King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:38 Mean?

Leviticus 11:38 in the King James Version says “But if any water be put upon the seed, and any part of their carcase fall thereon, it shall be unclean unto you.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 11:38 · KJV

Context

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.

40

And he that eateth of the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: he also that beareth the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if any water be put upon the seed, and any part of their carcase fall thereon, it 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.
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 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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

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

יֻתַּן2 of 11

“be put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מַ֙יִם֙3 of 11

“But if any water”

H4325

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

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

זֶ֔רַע5 of 11

“upon the seed”

H2233

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

וְנָפַ֥ל6 of 11

“fall”

H5307

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

מִנִּבְלָתָ֖ם7 of 11

“and any part of their carcase”

H5038

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

עָלָ֑יו8 of 11
H5921

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

טָמֵ֥א9 of 11

“thereon it shall be unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

ה֖וּא10 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

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 11:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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