Leviticus 11:38

38 But if water is put on the seed, and any part of the dead body gets on to it, it will be unclean to you.

Leviticus 11:38 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 11:38

But if [any] water be put upon the seed
Either accidentally or on purpose; whether on sowing seed, and with water with which they water the field, as Aben Ezra interprets it; or on seed used for food, by steeping it in water, as sometimes wheat is, and boiled; and whether it is water or the rest of the liquors, and whether they are put on the seed, or the seed falls into them, it matters not, as Jarchi says:

and [any part] of their carcass fall thereon;
that is, on the seed, though Aben Ezra observes, some say upon the water: the Targum of Jonathan adds, in its moisture, or while it is wet; and so may be thought to be more susceptible of impurity from the touch of a dead reptile, or any part of it, and which would render it unfit for sowing or eating, until it was dried and cleansed; yea, Jarchi says, if it falls thereon, even after it is dried:

it [shall be] unclean unto you;
unfit for use.

Leviticus 11:38 In-Context

36 But at the same time a fountain or a place where water is stored for use will be clean; but anyone touching their dead bodies will be unclean.
37 If any part of the dead body of one of these gets on to any seed for planting, it is clean;
38 But if water is put on the seed, and any part of the dead body gets on to it, it will be unclean to you.
39 And if any beast which may be used for food comes to a natural death, anyone touching its dead body will be unclean till evening.
40 And he who makes use of any part of its body for food is to have his clothing washed and be unclean till evening; and anyone taking away its body is to have his clothing washed and be unclean till evening.
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