King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:40 Mean?

Leviticus 11:40 in the King James Version says “And he that eateth of the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: he also that beareth the ... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 11:40 · KJV


Context

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.

41

And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.

42

Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination. hath: Heb. doth multiply feet


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

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 does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהָֽאֹכֵל֙1 of 15

And he that eateth

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

נִבְלָתָ֔הּ2 of 15

of the carcase

H5038

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

יְכַבֵּ֥ס3 of 15

of it shall wash

H3526

to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative

בְּגָדָ֖יו4 of 15

his clothes

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְטָמֵ֥א5 of 15

and be unclean

H2930

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

עַד6 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הָעָֽרֶב׃7 of 15

until the even

H6153

dusk

וְהַנֹּשֵׂא֙8 of 15

he also that beareth

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת9 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נִבְלָתָ֔הּ10 of 15

of the carcase

H5038

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

יְכַבֵּ֥ס11 of 15

of it shall wash

H3526

to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative

בְּגָדָ֖יו12 of 15

his clothes

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְטָמֵ֥א13 of 15

and be unclean

H2930

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

עַד14 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הָעָֽרֶב׃15 of 15

until the even

H6153

dusk


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 11:40 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 11:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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