context of food or animals?
- What does it mean for me to 'be holy, because God is holy', as stated in Leviticus 11:44-45, and how can I live this out in my daily life?
- In what ways can I use the laws and principles given in Leviticus 11:46 as a starting point for exploring the character and nature of God, and how He wants me to live?
- How can I balance the idea of being 'set apart' as a Christian, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, with the need to engage with the world around me?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:46
This [is] the law of the beasts,.... Clean and unclean, what were to be eaten, and what not, and of the fowl; Leviticus 11:2 the unclean ones, which are particularly mentioned that they might be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:46
Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:46
Leviticus 11:46 This [is] the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:Ver. 46. This is the law of the beasts.] Grounded upon right reason, however it may seem otherwise, as is also every other law of God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:46
(46) This is the law of the beasts.—This is a recapitulation of the different classes of animals proscribed in the dietary laws. It will, however, be seen that in this summary they are not enumerated in the same order in which they are discussed in the chapter before us. In the dietary law the order of the four classes is as follows :—(1) the land animals, (2) the water animals, (3) the birds of the air, and (4) the swarming animals; whilst the order of the summary is:—(1) the land animals, (2) the birds of the air, (3) the water animals, and (4) the swarming animals. Exactly the same is the case in the summary of the sacrificial law. (See Leviticus 7:37-38.)
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 11:46
46, 47. Summary. It refers only to the rules about eating, and so makes no reference to Leviticus 11:24-30. See App. I (c).
Sermons on Leviticus 11:46
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Law of the House (Ezekiel 43:1-12) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the spiritual temple revealed to Ezekiel, symbolizing God's intention for His people to be His dwelling place, starting from Adam to Christ, the first |
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The Cry of the Prophets for Holiness by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the urgent call for holiness as expressed by the prophets, contrasting the old and new dispensations. He highlights how the early church was challenged |
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God Dwells in a Home Where There Is Peace, Humility and Holiness by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes that God desires to dwell in homes characterized by peace, humility, and holiness. He explains that a true sanctuary is not just a physical structure but a pl |