Old Testament
Leviticus 11:38
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But if water has been put on the seeds and then part of a dead body falls on them, the seeds become unclean to you.
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But if any water be put upon the seed, and any part of their carcase fall thereon, it shall be unclean unto you.
What Leviticus 11:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 11:38, the text addresses the issue of ritual cleanliness concerning agricultural practices. If water is applied to seeds, which is a common practice for planting, and then a part of a dead animal falls onto those seeds, the seeds are considered unclean. This means that they cannot be used for food or offerings until they are purified. The underlying principle is that contact with death or decay renders something unclean, which is a significant theme in the laws given to the Israelites. This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in both personal and communal practices, especially in relation to food and offerings. The laws serve to set the Israelites apart from other nations, highlighting their unique relationship with God and the importance of holiness in their daily lives. Thus, this verse illustrates how even the smallest details of life, such as planting seeds, are governed by divine standards of cleanliness and purity.
How to apply Leviticus 11:38 to your life
This verse reminds us to be mindful of what we allow to influence our lives. Just as seeds can become unclean, our thoughts and actions can be affected by negative influences. We should strive to maintain purity in our lives by avoiding harmful influences and focusing on what is good and uplifting.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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Keep studying Leviticus 11:38
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 11:38 mean?
Leviticus 11:38 explains that if water is applied to seeds and a part of a dead animal falls on them, the seeds become unclean. This indicates that contact with death makes something ritually impure, affecting its use for food or offerings.
What is the significance of seeds becoming unclean in Leviticus 11:38?
The significance lies in the emphasis on ritual cleanliness in agricultural practices. It highlights the importance of maintaining purity in daily life and the impact of external influences on one's spiritual state.
What does 'unclean' mean in Leviticus 11:38?
In Leviticus 11:38, 'unclean' refers to a state of ritual impurity that prevents the seeds from being used for food or offerings until they are purified. This reflects the broader theme of holiness in the laws given to the Israelites.
How does Leviticus 11:38 relate to purity laws?
Leviticus 11:38 is part of the purity laws that govern the Israelites, emphasizing that even everyday activities like planting seeds are subject to divine standards of cleanliness and purity.
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