Leviticus 22:8

8 That which dies of itself, or is torn by animals, he shall not eat, to defile himself therewith: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 22:8 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 22:8

That which dieth of itself, or is torn [with beasts]
Whether fowls or beasts, and even clean ones, which, had they been killed in a proper manner, were fit to cut, but dying of themselves, or torn to pieces by other birds or beasts of prey, might not, see ( Ezekiel 44:31 ) ; he shall not eat, to defile himself therewith;
being impure food, at least in a ceremonial sense, and not fit to be eaten; these things were forbid a common Israelite, and much less might a priest eat of them, see ( Leviticus 17:15 ) ; I [am] the Lord;
who enjoin this, and expect to be obeyed.

Leviticus 22:8 In-Context

6 the soul that touches any such shall be unclean until the even, and shall not eat of the holy things, unless he bathe his flesh in water.

7 When the sun is down, he shall be clean; and afterward he shall eat of the holy things, because it is his bread.

8 That which dies of itself, or is torn by animals, he shall not eat, to defile himself therewith: I am the LORD.

9 They shall therefore keep my charge, lest they bear sin for it, and die therein, if they profane it: I am the LORD who sanctifies them.

10 There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing: a sojourner of the Kohen's, or a hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.