KJV ORIGINAL
And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcase thereof shall be unclean until the even.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
If an animal that you're allowed to eat dies naturally, anyone who touches its dead body will be ceremonially unclean until evening.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse teaches that even touching the carcass of a clean animal that died naturally made a person ceremonially unclean for the rest of that day.
📚 Historical Context
This was part of God's detailed laws given to the Israelites about ceremonial cleanliness and food safety. These regulations helped distinguish the Israelites from surrounding nations and likely prevented disease from handling decomposing animals. Being 'unclean until evening' meant the person couldn't participate in worship or community activities until they had been cleansed.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.
Share or Save