King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:46 Mean?

Leviticus 11:46 in the King James Version says “This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every cre... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:

Leviticus 11:46 · KJV


Context

44

For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

45

For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

46

This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:

47

To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:

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.


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

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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. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
זֹ֣את1 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תּוֹרַ֤ת2 of 14

This is the law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַבְּהֵמָה֙3 of 14

of the beasts

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

וְהָע֔וֹף4 of 14

and of the fowl

H5775

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

וְכֹל֙5 of 14
H3605

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

נֶ֖פֶשׁ6 of 14

and of every creature

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הַֽחַיָּ֔ה7 of 14

and of every living

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

הָֽרֹמֶ֖שֶׂת8 of 14

that moveth

H7430

properly, to glide swiftly, i.e., to crawl or move with short steps; by analogy to swarm

בַּמָּ֑יִם9 of 14

in the waters

H4325

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

וּלְכָל10 of 14
H3605

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

נֶ֖פֶשׁ11 of 14

and of every creature

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הַשֹּׁרֶ֥צֶת12 of 14

that creepeth

H8317

to wriggle, i.e., (by implication) swarm or abound

עַל13 of 14
H5921

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃14 of 14

upon the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 11:46 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 11:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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