King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:28 Mean?

Leviticus 11:28 in the King James Version says “And he that beareth the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: they are unclean unto you...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 11:28 · KJV

Context

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.

29

These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,

30

And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole.

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

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. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְהַנֹּשֵׂא֙1 of 11

“And he that beareth”

H5375

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

אֶת2 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נִבְלָתָ֔ם3 of 11

“the carcase”

H5038

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

יְכַבֵּ֥ס4 of 11

“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 11

“his clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְטָמֵ֣א6 of 11

“and be unclean”

H2930

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

עַד7 of 11
H5704

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

הָעָ֑רֶב8 of 11

“until the even”

H6153

dusk

טְמֵאִ֥ים9 of 11

“they are unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

הֵ֖מָּה10 of 11
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לָכֶֽם׃11 of 11
H0

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 11:28 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 11:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 11:24-25

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