Leviticus 11:38

38 But if water is poured on the seed and their dead bodies fall on it, the seed 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 However, a spring or a cistern holding water will remain clean. But anyone who touches their dead bodies will be unclean.
37 If their dead bodies fall on seed that is to be planted, the seed is clean.
38 But if water is poured on the seed and their dead bodies fall on it, the seed is unclean for you.
39 "When any animal that you are allowed to eat dies, whoever touches its dead body will be unclean until evening.
40 Those who eat any of its dead body must wash their clothes and will be unclean until evening. Those who carry its dead body away will wash their clothes and will be unclean until evening.
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