Old Testament
Leviticus 7:19
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Any meat that touches something unclean must not be eaten; it must be burned with fire. As for the rest of the meat, all who are clean may eat it.
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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.
What Leviticus 7:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 7:19, the text emphasizes the importance of purity in the consumption of meat. If any meat comes into contact with something considered unclean, it is deemed unacceptable for eating and must be burned. This reflects the broader theme of holiness and the need for the Israelites to maintain a distinction between clean and unclean. The remaining meat, however, can be eaten by those who are clean, indicating that not all meat is rendered unfit by contact with impurity. This verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of maintaining spiritual and physical cleanliness, as well as the communal aspect of sharing food among those who are deemed clean. The act of burning the unclean meat symbolizes the rejection of impurity and the commitment to uphold God's standards of holiness.
How to apply Leviticus 7:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider what we allow into our lives. Just as unclean meat must be burned, we should remove influences that compromise our spiritual cleanliness. Surrounding ourselves with positive, uplifting influences helps maintain our integrity and faithfulness to God.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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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 7:19 mean?
Leviticus 7:19 emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in food consumption. If meat touches something unclean, it cannot be eaten and must be burned, highlighting the need for the Israelites to distinguish between clean and unclean.
What is the significance of unclean meat in Leviticus 7:19?
The significance of unclean meat in Leviticus 7:19 is that it represents spiritual impurity. The requirement to burn such meat underscores the seriousness of maintaining holiness and the rejection of anything that compromises cleanliness.
What does 'clean' mean in Leviticus 7:19?
In Leviticus 7:19, 'clean' refers to those who are considered pure and acceptable according to God's laws. Only those who are clean are permitted to eat the remaining meat that has not come into contact with anything unclean.
How does Leviticus 7:19 relate to community standards?
Leviticus 7:19 relates to community standards by illustrating how individual purity affects the community as a whole. The verse shows that maintaining cleanliness is essential for communal sharing and fellowship.
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