Old Testament
Leviticus 11:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The hare brings its food back up to chew it again but does not have hooves that are completely split in two. It is unclean to you.
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And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
What Leviticus 11:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 11:6, the hare is mentioned as an animal that chews its cud, which means it regurgitates its food to chew it again for better digestion. However, it does not have split hooves, which is a requirement for animals to be considered clean according to Jewish dietary laws. This verse highlights the importance of following God's commandments regarding clean and unclean animals. The hare, despite its cud-chewing behavior, is deemed unclean because it does not meet all the criteria set forth in the law. This distinction serves as a reminder of the meticulous nature of the laws given to the Israelites and their significance in maintaining ritual purity. The classification of animals as clean or unclean was crucial for the Israelites, influencing their dietary practices and spiritual lives, emphasizing obedience to God's instructions.
How to apply Leviticus 11:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider the importance of following guidelines and principles in our lives. Just as the Israelites had specific dietary laws, we too can benefit from adhering to moral and ethical standards that guide our decisions and actions, promoting a life of integrity and faithfulness.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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Keep studying Leviticus 11:6
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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 11:6 mean?
Leviticus 11:6 explains that the hare is considered unclean because, although it chews its cud, it does not have split hooves. This verse illustrates the dietary laws given to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's commandments regarding clean and unclean animals.
What is the significance of the hare in Leviticus 11:6?
The hare is significant in Leviticus 11:6 as it represents an animal that, despite having some characteristics of clean animals, fails to meet all the criteria set by God. This highlights the meticulous nature of the dietary laws and the importance of complete obedience to God's instructions.
Why is the hare considered unclean in Leviticus 11:6?
The hare is considered unclean in Leviticus 11:6 because it does not have completely split hooves, even though it chews its cud. This distinction is part of the broader dietary laws that classify animals based on specific physical traits.
What are the dietary laws mentioned in Leviticus 11:6?
The dietary laws in Leviticus 11:6 include guidelines that classify animals as clean or unclean based on specific characteristics, such as having split hooves and chewing cud. These laws were important for the Israelites to maintain ritual purity and obedience to God.
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