Leviticus 11:47
Leviticus 11:47 in Multiple Translations
You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not.’”
To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.
to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten.
Marking out the unclean from the clean, and the living thing which may be used for food from that which may not.
You must recognize the difference between unclean and clean, between those animals that can be eaten and those that can't.”
That there may be a difference betweene the vncleane and cleane, and betweene the beast that may be eaten, and the beast that ought not to be eaten.
to make separation between the unclean and the pure, and between the beast that is eaten, and the beast that is not eaten.'
to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten.’”
To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.
That you may know the differences of the clean, and unclean, and know what you ought to eat, and what to refuse.
You must learn what things I say are acceptable to me and what things are not, and learn what things you are permitted to eat and what things you are not permitted to eat.’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 11:47
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 11:47 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/הַבְדִּ֕יל
בֵּ֥ין
הַ/טָּמֵ֖א
וּ/בֵ֣ין
הַ/טָּהֹ֑ר
וּ/בֵ֤ין
הַֽ/חַיָּה֙
הַֽ/נֶּאֱכֶ֔לֶת
וּ/בֵין֙
הַֽ/חַיָּ֔ה
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
לֹ֥א
תֵאָכֵֽל
לְ/הַבְדִּ֕יל
bâdal
H914
to separate
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
הַ/טָּמֵ֖א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
unclean
Art | Adj
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
הַ/טָּהֹ֑ר
ṭâhôwr
H2889
pure
Art | Adj
וּ/בֵ֤ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
הַֽ/חַיָּה֙
chay
H2416
alive
Art | N-fs
הַֽ/נֶּאֱכֶ֔לֶת
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c
וּ/בֵין֙
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
הַֽ/חַיָּ֔ה
chay
H2416
alive
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֵאָכֵֽל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 11:47
לְ/הַבְדִּ֕יל
bâdal
H914
"to separate"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to divide, separate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to divide, separate, sever 1a2) to separate, set apart 1a3) to make a distinction, difference 1a4) to divide into parts 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2) 1b2) to withdraw from 1b3) to separate oneself unto 1b4) to be separated 1b5) to be excluded 1b6) to be set apart
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 1:4; Deuteronomy 29:20; Isaiah 56:3.
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/טָּמֵ֖א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
"unclean"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be unclean in a spiritual sense, often due to sin or impurity, as seen in Leviticus. It can refer to people, places, or things. The concept is key to understanding biblical purity laws.
Definition: 1) unclean, impure 1a) ethically and religiously 1b) ritually 1c) of places
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: defiled, [phrase] infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean. See also: Leviticus 5:2; Numbers 9:6; Isaiah 6:5.
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/טָּהֹ֑ר
ṭâhôwr
H2889
"pure"
Art | Adj
Tahor means pure or clean, and can refer to physical, moral, or ceremonial purity. In the Bible, it describes clean animals and morally upright people. It is often used to describe something as fair or pure.
Definition: 1) pure, clean 1a) clean (ceremonially-of animals) 1b) pure (physically) 1c) pure, clean (morally, ethically)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: clean, fair, pure(-ness). See also: Genesis 7:2; Leviticus 13:40; Psalms 12:7.
וּ/בֵ֤ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַֽ/חַיָּה֙
chay
H2416
"alive"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
הַֽ/נֶּאֱכֶ֔לֶת
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וּ/בֵין֙
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַֽ/חַיָּ֔ה
chay
H2416
"alive"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֵאָכֵֽל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
Study Notes — Leviticus 11:47
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 11:47 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:47
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:47
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:47
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:47
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 11:47
- Sermons on Leviticus 11:47
Context — Clean and Unclean Animals
45For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt so that I would be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
46This is the law regarding animals, birds, all living creatures that move in the water, and all creatures that crawl along the ground.
47You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not.’”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 10:10 | You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the clean and the unclean, |
| 2 | Ezekiel 44:23 | They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean. |
| 3 | Romans 14:13–23 | Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble. Keep your belief about such matters between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin. |
| 4 | Malachi 3:18 | So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” |
| 5 | Romans 14:2–3 | For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him. |
Leviticus 11:47 Summary
[This verse is telling us that God wants us to be able to tell the difference between what is good and what is not good, and to choose what is good. This is because God is holy and He wants us to be holy too, as it says in Leviticus 11:45. By being discerning and choosing what is good, we can become more like God and live a life that pleases Him, as seen in Ephesians 5:1-2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is God giving the Israelites rules about what animals to eat and what not to eat?
God is giving these rules to help the Israelites understand the importance of being separate and holy, just as He is holy, as seen in Leviticus 11:45 and Leviticus 20:26.
Is this verse still relevant to us today as Christians?
While we are not under the same Old Testament dietary laws, the principle of being discerning and separate from the world is still applicable, as seen in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:17-18.
How can I apply the concept of distinguishing between the clean and the unclean in my daily life?
We can apply this by being mindful of the things we allow into our lives, such as the media we consume and the company we keep, and making sure they align with God's standards, as seen in Philippians 4:8 and Psalm 101:3.
What is the ultimate goal of God's command to distinguish between the clean and the unclean?
The ultimate goal is to help the Israelites, and us, become holy and set apart for God, just as He is holy, as seen in Leviticus 11:45 and 1 Peter 1:16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more discerning about what is clean and what is unclean?
- How can I balance being in the world but not of the world, as Jesus taught in John 17:14-19?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the principle of separation and holiness in my daily life?
- What are some things that I allow into my life that may be considered 'unclean' and how can I remove them?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:47
To make a difference between the unclean and the clean,.... Whether of beasts, fish, fowl, and flying creeping things: and between the beast that may be eaten, and the beast that may not be eaten;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:47
To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:47
Leviticus 11:47 To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.Ver. 47. To make a difference.] Ministers also in their discourses should put a difference, and take out "the precious from the vile," as did Zuinglius; who, when he inveighed most vehemently against sin, would usually come in with this clause, Probe vir, haec nihil ad te, This is not intended to thee, thou godly man.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:47
(47) To make a difference.—Better, that ye may put difference, as the Authorised Version renders the same word in Leviticus 10:10. That is, the design of the dietary law is to enable both the administrators of the law and the people to distinguish, by the characteristics and criteria specified above, between what is clean and unclean. And between the beast that may be eaten.—From the fact that the same word, “beast,” is used in both clauses with regard to the animal which may be eaten and the one which may not be eaten without the qualifying adjunct “clean” and “unclean,” the administrators of the law during the second Temple concluded that the same clean animal is meant in both instances, under different conditions. The clean animal may be eaten when it is in a healthy state, but the same animal may not be eaten when it has organic defects, or is diseased. Hence they enacted the following canon: an animal is perfectly sound when it is capable of conceiving and bringing forth young. This is the reason why the LXX. renders the word beast here by viviparous.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 11:47
46, 47. Summary. It refers only to the rules about eating, and so makes no reference to Leviticus 11:24-30. See App. I (c).
Sermons on Leviticus 11:47
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Beauty of Holiness by David Davis | This sermon emphasizes the beauty of holiness, recounting a powerful testimony of a communist man encountering the overwhelming beauty of God's presence, leading to his conversion. |
|
Matthew 7:6 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of discernment in the Christian faith, particularly in the context of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:6. He warns against the dangers of indiscri |
|
The Future of Israel (Part 2) by Richard Ganz | In this sermon, the preacher shares a conversation he had with an elderly man who was passionate about karate. Despite his age, the man was still actively involved in full-contact |
|
We Shall All Stand Before the Judgement Seat of Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of appearing before the Judgment Seat of Christ. He references Romans 14:10, which states that everyone will give an account |
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(Basics) 70. Proving God's Perfect Will(3) by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how to find the perfect will of God for our lives. They emphasize that in the new covenant age, God primarily speaks to us through our renewed |
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Biblical Principles of Godly Dress by Dean Taylor | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of godly dress and emphasizes the importance of dressing in a way that pleases God. He acknowledges that discussing this topic may b |
|
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Glorying Only in the Cross by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the significance of the cross of Jesus Christ, highlighting the need to move from admiration to following Jesus, the danger of pride hindering spiritual grow |