Leviticus 11:1-8

1 And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,

2 "Say to the people of Israel, These are the living things which you may eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.

3 Whatever parts the hoof and is cloven-footed and chews the cud, among the animals, you may eat.

4 Nevertheless among those that chew the cud or part the hoof, you shall not eat these: The camel, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you.

5 And the rock badger, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you.

6 And the hare, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you.

7 And the swine, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you.

8 Of their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch; they are unclean to you.

Leviticus 11:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO LEVITICUS 11

This chapter treats of creatures clean and unclean, as fit or not fit to be eaten; and first of beasts, whose signs are given, Le 11:1-8 then of fishes, which are likewise described, Le 11:9-12 after that of fowls, and those that are not to be eaten are particularly named, Le 11:13-19 next of creeping things, which are distinguished into two sorts, as flying creeping things, of which those that are unclean, their carcasses are not even to be touched, as neither the carcasses of unclean beasts, Le 11:20-28 and creeping things on the earth, which defile by touching, as well as eating, and make everything unclean, upon which, being dead, they fall, Le 11:29-43 and these laws are enforced from the holiness and goodness of God, Le 11:44,45 and the chapter is concluded with a recapitulation of them, Le 11:46,47.