Vayikra 11:38

38 But if any mayim be put upon the zera, and any part of their nevelah fall thereon, it shall be tamei unto you.

Vayikra 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.

Vayikra 11:38 In-Context

36 Nevertheless a spring or cistern, wherein there is a mikveh mayim (collection of water) shall be tahor; but that which toucheth their nevelah shall be tamei.
37 And if any part of their nevelah fall upon any zera for sowing which is to be sown, it shall be tahor.
38 But if any mayim be put upon the zera, and any part of their nevelah fall thereon, it shall be tamei unto you.
39 And if any behemah, of which ye may eat, die, he that toucheth the nevelah thereof shall be tamei until erev.
40 And he that eateth of the nevelah of it shall wash his clothes, and be tamei until erev; he also that picketh up the nevelah of it shall wash his clothes, and be tamei until erev.
The Orthodox Jewish Bible fourth edition, OJB. Copyright 2002,2003,2008,2010, 2011 by Artists for Israel International. All rights reserved.