24 " 'You will make yourselves unclean by these; whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean till evening.

Other Translations of Leviticus 11:24

King James Version

24 And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.

English Standard Version

24 "And by these you shall become unclean. Whoever touches their carcass shall be unclean until the evening,

The Message

24 "You will make yourselves ritually unclean until evening if you touch their carcasses.

New King James Version

24 'By these you shall become unclean; whoever touches the carcass of any of them shall be unclean until evening;

New Living Translation

24 "The following creatures will make you ceremonially unclean. If any of you touch their carcasses, you will be defiled until evening.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 11:24

Chapter Contents

What animals were clean and unclean.

These laws seem to have been intended, 1. As a test of the people's obedience, as Adam was forbidden to eat of the tree of knowledge; and to teach them self-denial, and the government of their appetites. 2. To keep the Israelites distinct from other nations. Many also of these forbidden animals were objects of superstition and idolatry to the heathen. 3. The people were taught to make distinctions between the holy and unholy in their companions and intimate connexions. 4. The law forbad, not only the eating of the unclean beasts, but the touching of them. Those who would be kept from any sin, must be careful to avoid all temptations to it, or coming near it. The exceptions are very minute, and all were designed to call forth constant care and exactness in their obedience; and to teach us to obey. Whilst we enjoy our Christian liberty, and are free from such burdensome observances, we must be careful not to abuse our liberty. For the Lord hath redeemed and called his people, that they may be holy, even as he is holy. We must come out, and be separate from the world; we must leave the company of the ungodly, and all needless connexions with those who are dead in sin; we must be zealous of good works devoted followers of God, and companions of his people.