Leviticus 7:21

Leviticus 7:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If one touches anything unclean, whether human uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any unclean, detestable thing, and then eats any of the meat of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.”

King James Version KJV

Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean thing, as the uncleanness of man, or any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing, and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which pertain unto the LORD, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

American Standard Version ASV

And when any one shall touch any unclean thing, the uncleanness of man, or an unclean beast, or any unclean abomination, and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace-offerings, which pertain unto Jehovah, that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And anyone who, after touching any unclean thing of man or an unclean beast or any unclean and disgusting thing, takes as food the flesh of the peace-offerings, which are the Lord's, will be cut off from his people.

Free Bible Version FBV

Anyone who touches anything unclean, whether it's from a person, an unclean animal, or an unclean revolting thing, and then eats meat from the peace offering given to the Lord, they must be expelled from their people.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Moreouer, whe any toucheth any vncleane thing, as the vncleannesse of man, or of an vncleane beast, or of any filthie abomination, and eate of the flesh of the peace offrings, which pertaineth vnto the Lord, euen that person shalbe cut off from his people.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And when a person cometh against any thing unclean, of the uncleanness of man, or of the uncleanness of beasts, or of any unclean teeming creature, and hath eaten of the flesh of the sacrifice of the peace-offerings which [are] Jehovah's, even that person hath been cut off from his people.'

World English Bible WEB

When anyone touches any unclean thing, the uncleanness of man, or an unclean animal, or any unclean abomination, and eats some of the meat of the sacrifice of peace offerings which belong to the LORD, that soul shall be cut off from his people.’”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Moreover, the soul that shall touch any unclean thing , as the uncleanness of man, or any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing , and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace-offerings which pertain to the LORD, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he that hath touched the uncleanness of man, or of beast, or of any thing that can defile, and shall eat of such kind of flesh, shall be cut off from his people.

Translation for Translators T4T

If anyone touches something that God considers to be impure and very displeasing to him, whether it is from a human or from an animal, and then he eats any of the meat of the offering to maintain fellowship with Yahweh, meat that belongs to Yahweh, he must no longer be allowed to associate with God’s people.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 7:21

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 7:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/נֶ֜פֶשׁ כִּֽי תִגַּ֣ע בְּ/כָל טָמֵ֗א בְּ/טֻמְאַ֤ת אָדָם֙ א֣וֹ בִּ/בְהֵמָ֣ה טְמֵאָ֗ה א֚וֹ בְּ/כָל שֶׁ֣קֶץ טָמֵ֔א וְ/אָכַ֛ל מִ/בְּשַׂר זֶ֥בַח הַ/שְּׁלָמִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר לַ/יהוָ֑ה וְ/נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ/נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַ/הִ֖וא מֵ/עַמֶּֽי/הָ

וְ/נֶ֜פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul Conj | N-cs

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

תִגַּ֣ע nâgaʻ H5060 to touch V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

טָמֵ֗א ṭâmêʼ H2931 unclean Adj

בְּ/טֻמְאַ֤ת ṭumʼâh H2932 uncleanness Prep | N-fs

אָדָם֙ ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) N-ms

א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj

בִּ/בְהֵמָ֣ה bᵉhêmâh H929 animal Prep | N-fs

טְמֵאָ֗ה ṭâmêʼ H2931 unclean Adj

א֚וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

שֶׁ֣קֶץ sheqets H8263 detestation N-ms

טָמֵ֔א ṭâmêʼ H2931 unclean Adj

וְ/אָכַ֛ל ʼâkal H398 to eat Conj | V-Qal-3ms

מִ/בְּשַׂר bâsâr H1320 flesh Prep | N-ms

זֶ֥בַח zebach H2077 sacrifice N-ms

הַ/שְּׁלָמִ֖ים shelem H8002 peace offering Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לַ/יהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

וְ/נִכְרְתָ֛ה kârath H3772 to cut Conj | V-Niphal-3fs

הַ/נֶּ֥פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul Art | N-cs

הַ/הִ֖וא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron

מֵ/עַמֶּֽי/הָ ʻam H5971 Amaw Prep | N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 7:21

וְ/נֶ֜פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" Conj | 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.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

תִגַּ֣ע nâgaʻ H5060 "to touch" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

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.

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" 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.

טָמֵ֗א 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.

בְּ/טֻמְאַ֤ת ṭumʼâh H2932 "uncleanness" Prep | N-fs

This word refers to the state of being unclean or impure, often resulting from sinful actions, as described in Ezekiel. It encompasses various forms of uncleanness, including ritual and ethical impurity.

Definition: 1) uncleanness 1a) sexual 1b) of filthy mass 1c) ethical and religious 1d) ritual 1e) local (of nations)

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: filthiness, unclean(-ness). See also: Leviticus 5:3; Numbers 19:13; Zechariah 13:2.

אָדָם֙ ʼâdâm H120 "the man (Adam)" N-ms

Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.

Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being

Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.

א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj

Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.

Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then

Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.

בִּ/בְהֵמָ֣ה 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.

טְמֵאָ֗ה ṭâmêʼ H2931 "unclean" Adj

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.

א֚וֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj

Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.

Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

שֶׁ֣קֶץ sheqets H8263 "detestation" N-ms

This word means something that is detestable or an abomination, like the idols in Deuteronomy 7:25. It refers to things that are considered filthy or unclean.

Definition: detestable thing or idol, an unclean thing, an abomination, detestation

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: abominable(-tion). See also: Leviticus 7:21; Leviticus 11:20; Isaiah 66:17.

טָמֵ֔א ṭâmêʼ H2931 "unclean" Adj

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.

וְ/אָכַ֛ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

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.

מִ/בְּשַׂר bâsâr H1320 "flesh" Prep | N-ms

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.

זֶ֥בַח zebach H2077 "sacrifice" N-ms

A sacrifice refers to the act of offering an animal's flesh to God, such as in the sacrifices of righteousness or the Passover. This term encompasses various types of sacrifices, including thank offerings and covenant sacrifices. The KJV translates it as 'offer' or 'sacrifice'.

Definition: 1) sacrifice 1a) sacrifices of righteousness 1b) sacrifices of strife 1c) sacrifices to dead things 1d) the covenant sacrifice 1e) the passover 1f) annual sacrifice 1g) thank offering

Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: offer(-ing), sacrifice. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 2:19; Psalms 4:6.

הַ/שְּׁלָמִ֖ים shelem H8002 "peace offering" Art | N-mp

A peace offering is a voluntary sacrifice to show thanks, like the ones described in Leviticus. It's a way to express gratitude and friendship with God. The Israelites gave these offerings to celebrate special occasions.

Definition: 1) peace offering, requital, sacrifice for alliance or friendship 1a) voluntary sacrifice of thanks

Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: peace offering. See also: Exodus 20:24; Numbers 7:53; Proverbs 7:14.

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.

לַ/יהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וְ/נִכְרְתָ֛ה kârath H3772 "to cut" Conj | V-Niphal-3fs

This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.

Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off

Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.

הַ/נֶּ֥פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" Art | N-cs

הַ/הִ֖וא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

מֵ/עַמֶּֽי/הָ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Prep | N-mp | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

Study Notes — Leviticus 7:21

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Context
Cross References
Leviticus 7:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
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Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 7:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 7:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 7:21
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 7:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 7:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 7:21
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 7:21
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Sermons on Leviticus 7:21

Context — The Peace Offering

19Meat that touches anything unclean must not be eaten; it is to be burned up. As for any other meat, anyone who is ceremonially clean may eat it. 20But if anyone who is unclean eats meat from the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.

21If one touches anything unclean, whether human uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any unclean, detestable thing, and then eats any of the meat of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.”

22Then the LORD said to Moses, 23“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘You are not to eat any of the fat of an ox, a sheep, or a goat.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Leviticus 12:1–59	Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be unclean for seven days, as she is during the days of her menstruation. And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised. The woman shall continue in purification from her bleeding for thirty-three days. She must not touch anything sacred or go into the sanctuary until the days of her purification are complete. If, however, she gives birth to a daughter, the woman will be unclean for two weeks as she is during her menstruation. Then she must continue in purification from her bleeding for sixty-six days. When the days of her purification are complete, whether for a son or for a daughter, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. And the priest will present them before the LORD and make atonement for her; and she shall be ceremonially cleansed from her flow of blood. This is the law for a woman giving birth, whether to a male or to a female. But if she cannot afford a lamb, she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. Then the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’”
2	Leviticus 11:20	All flying insects that walk on all fours are detestable to you.
3	Ezekiel 4:14	“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”
4	Leviticus 15:1–33	And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Say to the Israelites, ‘When any man has a bodily discharge, the discharge is unclean. This uncleanness is from his discharge, whether his body allows the discharge to flow or blocks it. So his discharge will bring about uncleanness. Any bed on which the man with the discharge lies will be unclean, and any furniture on which he sits will be unclean. Anyone who touches his bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. Whoever sits on furniture on which the man with the discharge was sitting must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. Whoever touches the body of the man with a discharge must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. If the man with the discharge spits on one who is clean, that person must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. Any saddle on which the man with the discharge rides will be unclean. Whoever touches anything that was under him will be unclean until evening, and whoever carries such things must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. If the man with the discharge touches anyone without first rinsing his hands with water, the one who was touched must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. Any clay pot that the man with the discharge touches must be broken, and any wooden utensil must be rinsed with water. When the man has been cleansed from his discharge, he must count off seven days for his cleansing, wash his clothes, and bathe himself in fresh water, and he shall be clean. On the eighth day he is to take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, come before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, and give them to the priest. The priest is to sacrifice them, one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for the man before the LORD because of his discharge. When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body with water, and he will be unclean until evening. Any clothing or leather on which there is an emission of semen must be washed with water, and it will remain unclean until evening. If a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both must bathe with water, and they will remain unclean until evening. When a woman has a discharge consisting of blood from her body, she will be unclean due to her menstruation for seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening. Anything on which she lies or sits during her menstruation will be unclean, and anyone who touches her bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. Whoever touches any furniture on which she was sitting must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. And whether it is a bed or furniture on which she was sitting, whoever touches it will be unclean until evening. If a man lies with her and her menstrual flow touches him, he will be unclean for seven days, and any bed on which he lies will become unclean. When a woman has a discharge of her blood for many days at a time other than her menstrual period, or if it continues beyond her period, she will be unclean all the days of her unclean discharge, just as she is during the days of her menstruation. Any bed on which she lies or any furniture on which she sits during the days of her discharge will be unclean, like her bed during her menstrual period. Anyone who touches these things will be unclean; he must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. When a woman is cleansed of her discharge, she must count off seven days, and after that she will be ceremonially clean. On the eighth day she is to take two turtledoves or two young pigeons and bring them to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. The priest is to sacrifice one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her before the LORD for her unclean discharge. You must keep the children of Israel separate from their uncleanness, so that they do not die by defiling My tabernacle, which is among them. This is the law of him who has a discharge, of the man who has an emission of semen whereby he is unclean, of a woman in her menstrual period, of any male or female who has a discharge, and of a man who lies with an unclean woman.’”
5	Leviticus 5:2–3	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. Or if he touches human uncleanness—anything by which one becomes unclean—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty.
6	Leviticus 11:10–13	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,
7	Exodus 12:15	For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you are to remove the leaven from your houses. Whoever eats anything leavened from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel.
8	Exodus 12:19	For seven days there must be no leaven found in your houses. If anyone eats something leavened, that person, whether a foreigner or native of the land, must be cut off from the congregation of Israel.
9	Leviticus 11:24–42	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.
10	Leviticus 7:25	If anyone eats the fat of an animal from which an offering made by fire may be presented to the LORD, the one who eats it must be cut off from his people.

Leviticus 7:21 Summary

[Leviticus 7:21 teaches us that if we touch something unclean and then eat the meat of the peace offering, we will be cut off from God's people. This shows how important it is to be clean and holy before God, as He is a holy God (Leviticus 11:44-45). We must be careful about what we do and what we touch, so we can worship and commune with God without being separated from Him (1 Corinthians 11:27-32). By following God's commands and being mindful of our actions, we can maintain a close relationship with Him and His people.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be cut off from one's people in Leviticus 7:21?

To be cut off from one's people means to be separated from the community of God's people, often as a result of disobedience, as seen in Leviticus 7:21 and Numbers 9:13. This is a serious consequence that highlights the importance of following God's commands.

What kind of things are considered unclean in Leviticus 7:21?

According to Leviticus 7:21, unclean things include human uncleanness, unclean animals, and detestable things. For more information on what is considered unclean, see Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14:3-21.

Why is it so important to be ceremonially clean when eating the meat of the peace offering?

Being ceremonially clean is essential when eating the meat of the peace offering because it belongs to the Lord, as stated in Leviticus 7:21. This emphasizes the importance of respecting God's holiness, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Revelation 4:8.

How does this verse relate to the concept of holiness in the Bible?

Leviticus 7:21 highlights the importance of holiness in the Bible, as God is a holy God who demands that His people be holy as well, according to Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I may be 'touching' unclean things in my daily life, and how can I avoid them?
How can I prioritize my ceremonial cleanliness before God, especially when participating in worship or communion?
What does it mean for me to 'eat any of the meat of the peace offering' in a spiritual sense, and how can I do so in a way that honors God?
In what ways can I be more mindful of my actions and their potential impact on my relationship with God and His people?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 7:21

Moreover, the soul that shall touch any unclean [thing],.... Person or thing, the dead body of a man, or the bone of a dead body, or a grave in which it was laid: as the uncleanness of man; the issue

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 7:21

Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean thing, as the uncleanness of man, or any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing, and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 7:21

The uncleanness of man, or, of women, for the word signifies both; and that there were such things coming from men or women, the touch whereof did pollute men and things, may be seen Leviticus 15, and elsewhere. Others make it an hypallage uncleanness of man, for a man of uncleanness, or, an unclean man. But that seems not necessary here.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 7:21

Leviticus 7:21 Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean [thing, as] the uncleanness of man, or [any] unclean beast, or any abominable unclean [thing], and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which [pertain] unto the LORD, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.Ver. 21. Cut off from his people.] Compare 1 Corinthians 11:27-29.

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 7:21

(20, 21) But the soul that eateth, &c—Any one who partakes of the Lord’s holy peace offering in a state of legal defilement, arising either from contact with unclean men or objects (see Leviticus 11:8-44; Leviticus 15:1-33), incurs the penalty of excision.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 7:21

Verse 21. The uncleanness of man] Any ulcer, sore, or leprosy; or any sort of cutaneous disorder, either loathsome or infectious.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 7:21

21. abomination] detestation, Heb. shéḳ ?eẓ ?: the word is used in ch. Leviticus 11:10-12 of things without fins and scales that move in the waters, and in Leviticus 11:13; Leviticus 11:20; Leviticus 11:23; Leviticus 11:41-42 of birds of prey and creeping (swarming) things. See notes there. Some prefer to read shereẓ ? (swarming thing) following Sam. Targ. Pesh. shall be cut off] It has been debated whether this expression means death or outlawry. Probably the latter penalty is intended. Cp. Code of Ḥ ?ammurabi (Johns) §§ 154, 158.

Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 7:21

Unclean beast - that is, carrion of any kind. See Lev. 11. Shall be cut off - See the Exodus 31:14 note.

Sermons on Leviticus 7:21

	Sermon	Description
	(Following the Footsteps of Christ) From Bethlehem to Jerusalem by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of speaking about Christ to those who are seeking redemption. The preacher encourages the congregation to sing hymns and prai
	The Feast of the Passover by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the Passover table and its connection to the redemption story of the Jewish people. The preacher emphasizes that the Pass
	Go Forward by G.W. North	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of leaders taking initiative and leading by example. He uses the story of Moses leading the Israelites through the Red Sea as
	Does Association With Evil Defile? by A.E. Booth	A.E. Booth preaches about the importance of maintaining holiness and purity in the sight of God, drawing lessons from the Old Testament types and prophecies. He emphasizes the need
	The Rule of Heaven Will Divide Between the Evil and the Good, Between the Leaven and the Unleavened Bread by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the dual interpretations of the parable of the leaven in Matthew 13:33, arguing that leaven symbolizes evil rather than good. He explains that throughou
	March 19. 1678. the Old Leaven. by Jane Lead	Jane Lead emphasizes the importance of removing all leaven from our lives, drawing parallels to the Feast of the Passover where no leaven is to be found. She urges her listeners to
	Of the Various Sorts of Proselytes. by John Gill	John Gill discusses the various types of proselytes in the Jewish tradition, emphasizing their different statuses and the conditions under which they were accepted into the Jewish