Leviticus 11:11

They shall be an abomination to you; you must not eat their meat, and you must detest their carcasses.

Study Bible

They shall be an abomination to you;
In the context of Leviticus 11, God is providing dietary laws to the Israelites, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals. The term "abomination" signifies something that is detestable or loathsome. This strong language underscores the importance of holiness and separation from practices that are not in alignment with God's commands. The use of "abomination" is consistent with other parts of the Old Testament where certain practices or objects are considered detestable to God (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:25-26). This reflects the broader theme of holiness found throughout Leviticus, where God's people are called to be set apart.

you must not eat their meat,
The prohibition against eating certain animals is part of the dietary laws given to Israel. These laws served multiple purposes, including health, hygiene, and the symbolic representation of purity. By abstaining from unclean animals, the Israelites were reminded of their covenant relationship with God and their distinct identity as His chosen people. This command also reflects the broader biblical principle of obedience to God's law, as seen in Deuteronomy 14:3-21, where similar dietary restrictions are reiterated.

and you must detest their carcasses.
The command to detest the carcasses of unclean animals emphasizes the need for ritual purity. Contact with dead bodies, particularly those of unclean animals, rendered a person ceremonially unclean, requiring purification rituals (Leviticus 11:24-28). This reflects the broader biblical theme of life and death, where death is associated with impurity and separation from God. The detestation of carcasses can also be seen as a type of Christ, who, in His death and resurrection, overcame the impurity of death and provided a way for believers to be cleansed and made holy (Hebrews 9:13-14).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who received the laws from God, including dietary laws.

2. Aaron
Moses' brother and the first high priest, who helped communicate God's laws to the people.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were given these dietary laws to set them apart from other nations.

4. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the laws, including the dietary restrictions found in Leviticus.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites wandered and received the laws before entering the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
The dietary laws were given to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation. As Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness and distinctiveness.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were required to obey God's laws as a sign of their covenant relationship. Today, obedience to God's Word remains a vital aspect of our faith journey.

Understanding Abomination
The term "abomination" (Hebrew: "sheqets") indicates something detestable or repulsive. It reminds us to detest sin and anything that separates us from God.

Spiritual Discernment
While the specific dietary laws are not binding on Christians, the principle of discernment in what we consume—physically and spiritually—remains relevant.

Unity in Diversity
The New Testament teaches that dietary laws no longer separate believers. We are united in Christ, and our focus should be on love and unity rather than dietary practices.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the dietary laws in Leviticus 11:11 reflect God's desire for His people to be set apart?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of holiness in our daily lives, even if the specific dietary laws are not applicable?

3. How does Peter's vision in Acts 10 change the understanding of clean and unclean foods for Christians today?

4. What are some modern "abominations" that we should be cautious of, and how can we guard our hearts against them?

5. How can we maintain unity in the body of Christ when there are differing opinions on dietary practices or other non-essential issues?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 7
Discusses clean and unclean animals in the context of Noah's Ark, showing early distinctions in animal types.

Acts 10
Peter's vision of clean and unclean animals, which signifies the removal of dietary restrictions for Christians.

Mark 7
Jesus' teaching on what truly defiles a person, emphasizing the heart over dietary laws.

1 Corinthians 10
Paul discusses the principle of doing everything for the glory of God, including eating and drinking.

Romans 14
Paul addresses the issue of dietary practices and the importance of not causing others to stumble.