Leviticus 11:38

38 But if water be poured on any seed, and one of their dead bodies fall upon it, it is 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 Only of fountains of water, or a pool, or confluence of water, it shall be clean; but he that touches their carcases shall be unclean.

37 And if one of their carcases should fall upon any sowing seed which shall be sown, it shall be clean.

38 But if water be poured on any seed, and one of their dead bodies fall upon it, it is unclean to you.

39 And if one of the cattle die, which it is lawful for you to eat, he that touches their carcases shall be unclean till evening.

40 And he that eats of their carcases shall wash his garments, and be unclean till evening; and he that carries any of their carcases shall wash his garments, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean till evening.