King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:26 Mean?

Leviticus 11:26 in the King James Version says “The carcases of every beast which divideth the hoof, and is not clovenfooted , nor cheweth the cud, are unclean unto you... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 11:26 · KJV


Context

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.

28

And he that beareth the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: they are unclean unto you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
לְֽכָל1 of 19
H3605

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

הַבְּהֵמָ֡ה2 of 19

The carcases of every beast

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִוא֩4 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מַפְרֶ֨סֶת5 of 19

which divideth

H6536

to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute

פַּרְסָ֜ה6 of 19

the hoof

H6541

a claw or split hoof

וְשֶׁ֣סַע׀7 of 19
H8156

to split or tear; figuratively, to upbraid

אֵינֶ֣נָּה8 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שֹׁסַ֗עַת9 of 19

and is not clovenfooted

H8157

a fissure

וְגֵרָה֙10 of 19

the cud

H1625

the cud (as scraping the throat)

אֵינֶ֣נָּה11 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַֽעֲלָ֔ה12 of 19

nor cheweth

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

טְמֵאִ֥ים13 of 19

are unclean

H2931

foul in a religious sense

הֵ֖ם14 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לָכֶ֑ם15 of 19
H0
כָּל16 of 19
H3605

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

הַנֹּגֵ֥עַ17 of 19

unto you every one that 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

בָּהֶ֖ם18 of 19
H0
יִטְמָֽא׃19 of 19

them shall be unclean

H2930

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


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 11:26 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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