King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:35 Mean?

Leviticus 11:35 in the King James Version says “And every thing whereupon any part of their carcase falleth shall be unclean; whether it be oven, or ranges for pots, th...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 11:35 · KJV

Context

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

37

And if any part of their carcase fall upon any sowing seed which is to be sown, it shall be clean.

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  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 · 14 words
וְ֠כֹל1 of 14
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר2 of 14
H834

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

יִפֹּ֨ל3 of 14

“falleth”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

מִנִּבְלָתָ֥ם׀4 of 14

“And every thing whereupon any part of their carcase”

H5038

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

עָלָיו֮5 of 14
H5921

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

יִטְמָא֒6 of 14

“shall be unclean”

H2930

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

תַּנּ֧וּר7 of 14

“whether it be oven”

H8574

a fire-pot

וְכִירַ֛יִם8 of 14

“or ranges”

H3600

a cooking range (consisting of two parallel stones, across which the boiler is set)

יֻתָּ֖ץ9 of 14

“for pots they shall be broken down”

H5422

to tear down

וּטְמֵאִ֖ים10 of 14

“and shall be unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

הֵ֑ם11 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וּטְמֵאִ֖ים12 of 14

“and shall be unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

יִֽהְי֥וּ13 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶֽם׃14 of 14
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 11:35 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 11:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 15:122 Corinthians 5:1-7Leviticus 6:28Leviticus 11:33

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