King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:1 Mean?

Leviticus 11:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,”

Leviticus 11:1 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,

2

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.

3

Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted , and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,

This verse falls within the section on Clean and Unclean Animals. Dietary laws distinguishing clean from unclean animals, teaching Israel holiness and separation from pagan practices.

The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Dietary laws distinguishing clean from unclean animals, teaching Israel holiness and separation from pagan practices. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֧ר1 of 8

“spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֛ה2 of 8

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֥ה4 of 8

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאֶֽל5 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֖ן6 of 8

“and to Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

לֵאמֹ֥ר7 of 8

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶֽם׃8 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 11:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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