Leviticus 11:33
Leviticus 11:33 in Multiple Translations
If any of them falls into a clay pot, everything in it will be unclean; you must break the pot.
And every earthen vessel, whereinto any of them falleth, whatsoever is in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it.
And every earthen vessel, whereinto any of them falleth, whatsoever is in it shall be unclean, and it ye shall break.
And if one of them gets into any vessel of earth, whatever is in the vessel will be unclean and the vessel will have to be broken.
If one of them falls into a clay pot, all that's in it becomes unclean. You must smash the pot.
But euery earthen vessel, whereinto any of them falleth, whatsoeuer is within it shalbe vncleane, and ye shall breake it.
and any earthen vessel, into the midst of which [any] one of them falleth, all that [is] in its midst is unclean, and it ye do break.
Every earthen vessel into which any of them falls and all that is in it shall be unclean. You shall break it.
And every earthen vessel, into which any of them falleth, whatever is in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it.
But an earthen vessel, into which any of these shall fall, shall be defiled, and therefore is to be broken.
If one of them falls into a clay pot, everything in it becomes defiled, and you must break that pot into pieces.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 11:33
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 11:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כָל
כְּלִי
חֶ֔רֶשׂ
אֲשֶׁר
יִפֹּ֥ל
מֵ/הֶ֖ם
אֶל
תּוֹכ֑/וֹ
כֹּ֣ל
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
בְּ/תוֹכ֛/וֹ
יִטְמָ֖א
וְ/אֹת֥/וֹ
תִשְׁבֹּֽרוּ
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
כְּלִי
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-ms
חֶ֔רֶשׂ
cheres
H2789
earthenware
N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִפֹּ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מֵ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
תּוֹכ֑/וֹ
tâvek
H8432
midst
N-ms | Suff
כֹּ֣ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/תוֹכ֛/וֹ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יִטְמָ֖א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/אֹת֥/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM | Suff
תִשְׁבֹּֽרוּ
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 11:33
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כְּלִי
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
חֶ֔רֶשׂ
cheres
H2789
"earthenware"
N-ms
This term refers to earthenware or clay pottery, including shards or broken pieces. It is used to describe everyday objects in ancient Israel. The KJV translates it as 'earth' or 'sherd'.
Definition: earthenware, clay pottery, shard, potsherd, earthen vessel
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: earth(-en), (pot-) sherd, [phrase] stone. See also: Leviticus 6:21; Psalms 22:16; Proverbs 26:23.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִפֹּ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
מֵ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
תּוֹכ֑/וֹ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
כֹּ֣ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/תוֹכ֛/וֹ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
יִטְמָ֖א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
וְ/אֹת֥/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
תִשְׁבֹּֽרוּ
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
Study Notes — Leviticus 11:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 11:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:33
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 11:33
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 11:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 11:33
- Sermons on Leviticus 11:33
Context — Clean and Unclean Animals
31These animals are unclean for you among all the crawling creatures. Whoever touches them when they are dead shall be unclean until evening.
32When one of them dies and falls on something, that article becomes unclean; any article of wood, clothing, leather, sackcloth, or any implement used for work must be rinsed with water and will remain unclean until evening; then it will be clean.
33If any of them falls into a clay pot, everything in it will be unclean; you must break the pot.
34Any food coming into contact with water from that pot will be unclean, and any drink in such a container will be unclean. 35Anything upon which one of their carcasses falls will be unclean. If it is an oven or cooking pot, it must be smashed; it is unclean and will remain unclean for you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 6:28 | The clay pot in which the sin offering is boiled must be broken; if it is boiled in a bronze pot, the pot must be scoured and rinsed with water. |
| 2 | Leviticus 15:12 | Any clay pot that the man with the discharge touches must be broken, and any wooden utensil must be rinsed with water. |
| 3 | Leviticus 14:45 | It must be torn down with its stones, its timbers, and all its plaster, and taken outside the city to an unclean place. |
| 4 | Leviticus 11:35 | Anything upon which one of their carcasses falls will be unclean. If it is an oven or cooking pot, it must be smashed; it is unclean and will remain unclean for you. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 5:1–8 | Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. So while we are in this tent, we groan under our burdens, because we do not wish to be unclothed but clothed, so that our mortality may be swallowed up by life. And God has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come. Therefore we are always confident, although we know that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 48:38 | On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,” declares the LORD. |
| 7 | Philippians 3:21 | who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. |
Leviticus 11:33 Summary
This verse, Leviticus 11:33, teaches us about the importance of purity and cleanliness, not just physically but also spiritually. If something unclean falls into a clay pot, the whole pot and its contents become unclean and the pot must be broken. This principle can remind us of how sin can affect every part of our lives and how sometimes, the only way to be clean again is through radical change, like breaking away from sinful habits (as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:1). By following God's commands and seeking to live a clean and holy life, we show our love and respect for Him, just as He calls us to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16).
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if an unclean animal falls into a clay pot?
According to Leviticus 11:33, if an unclean animal falls into a clay pot, everything in the pot becomes unclean and the pot must be broken, as it cannot be cleansed (see also Leviticus 11:32 for similar rules on other objects).
Why must the clay pot be broken and not just rinsed with water?
The clay pot must be broken because its porous nature makes it impossible to fully cleanse, similar to the reasoning behind smashing unclean ovens or cooking pots in Leviticus 11:35, ensuring that uncleanness is not spread.
Does this rule only apply to clay pots or are other containers also affected?
While Leviticus 11:33 specifically mentions clay pots, the principle of uncleanness spreading through contact is seen throughout Leviticus 11, affecting various types of objects and materials, such as wood, clothing, and leather (Leviticus 11:32).
What is the spiritual significance of these rules about cleanness and uncleanness?
These rules, as seen in Leviticus 11, symbolize the importance of separating from sin and uncleanness to approach a holy God, a concept also reflected in the New Testament, where believers are called to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of separating from uncleanness in my own life, considering the things I allow into my heart and mind?
- What are some 'clay pots' in my life that, once contaminated, cannot be made clean again, and how should I handle them?
- In what ways can I ensure that my daily interactions and choices reflect a desire to be clean and holy before God, as He is holy?
- How does understanding the concept of uncleanness in the Old Testament help me appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for my cleansing and redemption?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:33
And every earthen vessel, whereinto [any] of them falleth,.... Any of the above eight reptiles, should they by chance fall into the midst an earthen vessel: whatsoever [is] in it shall be unclean; if
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:33
And every earthen vessel, whereinto any of them falleth, whatsoever is in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:33
Leviticus 11:33 And every earthen vessel, whereinto [any] of them falleth, whatsoever [is] in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it.Ver. 33. Ye shall break it.] So shall reprobates be broken in pieces, like a potter’ s vessel.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:33
(33) And every earthen vessel.—The case, however, is different with regard to vessels made of clay and burned in the kiln. Whereinto any of them falleth.—Better, where into aught of them falleth, that is, into which any of the aforesaid portion of a defiling carcase falls (see Leviticus 11:32). Whilst defiled vessels of other materials were made clean by water, earthen vessels, when they became defiled, had to be destroyed (see Leviticus 6:28), and their contents were rendered polluted.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 11:33
Verse 33. And every earthen vessel] Such pitchers as are commonly used for drinking out of, and for holding liquids. M. De la Roque observes that hair-sacks, trunks, and baskets, covered with skin, are used among the travelling Arabs to carry their household utensils in, which are kettles or pots, great wooden bowls, hand-mills, and pitchers. It is very likely that these are nearly the same with those used by the Israelites in their journeyings in the wilderness, for the customs of these people do not change.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 11:33
Earthen vessel - See the marginal references.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 11:33
33. Earthen vessel… ye shall break — This indicates not only that earthenware was in use in the wilderness, but also that it was abundant.
Sermons on Leviticus 11:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
To Live Is Christ, to Die Is Gain by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the unpredictability of the Holy Ghost and the power of the word of God. He mentions a church that typed out a notice for the Holy Ghost to |
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The Perils of Paul by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the dedication and discipline of a young Chinese girl who practices diving for hours every day for five years. He uses this example to chall |
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Where the Spirit Is by Norman Meeten | In this sermon, the preacher begins by highlighting the harsh realities of life for children in China and Cameroon, emphasizing the bondage and darkness that exists even in sophist |
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Memento Mori by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Memento Mori,' urging listeners to reflect on the inevitability of death and the importance of considering their eternal destiny. H |
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The Body: Old and New by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of our physical bodies as temporary dwellings, comparing them to tents that wear out. He emphasizes the importance of believing i |
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(John) the Gracious Gaze by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Jesus healing a blind man. Despite being surrounded by a hostile crowd, Jesus takes the time to notice and have sympathy for th |
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The Resurrection Credible by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incomprehensible nature of the word of God and the difficulty in fully understanding it. He argues that there are no perfect analogies i |