King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:25 Mean?

Leviticus 11:25 in the King James Version says “And whosoever beareth ought of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 11:25 · KJV

Context

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.

27

And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcase shall be unclean until the even.

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And whosoever beareth ought of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and 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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to 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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְכָל1 of 8
H3605

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

הַנֹּשֵׂ֖א2 of 8

“And whosoever beareth”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מִנִּבְלָתָ֑ם3 of 8

“ought of the carcase”

H5038

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

יְכַבֵּ֥ס4 of 8

“of them shall wash”

H3526

to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative

בְּגָדָ֖יו5 of 8

“his clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְטָמֵ֥א6 of 8

“and 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 11:25 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 11:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 14:8Numbers 31:24Leviticus 15:5Leviticus 11:40Leviticus 16:28Numbers 19:10

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