Leviticus 20:25
Leviticus 20:25 in Multiple Translations
You are therefore to distinguish between clean and unclean animals and birds. Do not become contaminated by any animal or bird, or by anything that crawls on the ground; I have set these apart as unclean for you.
Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean.
Ye shall therefore make a distinction between the clean beast and the unclean, and between the unclean fowl and the clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by bird, or by anything wherewith the ground teemeth, which I have separated from you as unclean.
So then, make division between the clean beast and the unclean, and between the clean bird and the unclean: do not make yourselves disgusting by any beast or bird or anything which goes flat on the earth, which has been marked by me as unclean for you.
So make sure you observe the difference between clean and unclean animals and birds. Don't make yourselves unclean because of any animal or bird, or by anything that runs along the ground. I have made the difference clear: they are unclean for you.
Therefore shall ye put difference betweene cleane beastes and vncleane, and betweene vncleane foules and cleane: neither shall ye defile your selues with beastes and foules, nor with any creeping thing, that ye ground bringeth forth, which I haue separated from you as vncleane.
'And ye have made separation between the pure beasts and the unclean, and between the unclean fowl and the pure, and ye do not make yourselves abominable by beast or by fowl, or by anything which creepeth [on] the ground which I have separated to you for unclean;
“‘You shall therefore make a distinction between the clean animal and the unclean, and between the unclean fowl and the clean. You shall not make yourselves abominable by animal, or by bird, or by anything with which the ground teems, which I have separated from you as unclean for you.
Ye shall therefore distinguish between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast or by fowl, or by any manner of living animal that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean.
Therefore do you also separate the clean beast from the unclean, and the clean fowl from the unclean: defile not your souls with beasts, or birds, or any things that move on the earth, and which I have shewn you to be unclean.
‘So you must distinguish between birds and animals that are unacceptable to me and those that are acceptable to me. Do not defile yourselves by eating birds or animals, or anything that scurries across the ground, that I have said are unacceptable for you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:25
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 20:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִבְדַּלְתֶּ֞ם
בֵּֽין
הַ/בְּהֵמָ֤ה
הַ/טְּהֹרָה֙
לַ/טְּמֵאָ֔ה
וּ/בֵין
הָ/ע֥וֹף
הַ/טָּמֵ֖א
לַ/טָּהֹ֑ר
וְ/לֹֽא
תְשַׁקְּצ֨וּ
אֶת
נַפְשֹֽׁתֵי/כֶ֜ם
בַּ/בְּהֵמָ֣ה
וּ/בָ/ע֗וֹף
וּ/בְ/כֹל֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
תִּרְמֹ֣שׂ
הָֽ/אֲדָמָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁר
הִבְדַּ֥לְתִּי
לָ/כֶ֖ם
לְ/טַמֵּֽא
וְ/הִבְדַּלְתֶּ֞ם
bâdal
H914
to separate
Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp
בֵּֽין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
הַ/בְּהֵמָ֤ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
Art | N-fs
הַ/טְּהֹרָה֙
ṭâhôwr
H2889
pure
Art | Adj
לַ/טְּמֵאָ֔ה
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
unclean
Prep | Adj
וּ/בֵין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
הָ/ע֥וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
bird
Art | N-ms
הַ/טָּמֵ֖א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
unclean
Art | Adj
לַ/טָּהֹ֑ר
ṭâhôwr
H2889
pure
Prep | Adj
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תְשַׁקְּצ֨וּ
shâqats
H8262
to detest
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נַפְשֹֽׁתֵי/כֶ֜ם
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cp | Suff
בַּ/בְּהֵמָ֣ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
Prep | N-fs
וּ/בָ/ע֗וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
bird
Conj | Prep | N-ms
וּ/בְ/כֹל֙
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תִּרְמֹ֣שׂ
râmas
H7430
to creep
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
הָֽ/אֲדָמָ֔ה
ʼădâmâh
H127
land
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הִבְדַּ֥לְתִּי
bâdal
H914
to separate
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
לָ/כֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
לְ/טַמֵּֽא
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:25
וְ/הִבְדַּלְתֶּ֞ם
bâdal
H914
"to separate"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp
This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to divide, separate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to divide, separate, sever 1a2) to separate, set apart 1a3) to make a distinction, difference 1a4) to divide into parts 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2) 1b2) to withdraw from 1b3) to separate oneself unto 1b4) to be separated 1b5) to be excluded 1b6) to be set apart
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 1:4; Deuteronomy 29:20; Isaiah 56:3.
בֵּֽין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/בְּהֵמָ֤ה
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.
הַ/טְּהֹרָה֙
ṭâhôwr
H2889
"pure"
Art | Adj
Tahor means pure or clean, and can refer to physical, moral, or ceremonial purity. In the Bible, it describes clean animals and morally upright people. It is often used to describe something as fair or pure.
Definition: 1) pure, clean 1a) clean (ceremonially-of animals) 1b) pure (physically) 1c) pure, clean (morally, ethically)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: clean, fair, pure(-ness). See also: Genesis 7:2; Leviticus 13:40; Psalms 12:7.
לַ/טְּמֵאָ֔ה
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
"unclean"
Prep | 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.
וּ/בֵין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הָ/ע֥וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
"bird"
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.
הַ/טָּמֵ֖א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
"unclean"
Art | 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.
לַ/טָּהֹ֑ר
ṭâhôwr
H2889
"pure"
Prep | Adj
Tahor means pure or clean, and can refer to physical, moral, or ceremonial purity. In the Bible, it describes clean animals and morally upright people. It is often used to describe something as fair or pure.
Definition: 1) pure, clean 1a) clean (ceremonially-of animals) 1b) pure (physically) 1c) pure, clean (morally, ethically)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: clean, fair, pure(-ness). See also: Genesis 7:2; Leviticus 13:40; Psalms 12:7.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
תְשַׁקְּצ֨וּ
shâqats
H8262
"to detest"
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp
To detest or loathe something is the meaning of this word, as seen in Psalm 119:163 where the writer hates falsehood. It involves strong feelings of dislike or disgust.
Definition: 1) (Piel) to detest, make abominable, count filthy, make detestable 1a) to detest 1b) to make detestable
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: abhor, make abominable, have in abomination, detest, [idiom] utterly. See also: Leviticus 11:11; Leviticus 20:25; Psalms 22:25.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נַפְשֹֽׁתֵי/כֶ֜ם
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cp | Suff
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.
בַּ/בְּהֵמָ֣ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
Prep | 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.
וּ/בָ/ע֗וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
"bird"
Conj | Prep | 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.
וּ/בְ/כֹל֙
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.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תִּרְמֹ֣שׂ
râmas
H7430
"to creep"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
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.
הָֽ/אֲדָמָ֔ה
ʼădâmâh
H127
"land"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.
Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הִבְדַּ֥לְתִּי
bâdal
H914
"to separate"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to divide, separate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to divide, separate, sever 1a2) to separate, set apart 1a3) to make a distinction, difference 1a4) to divide into parts 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2) 1b2) to withdraw from 1b3) to separate oneself unto 1b4) to be separated 1b5) to be excluded 1b6) to be set apart
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 1:4; Deuteronomy 29:20; Isaiah 56:3.
לָ/כֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/טַמֵּֽא
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
Study Notes — Leviticus 20:25
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Context — Distinguish between Clean and Unclean
23You must not follow the statutes of the nations I am driving out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them.
24But I have told you that you will inherit their land, since I will give it to you as an inheritance—a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the LORD your God, who has set you apart from the peoples.
25You are therefore to distinguish between clean and unclean animals and birds. Do not become contaminated by any animal or bird, or by anything that crawls on the ground; I have set these apart as unclean for you.
26You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own. 27A man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist must surely be put to death. They shall be stoned; their blood is upon them.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 14:3–21 | You must not eat any detestable thing. These are the animals that you may eat: The ox, the sheep, the goat, the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep. You may eat any animal that has a split hoof divided in two and that chews the cud. But of those that chew the cud or have a completely divided hoof, you are not to eat the following: the camel, the rabbit, or the rock badger. Although they chew the cud, they do not have a divided hoof. They are unclean for you, as well as the pig; though it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. It is unclean for you. You must not eat its meat or touch its carcass. Of all the creatures that live in the water, you may eat anything with fins and scales, but you may not eat anything that does not have fins and scales; it is unclean for you. You may eat any clean bird, but these you may not eat: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, the falcon, any kind of kite, any kind of raven, the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, or the bat. All flying insects are unclean for you; they may not be eaten. But you may eat any clean bird. You are not to eat any carcass; you may give it to the foreigner residing within your gates, and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. For you are a holy people belonging to the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk. |
| 2 | Leviticus 11:1–47 | The LORD spoke again to Moses and Aaron, telling them, “Say to the Israelites, ‘Of all the beasts of the earth, these ones you may eat: You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud. But of those that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof, you are not to eat the following: The camel, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you. The rock badger, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you. The rabbit, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you. And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you. Of all the creatures that live in the water, whether in the seas or in the streams, you may eat anything with fins and scales. But 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. They shall be an abomination to you; you must not eat their meat, and you must detest their carcasses. Everything in the water that does not have fins and scales shall be detestable to you. Additionally, you are to detest the following birds, and they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the kite, any kind of falcon, any kind of raven, the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat. All flying insects that walk on all fours are detestable to you. However, you may eat the following kinds of flying insects that walk on all fours: those having jointed legs above their feet for hopping on the ground. Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper. All other flying insects that have four legs are detestable to you. These creatures will make you unclean. Whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean until evening, and whoever picks up one of their carcasses must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean until evening. Every animal with hooves not completely divided or that does not chew the cud is unclean for you. Whoever touches any of them will be unclean. All the four-footed animals that walk on their paws are unclean for you; whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean until evening, and anyone who picks up a carcass must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean until evening. They are unclean for you. The following creatures that move along the ground are unclean for you: the mole, the mouse, any kind of great lizard, the gecko, the monitor lizard, the common lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. These animals are unclean for you among all the crawling creatures. Whoever touches them when they are dead shall be unclean until evening. When one of them dies and falls on something, that article becomes unclean; any article of wood, clothing, leather, sackcloth, or any implement used for work must be rinsed with water and will remain unclean until evening; then it will be clean. If any of them falls into a clay pot, everything in it will be unclean; you must break the pot. Any food coming into contact with water from that pot will be unclean, and any drink in such a container will be unclean. Anything upon which one of their carcasses falls will be unclean. If it is an oven or cooking pot, it must be smashed; it is unclean and will remain unclean for you. Nevertheless, a spring or cistern containing water will remain clean, but one who touches a carcass in it will be unclean. If a carcass falls on any seed for sowing, the seed is clean; but if water has been put on the seed and a carcass falls on it, it is unclean for you. If an animal that you may eat dies, anyone who touches the carcass will be unclean until evening. Whoever eats from the carcass must wash his clothes and will be unclean until evening, and anyone who picks up the carcass must wash his clothes and will be unclean until evening. Every creature that moves along the ground is detestable; it must not be eaten. Do not eat any creature that moves along the ground, whether it crawls on its belly or walks on four or more feet; for such creatures are detestable. Do not defile yourselves by any crawling creature; do not become unclean or defiled by them. For 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. For 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. This is the law regarding animals, birds, all living creatures that move in the water, and all creatures that crawl along the ground. You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not.’” |
| 3 | Acts 10:11–15 | 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.” |
| 4 | Acts 10:28 | He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. |
| 5 | Ephesians 5:7–11 | Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Test and prove what pleases the Lord. Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. |
Leviticus 20:25 Summary
In Leviticus 20:25, God tells the Israelites to make a difference between clean and unclean animals, to help them remember that He is holy and they are to be holy too (Leviticus 20:26). This means that God's people are to live according to His standards, and not follow the ways of the world. By being mindful of what we allow into our lives, we can honor God and live as holy people, just like He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). This principle is still important today, as we are called to be separate from the world and to live according to God's will (Romans 12:2).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God command the Israelites to distinguish between clean and unclean animals in Leviticus 20:25?
God commands the Israelites to distinguish between clean and unclean animals to teach them about His holiness and to set them apart from the surrounding nations, as seen in Leviticus 20:24 and Leviticus 20:26.
What is the significance of not becoming contaminated by unclean animals in this verse?
Not becoming contaminated by unclean animals is a reminder that God's people are to be separate from the world and to live according to God's standards, as also taught in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Leviticus?
This verse is part of the larger theme of Leviticus, which is to teach the Israelites about God's holiness and how they are to live as a holy people, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45 and Leviticus 19:2.
Is the concept of clean and unclean animals still relevant today?
While the specific laws about clean and unclean animals are part of the Old Testament ceremonial law, the principle of being separate from the world and living according to God's standards is still relevant today, as seen in Romans 12:2 and 1 Peter 1:16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can apply the principle of being separate from the world in my own life, based on Leviticus 20:25?
- How can I distinguish between what is clean and unclean in my daily choices and actions, in light of this verse?
- What does it mean for me to be 'holy' as God is holy, as mentioned in the surrounding verses?
- In what ways can I honor God by being mindful of the things that I allow into my life, based on the teachings of Leviticus 20:25?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:25
Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean,.... The ten clean ones, as Aben Ezra observes, and all the rest that are unclean, according to the law before given, Leviticus
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:25
Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 20:25
i.e. As things which by my sentence I have made unclean, and which you must avoid as such.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:25
Leviticus 20:25 Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean.Ver. 25. Between clean beasts.] How much more then shall you abstain from those unlawful copulations, whereby men put off all manhood, degenerate into dogs?
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:25
(25) Ye shall therefore put difference.—Better, Ye shall therefore separate. It is the same word which is used at the end of the preceding verse, and which is rendered “separate” in the Authorised Version. It is important that the word should be translated by the same expression, since it not only shows the intimate connection between the two verses, but brings out more forcibly the reason for the exhortation in the verse before us. Because the Lord has separated or distinguished the Israelites from all nations, and is about to give them the promised land, therefore the Israelites are to separate or to distinguish between the clean and unclean animals, as ordained in Leviticus 11. By strictly following out the dietary laws, the Israelites will always be able to keep separate from all other nations (Daniel 1:8).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 20:25
Verse 25. Between clean beasts and unclean] See the notes on Leviticus 11:1-47.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:25
25. The injunction that careful discrimination must be employed in the matter of clean and unclean food must, as Wellh. (Composition d. Hex. etc., p. 158, Berlin, 1889) and others point out, in its original context have been accompanied by detailed directions such as now are found in ch. 11. Leviticus 20:25-26 in their present form are to be compared with Leviticus 11:43-45. See note there.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:25
25. Clean beasts — This law may be considered both as a sanitary regulation and also a barrier between Israel and all idolatrous nations. See Leviticus 11:2-8, notes.
Sermons on Leviticus 20:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Holiness and Redemption by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God reveals himself as the redeemer of his chosen people. He allowed them to go through oppression, slavery, and misery to prepare their |
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A Challenging Message by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen delivers a challenging message on the significance of the gospel reaching non-Jews, as illustrated in Acts Chapter 10. He emphasizes that God listens to the prayers of s |
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The Heavenly Vision by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a heavenly vision in the spiritual realm. He explains that without a vision, people become directionless and lack pu |
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Fire 21 Conference by Brian Guerin | Brian Guerin shares a prophetic message at the Fire 21 Conference, emphasizing the need to break barriers that hinder the flow of the Holy Spirit, likening them to a beaver dam tha |
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Call No Man Common or Unclean by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Peter in Acts 10, starting at verse 9. Peter goes up to pray and becomes hungry, but while waiting for food, he falls into a tr |
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The Cross and the God of Hope by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tendency of humanity to reduce God and His plans to their own human measure. This has resulted in a loss or reduction of the greatness tha |
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(Through the Bible) Acts 10-11 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the story of Peter's vision being recorded twice in the book of Acts. The preacher emphasizes that God wanted to bear wit |