King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:47 Mean?

Leviticus 11:47 in the King James Version says “To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may n...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 11:47 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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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. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לְהַבְדִּ֕יל1 of 13

“To make a difference”

H914

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

בֵּ֥ין2 of 13
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַטָּמֵ֖א3 of 13

“between the unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

וּבֵ֣ין4 of 13
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַטָּהֹ֑ר5 of 13

“and the clean”

H2889

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

וּבֵ֤ין6 of 13
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַֽחַיָּ֔ה7 of 13

“and between the beast”

H2416

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

תֵֽאָכֵֽל׃8 of 13

“that may be eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּבֵין֙9 of 13
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַֽחַיָּ֔ה10 of 13

“and between the beast”

H2416

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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר11 of 13
H834

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

לֹ֥א12 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵֽאָכֵֽל׃13 of 13

“that may be eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 11:47 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 11:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 10:10Ezekiel 44:23Romans 14:13-23Malachi 3:18Romans 14:2-3

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