King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:8 Mean?

Leviticus 11:8 in the King James Version says “Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.”

Leviticus 11:8 · KJV

Context

6

And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.

7

And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted , yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.

8

Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.

9

These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.

10

And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to 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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
מִבְּשָׂרָם֙1 of 9

“Of their flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

לֹ֣א2 of 9
H3808

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

תֹאכֵ֔לוּ3 of 9

“shall ye not eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּבְנִבְלָתָ֖ם4 of 9

“and their carcase”

H5038

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

לֹ֣א5 of 9
H3808

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

תִגָּ֑עוּ6 of 9

“shall ye not touch”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

טְמֵאִ֥ים7 of 9

“they are unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

הֵ֖ם8 of 9
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לָכֶֽם׃9 of 9
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 11:8 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 11:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 5:2Colossians 2:16Isaiah 52:11Hosea 9:3Hebrews 9:102 Corinthians 6:17

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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