Leviticus 11:8
Leviticus 11:8 in Multiple Translations
You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.
Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.
Of their flesh ye shall not eat, and their carcasses ye shall not touch; they are unclean unto you.
Their flesh may not be used for food, and their dead bodies may not even be touched; they are unclean to you.
You are not to eat their meat or touch their dead bodies. They are unclean for you.
Of their flesh shall yee not eate, and their carkeise shall yee not touch: for they shall bee vncleane to you.
'Of their flesh ye do not eat, and against their carcase ye do not come — unclean they [are] to you.
You shall not eat their meat. You shall not touch their carcasses. They are unclean to you.
Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.
The flesh of these you shall not eat, nor shall you touch their carcasses, because they are unclean to you.
All of those animals are unacceptable for you, so you must not eat their meat or even touch their carcasses.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 11:8
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 11:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/בְּשָׂרָ/ם֙
לֹ֣א
תֹאכֵ֔לוּ
וּ/בְ/נִבְלָתָ֖/ם
לֹ֣א
תִגָּ֑עוּ
טְמֵאִ֥ים
הֵ֖ם
לָ/כֶֽם
מִ/בְּשָׂרָ/ם֙
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֹאכֵ֔לוּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וּ/בְ/נִבְלָתָ֖/ם
nᵉbêlâh
H5038
carcass
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִגָּ֑עוּ
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
טְמֵאִ֥ים
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
unclean
Adj
הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
לָ/כֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 11:8
מִ/בְּשָׂרָ/ם֙
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֹאכֵ֔לוּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וּ/בְ/נִבְלָתָ֖/ם
nᵉbêlâh
H5038
"carcass"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a dead body or carcass, whether human or animal, often translated as 'dead body' or 'carcass'. It can also symbolize an idol.
Definition: 1) carcass, corpse 1a) of humans, idols, animals
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (dead) body, (dead) carcase, dead of itself, which died, (beast) that (which) dieth of itself. See also: Leviticus 5:2; Joshua 8:29; Psalms 79:2.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִגָּ֑עוּ
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
טְמֵאִ֥ים
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
"unclean"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be unclean in a spiritual sense, often due to sin or impurity, as seen in Leviticus. It can refer to people, places, or things. The concept is key to understanding biblical purity laws.
Definition: 1) unclean, impure 1a) ethically and religiously 1b) ritually 1c) of places
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: defiled, [phrase] infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean. See also: Leviticus 5:2; Numbers 9:6; Isaiah 6:5.
הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
לָ/כֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Leviticus 11:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 11:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 11:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:8
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 11:8
- Sermons on Leviticus 11:8
Context — Clean and Unclean Animals
6The rabbit, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you.
7And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.
8You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.
9Of all the creatures that live in the water, whether in the seas or in the streams, you may eat anything with fins and scales. 10But the following among all the teeming life and creatures in the water are detestable to you: everything in the seas or streams that does not have fins and scales.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 52:11 | Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. |
| 2 | Colossians 2:16 | Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. |
| 3 | Hebrews 9:10 | They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform. |
| 4 | Hosea 9:3 | They will not remain in the land of the LORD; Ephraim will return to Egypt and eat unclean food in Assyria. |
| 5 | Leviticus 5:2 | Or if a person touches anything unclean—whether the carcass of any unclean wild animal or livestock or crawling creature—even if he is unaware of it, he is unclean and guilty. |
| 6 | Ephesians 5:7 | Therefore do not be partakers with them. |
| 7 | Mark 7:2 | and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 8:8 | But food does not bring us closer to God: We are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. |
| 9 | Acts 10:10–15 | He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air. Then a voice said to him: “Get up, Peter, kill and eat!” “No, Lord!” Peter answered. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” |
| 10 | Acts 15:29 | You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell. |
Leviticus 11:8 Summary
Leviticus 11:8 teaches us that, as God's people, we are called to live a life of separation from the world and to be mindful of the things we allow into our lives, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1. This verse specifically warns against eating the meat of unclean animals or touching their carcasses, because these animals were not set apart for God's purposes (as mentioned in Deuteronomy 14:3-21). In simple terms, this means that we should be careful about what we allow into our lives, whether it's the food we eat, the company we keep, or the activities we engage in, and strive to live a life that honors God, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8. By doing so, we can maintain a sense of spiritual purity and live a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in Psalm 119:9-16 and Jeremiah 32:38-41.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Israelites commanded not to eat the meat of unclean animals?
The Israelites were commanded not to eat the meat of unclean animals because these animals were not set apart for their consumption, as seen in Leviticus 11:8, and were considered defiled, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 14:3-21.
What does it mean to be 'unclean' in the context of Leviticus 11:8?
To be 'unclean' in this context means to be ritually impure, or not set apart for God's purposes, as explained in Leviticus 11:1-47 and supported by Ezekiel 22:26, which highlights the distinction between the holy and the common.
Are the dietary laws in Leviticus 11:8 still applicable to Christians today?
While the specific dietary laws in Leviticus 11:8 are not directly applicable to Christians today, as seen in Romans 14:1-23 and Galatians 3:23-29, the underlying principle of being separate from the world and living a life of holiness still applies, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1.
How does the concept of 'uncleanness' in Leviticus 11:8 relate to our spiritual lives?
The concept of 'uncleanness' in Leviticus 11:8 reminds us that, as believers, we are called to live a life of spiritual purity, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, and to separate ourselves from the defiling influences of the world, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:13-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can apply the principle of separation from the world in my own life, as hinted at in Leviticus 11:8?
- How can I ensure that my daily choices and actions reflect a desire to be set apart for God's purposes, as seen in Romans 12:1-2?
- In what ways can I use my daily interactions and decisions to glorify God and maintain a sense of spiritual purity, as mentioned in Colossians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:31?
- What are some potential 'unclean' influences in my life that I need to avoid or remove, as warned against in 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 and Ephesians 5:3-14?
- How can I cultivate a sense of reverence and respect for God's laws and principles, as demonstrated in Psalm 119:9-16 and Jeremiah 32:38-41?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:8
Of their flesh shall ye not eat,.... Meaning, not of swine only, but of the camel, coney, and hare: and their carcass shall ye not touch; which must not be understood of touching them in any sense;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:8
Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 11:8
Ye shall not touch, to wit, in order to eating, as may be gathered by comparing this with . For since the fat and the skins of some of the forbidden creatures were useful for medicinal and other good uses, and were used by good men; see ; it is not probable that God would have them cast away. Thus God forbad the making of images, Exodus 20, not absolutely and universally, but in order to the worshipping of them, as Christian interpreters agree. Or, they were here forbidden to touch them, to wit, unnecessarily; and if he that touched them for some necessary use were polluted by it, it was but a slight and transient pollution, ending at evening, as appears from ,25, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:8
Leviticus 11:8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they [are] unclean to you.Ver. 8. Of their flesh shall ye not eat.] Not above the quantity of an olive, say the Jew doctors, who will needs be mending magnificat, adding to the law.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:8
(8) Of their flesh ye shall not eat.—During the second Temple the prohibition was defined to extend to the smallest quantity. If any one ate a piece of flesh less even than the size of an olive he was chastised with stripes. And their carcase shall ye not touch.—As contact with a human dead body, which was regarded as the most defiling of all, was only forbidden to the priests (see Leviticus 21:1-3), hence the prohibition here addressed to the whole nation was interpreted during the second Temple to apply simply to the occasions when the Israelites came to Jerusalem on the pilgrimage festivals. Contact with a carcase of an unclean animal on these visits precluded the worshipper from entering the sanctuary, from touching sacred things, and from partaking of the sacrificial meats.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 11:8
8. their carcases ye shall not touch] The word carcase is the same as that translated ‘that which dieth of itself’ (Leviticus 17:15; Deuteronomy 14:21). Here and in Deuteronomy 14:8 contact with the dead bodies of these unclean animals is prohibited.
Sermons on Leviticus 11:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Regeneration & Self-Denial by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of churches abandoning biblical terminology and relying on church growth methodologies. He emphasizes the need for truth that goes b |
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(Secret of Paul's Authority) 2. Paul Kept His Conscience Clean by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a godly cobbler who refused to compromise his work for the sake of making more money. The cobbler's assistant suggests using old le |
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Rise and Shine 1999 Conference-38 Raising the Level of Public Ministry by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving one's best in preparing the message. He shares an example of a well-known radio preacher who spends 10 hours a day f |
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The Book of Daniel by G.H. Lang | F.F. Bruce commends G.H. Lang's work on the Old Testament Apocalypse, emphasizing its relevance in times of crisis and upheaval. Lang focuses on the spiritual and prophetic lessons |
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Separation From the Ungodly World by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the necessity of separation from the ungodly world, urging believers to recognize their distinct identity as God's chosen people. He highlights that whi |
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Early Lessons for Christ's Disciples by Raymond Golsworthy | Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the lessons from Mark 1:16-45, focusing on the events that followed Christ's call to His first disciples. The sermon highlights seven vital spiritual |
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Experiences Concerning Things Relating to God's Everlasting Kingdom by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches about the importance of true separation from the spirit, ways, and worships of the world in order to be true worshippers of God. He emphasizes the necessit |