King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:24 Mean?

Leviticus 11:24 in the King James Version says “And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.”

Leviticus 11:24 · KJV

Context

22

Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.

23

But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you.

24

And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.

25

And whosoever beareth ought of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.

26

The carcases of every beast which divideth the hoof, and is not clovenfooted , nor cheweth the cud, are unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean.

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.

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.

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
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 can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּלְאֵ֖לֶּה1 of 8
H428

these or those

יִטְמָ֥א2 of 8

“And for these ye shall be unclean”

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

כָּל3 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַנֹּגֵ֥עַ4 of 8

“whosoever toucheth”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בְּנִבְלָתָ֖ם5 of 8

“the carcase”

H5038

a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol

יִטְמָ֥א6 of 8

“And for these ye shall be unclean”

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

עַד7 of 8
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הָעָֽרֶב׃8 of 8

“until the even”

H6153

dusk

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 11:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 11:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 6:17Leviticus 11:31Ephesians 2:1-31 John 1:7Ephesians 5:11Leviticus 11:38-40

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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