King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:37 Mean?

Leviticus 11:37 in the King James Version says “And if any part of their carcase fall upon any sowing seed which is to be sown, it shall be clean.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 11:37 · KJV

Context

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.

39

And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcase thereof shall be unclean until the even.

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  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 · 11 words
וְכִ֤י1 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִפֹּל֙2 of 11

“fall”

H5307

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

מִנִּבְלָתָ֔ם3 of 11

“And if any part of their carcase”

H5038

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

עַל4 of 11
H5921

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

כָּל5 of 11
H3605

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

זֶ֥רַע6 of 11

“seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

זֵר֖וּעַ7 of 11

“upon any sowing”

H2221

something sown, i.e., a plant

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 11
H834

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

יִזָּרֵ֑עַ9 of 11

“which is to be sown”

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

טָה֖וֹר10 of 11

“it shall be clean”

H2889

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

הֽוּא׃11 of 11
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

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 11:37 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 11:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 5:181 Peter 1:231 John 3:91 Corinthians 15:37

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