King James Version

What Does Leviticus 5:2 Mean?

Leviticus 5:2 in the King James Version says “Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or th... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.

Leviticus 5:2 · KJV


Context

1

And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.

2

Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.

3

Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty.

4

Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.

This verse falls within the section on Guilt Offerings. The guilt offering (אָשָׁם, asham) addressed specific trespasses requiring both sacrifice and restitution, emphasizing sin's relational damage.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The guilt offering (אָשָׁם, asham) addressed specific trespasses requiring both sacrifice and restitution, emphasizing sin's relational damage. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
א֣וֹ1 of 24
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

נֶ֗פֶשׁ2 of 24

Or if a soul

H5315

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 24
H834

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

תִּגַּע֮4 of 24

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

בְּכָל5 of 24
H3605

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

דָּבָ֣ר6 of 24

thing

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

טָמֵ֖א7 of 24

any unclean

H2931

foul in a religious sense

אוֹ֩8 of 24
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בְּנִבְלַ֖ת9 of 24

or a carcase

H5038

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

חַיָּ֜ה10 of 24

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

טָמֵ֖א11 of 24

any unclean

H2931

foul in a religious sense

א֚וֹ12 of 24
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בְּנִבְלַ֖ת13 of 24

or a carcase

H5038

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

בְּהֵמָ֣ה14 of 24

cattle

H929

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

טָמֵ֖א15 of 24

any unclean

H2931

foul in a religious sense

א֕וֹ16 of 24
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בְּנִבְלַ֖ת17 of 24

or a carcase

H5038

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

שֶׁ֣רֶץ18 of 24

creeping things

H8318

a swarm, i.e., active mass of minute animals

טָמֵ֖א19 of 24

any unclean

H2931

foul in a religious sense

וְנֶעְלַ֣ם20 of 24

and if it be hidden

H5956

to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּ֔נּוּ21 of 24
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וְה֥וּא22 of 24
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

טָמֵ֖א23 of 24

any unclean

H2931

foul in a religious sense

וְאָשֵֽׁם׃24 of 24

and guilty

H816

to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish


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 5:2 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 5:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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