Leviticus 11:47

You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not.'"

Study Bible

You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean
This phrase emphasizes the importance of discernment in the life of the Israelites. The distinction between clean and unclean is a central theme in Leviticus, reflecting God's holiness and the call for His people to be set apart. The concept of clean and unclean extends beyond dietary laws to include moral and spiritual purity. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ fulfills the law, and the distinction becomes a metaphor for spiritual discernment (Mark 7:18-23). The call to distinguish is a call to holiness, reflecting God's nature and His desire for His people to live in a way that honors Him.

between animals that may be eaten and those that may not.
The dietary laws given to the Israelites served multiple purposes, including health, identity, and obedience. These laws helped to maintain the physical health of the community by avoiding animals that were more likely to carry disease. Culturally, these laws set the Israelites apart from surrounding nations, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people. Historically, these distinctions were a daily reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. In Acts 10:9-16, Peter's vision signifies the removal of these dietary restrictions, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith and the new covenant established through Christ. The laws also foreshadow the ultimate purity and holiness found in Jesus, who is the fulfillment of the law and the one who makes all things clean through His sacrifice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
Traditionally considered the author of Leviticus, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the mediator of God's laws to them.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws in Leviticus were given as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

3. Clean and Unclean Animals
The focus of Leviticus 11, where God distinguishes between animals that are permissible to eat and those that are not, as part of the Israelites' dietary laws.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Distinction
Leviticus 11:47 emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the clean and unclean, symbolizing the call for God's people to be holy and set apart.

Obedience to God's Commands
The dietary laws were a test of obedience and trust in God's wisdom, teaching us the importance of following God's commands even when we do not fully understand them.

Spiritual Discernment
Just as the Israelites were to discern between clean and unclean, Christians are called to discern between what is spiritually beneficial and harmful in their lives.

Transformation through Christ
While the dietary laws were specific to the Israelites, they point to a greater spiritual truth fulfilled in Christ, who purifies us from within and calls us to live holy lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of clean and unclean animals in Leviticus 11:47 relate to the broader theme of holiness in the book of Leviticus?

2. In what ways can the principle of distinguishing between clean and unclean be applied to our daily decisions and lifestyle choices today?

3. How does Peter's vision in Acts 10 challenge or reinforce the understanding of Leviticus 11:47 in the context of the New Testament?

4. What are some modern-day "unclean" influences that Christians should be discerning about, and how can we apply the principle of spiritual discernment in our lives?

5. How does Jesus' teaching in Mark 7 about what defiles a person help us understand the deeper spiritual significance of the laws in Leviticus 11?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:24-25
This passage describes God's creation of animals, establishing His authority over all living creatures, which is foundational to understanding the dietary laws in Leviticus.

Acts 10:9-16
Peter's vision of the sheet with unclean animals, which signifies the removal of dietary restrictions for Christians, showing the fulfillment and transformation of the law through Christ.

Mark 7:14-23
Jesus teaches that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out, indicating a shift from external to internal purity.