Nevertheless a fountain or pit, wherein there is plenty of water, shall be clean: but that which toucheth their carcase shall be unclean.
However, a spring or cistern that contains plenty of water will remain clean, but anything that touches the dead body of an unclean animal will become unclean.
This verse explains that large water sources stay clean even if unclean animals die in them, but anything that directly touches a dead unclean animal becomes contaminated.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of God's detailed dietary and cleanliness laws given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. These laws helped distinguish Israel from surrounding nations and established practical health guidelines for desert living where water sources were precious and contamination could be deadly. The distinction between clean and unclean animals was central to Israelite worship and daily life.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.