King James Version
What Does Leviticus 11:4 Mean?
“Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.”
Context
2
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.
3
Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted , and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.
4
Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
5
And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
6
And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **Nevertheless these shall ye not eat.**—As there are some quadrupeds which comply with only one of the two above-named conditions—*i.e., *which ruminate but have not their hoofs perfectly parted in two, or, *vice versâ, *are bisulcous and not ruminant—it is here declared that such animals must not be eaten.
**As the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not . . . —**Better, *though he cheweth the cud, yet he divideth not, *as the same phrase is properly rendered in the Authorised Version in Leviticus 11:7. The first animal adduced to illustrate this fact is the indispensable camel, or “the ship of the desert,” as it is aptly called. Though cloven-footed above, the toes of the camel are united below in a large elastic pad on which the camel treads, and which is like the sole of a shoe. Hence it does not come within the category of those animals which are thoroughly bisulcate. The Egyptians, the Zebii, and the Hindus, too, did not eat camel’s flesh, because they supposed it to be heating, and to engender cruelty and revenge; whilst the Persians, the ancient Arabians, and the Moslems feasted upon its milk and flesh.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 11:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.