King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:25 Mean?

Leviticus 20:25 in the King James Version says “Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall no... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean. creepeth: or, moveth

Leviticus 20:25 · KJV


Context

23

And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.

24

But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people.

25

Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean. creepeth: or, moveth

26

And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.

27

A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean.

This verse falls within the section on Penalties for Disobedience. Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community.

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. 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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
הִבְדַּ֥לְתִּי1 of 23

Ye shall therefore put difference

H914

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

בֵּֽין2 of 23
H996

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

בַּבְּהֵמָ֣ה3 of 23

beasts

H929

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

לַטָּהֹ֑ר4 of 23

and clean

H2889

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

הַטָּמֵ֖א5 of 23

and between unclean

H2931

foul in a religious sense

וּבֵין6 of 23
H996

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

וּבָע֗וֹף7 of 23

fowls

H5775

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

הַטָּמֵ֖א8 of 23

and between unclean

H2931

foul in a religious sense

לַטָּהֹ֑ר9 of 23

and clean

H2889

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

וְלֹֽא10 of 23
H3808

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

תְשַׁקְּצ֨וּ11 of 23

abominable

H8262

to be filthy, i.e., (intensively) to loathe, pollute

אֶת12 of 23
H853

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

נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֜ם13 of 23

and ye shall not make your souls

H5315

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

בַּבְּהֵמָ֣ה14 of 23

beasts

H929

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

וּבָע֗וֹף15 of 23

fowls

H5775

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

וּבְכֹל֙16 of 23
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 23
H834

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

תִּרְמֹ֣שׂ18 of 23

or by any manner of living thing that creepeth

H7430

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

הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה19 of 23

on the ground

H127

soil (from its general redness)

אֲשֶׁר20 of 23
H834

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

הִבְדַּ֥לְתִּי21 of 23

Ye shall therefore put difference

H914

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

לָכֶ֖ם22 of 23
H0
לְטַמֵּֽא׃23 of 23

from you as unclean

H2930

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


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 20:25 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 20:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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