Leviticus 11:38

38 but if water is put on the seed and a carcass-part of theirs falls on it, it is unclean for 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 although a spring or cistern for collecting water remains clean. But anyone who touches one of their carcasses will become unclean.
37 If any carcass-part of theirs falls on any kind of seed to be sown, it is clean;
38 but if water is put on the seed and a carcass-part of theirs falls on it, it is unclean for you.
39 "'If an animal of a kind that you are permitted to eat dies, whoever touches its carcass will be unclean until evening.
40 A person who eats meat from its carcass or carries its carcass is to wash his clothes; he will be unclean until evening.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.