King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:36 Mean?

Leviticus 11:36 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless a fountain or pit, wherein there is plenty of water, shall be clean: but that which toucheth their carcase ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 11:36 · KJV

Context

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.

38

But if any water be put upon the seed, and any part of their carcase fall thereon, it shall be unclean unto you.

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nevertheless a fountain or pit, wherein there is plenty of water, shall be clean: but that which toucheth their carcase 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.

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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. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  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 · 10 words
אַ֣ךְ1 of 10
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

מַעְיָ֥ן2 of 10

“Nevertheless a fountain”

H4599

a fountain (also collectively), figuratively, a source (of satisfaction)

וּב֛וֹר3 of 10

“or pit”

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

מִקְוֵה4 of 10

“wherein there is plenty”

H4723

something waited for, i.e., a collection, i.e., (of water) a pond, or (of men and horses) a caravan or drove

מַ֖יִם5 of 10

“of water”

H4325

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

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה6 of 10
H1961

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

טָה֑וֹר7 of 10

“shall be clean”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

וְנֹגֵ֥עַ8 of 10

“but that which 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

בְּנִבְלָתָ֖ם9 of 10

“their carcase”

H5038

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

יִטְמָֽא׃10 of 10

“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 11:36 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 11:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 13:1John 4:14

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