King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:19 Mean?

Leviticus 7:19 in the King James Version says “And the flesh that toucheth any unclean thing shall not be eaten; it shall be burnt with fire: and as for the flesh, all... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the flesh that toucheth any unclean thing shall not be eaten; it shall be burnt with fire: and as for the flesh, all that be clean shall eat thereof.

Leviticus 7:19 · KJV


Context

17

But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.

18

And if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed unto him that offereth it: it shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear his iniquity.

19

And the flesh that toucheth any unclean thing shall not be eaten; it shall be burnt with fire: and as for the flesh, all that be clean shall eat thereof.

20

But the soul that eateth of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, that pertain unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

21

Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean thing, as the uncleanness of man, or any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing, and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which pertain unto the LORD, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the flesh that toucheth any unclean thing shall not be eaten; it shall be burnt with fire: and as for the flesh, all that be clean shall eat thereof.

This verse falls within the section on Further Offering Regulations. Additional laws concerning offerings, including prohibitions on eating fat and blood, establishing boundaries for holy things.

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Additional laws concerning offerings, including prohibitions on eating fat and blood, establishing boundaries for holy things. 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. 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 does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
בָּשָֽׂר׃1 of 14

And the flesh

H1320

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

אֲשֶׁר2 of 14
H834

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

יִגַּ֤ע3 of 14

that toucheth

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

בְּכָל4 of 14
H3605

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

טָמֵא֙5 of 14

any unclean

H2931

foul in a religious sense

לֹ֣א6 of 14
H3808

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

יֹאכַ֥ל7 of 14

shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בָּאֵ֖שׁ8 of 14

with fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

יִשָּׂרֵ֑ף9 of 14

it shall be burnt

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָּשָֽׂר׃10 of 14

And the flesh

H1320

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

כָּל11 of 14
H3605

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

טָה֖וֹר12 of 14

all that be clean

H2889

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

יֹאכַ֥ל13 of 14

shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בָּשָֽׂר׃14 of 14

And the flesh

H1320

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


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 7:19 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 7:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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