King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:34 Mean?

Leviticus 11:34 in the King James Version says “Of all meat which may be eaten, that on which such water cometh shall be unclean: and all drink that may be drunk in eve... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Of all meat which may be eaten, that on which such water cometh shall be unclean: and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean.

Leviticus 11:34 · KJV


Context

32

And upon whatsoever any of them, when they are dead, doth fall, it shall be unclean; whether it be any vessel of wood, or raiment, or skin, or sack, whatsoever vessel it be, wherein any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the even; so it shall be cleansed.

33

And every earthen vessel, whereinto any of them falleth , whatsoever is in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it.

34

Of all meat which may be eaten, that on which such water cometh shall be unclean: and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean.

35

And every thing whereupon any part of their carcase falleth shall be unclean; whether it be oven, or ranges for pots, they shall be broken down: for they are unclean, and shall be unclean unto you.

36

Nevertheless a fountain or pit, wherein there is plenty of water, shall be clean: but that which toucheth their carcase shall be unclean. wherein: Heb. a gathering together of waters


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of all meat which may be eaten, that on which such water cometh shall be unclean: and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel 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.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
מִכָּל1 of 16
H3605

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

הָאֹ֜כֶל2 of 16

Of all meat

H400

food

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 16
H834

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

יֵֽאָכֵ֗ל4 of 16

which may be eaten

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר5 of 16
H834

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

יָב֥וֹא6 of 16

cometh

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עָלָ֛יו7 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מַ֖יִם8 of 16

that on which such water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

יִטְמָֽא׃9 of 16

shall be unclean

H2930

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

וְכָל10 of 16
H3605

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

מַשְׁקֶה֙11 of 16

and all drink

H4945

properly, causing to drink, i.e., a butler; by implication (intransitively), drink (itself); figuratively, a well-watered region

אֲשֶׁ֣ר12 of 16
H834

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

יִשָּׁתֶ֔ה13 of 16

that may be drunk

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

בְּכָל14 of 16
H3605

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

כְּלִ֖י15 of 16

in every such vessel

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

יִטְמָֽא׃16 of 16

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 11:34 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 11:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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