Leviticus 17:15 - “‘Every person that eats what dies of itself, or that which is torn by animals, whether he is native-born or a foreigner, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening: then he shall be clean.
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What does "Leviticus 17:15" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 17:15 outlines a ritual uncleanness associated with eating animals that died naturally or were killed by other animals. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Every person that eats what dies of itself, or that which is torn by animals..." This refers to anyone, regardless of their origin, who consumes meat from animals that weren't properly slaughtered according to Jewish law (kashrut). An animal that died of natural causes or was killed by another animal was considered unfit for consumption.
"...whether he is native-born or a foreigner..." This emphasizes that the law applies equally to Israelites and non-Israelites living among them. There are no exceptions based on ethnicity or citizenship.
"...he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water..." This indicates that eating such meat causes a state of ritual impurity. To become clean again, the person must perform a ritual washing of their clothes and body.
"...and be unclean until the evening: then he shall be clean." The impurity is temporary. After performing the purification rituals, the person remains unclean until sunset. At sunset, they are considered ritually clean again.
Meaning and Significance:
Ritual Purity: This verse highlights the importance of ritual purity in ancient Israelite society. Maintaining ritual purity was essential for participating in religious ceremonies and approaching the sacred.
Dietary Laws: The verse reinforces the distinction between clean and unclean animals, and the requirement for proper slaughtering. These dietary laws were a key part of Israelite identity and set them apart from other nations.
Hygiene and Health: While the primary purpose was ritual purity, there may have been a secondary benefit of hygiene. Eating animals that died of disease or were killed by predators could pose health risks.
Symbolic Meaning: Some scholars believe that the prohibition against eating such animals also had a symbolic meaning. Animals that died naturally or were torn by beasts were seen as being outside the order and control established by God.
Repentance and Restoration: While not explicitly stated, the act of cleansing could symbolize a return to a state of righteousness and obedience after a transgression.
In essence, Leviticus 17:15 lays out a rule for maintaining ritual purity after consuming meat from animals that weren't properly slaughtered. It emphasizes the importance of dietary laws and the need for purification rituals to restore a person's status within the community and before God.
Leviticus 17:15 - “‘Every person that eats what dies of itself, or that which is torn by animals, whether he is native-born or a foreigner, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening: then he shall be clean.
What does "Leviticus 17:15" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 17:15 outlines a ritual uncleanness associated with eating animals that died naturally or were killed by other animals. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Every person that eats what dies of itself, or that which is torn by animals..." This refers to anyone, regardless of their origin, who consumes meat from animals that weren't properly slaughtered according to Jewish law (kashrut). An animal that died of natural causes or was killed by another animal was considered unfit for consumption.
"...whether he is native-born or a foreigner..." This emphasizes that the law applies equally to Israelites and non-Israelites living among them. There are no exceptions based on ethnicity or citizenship.
"...he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water..." This indicates that eating such meat causes a state of ritual impurity. To become clean again, the person must perform a ritual washing of their clothes and body.
"...and be unclean until the evening: then he shall be clean." The impurity is temporary. After performing the purification rituals, the person remains unclean until sunset. At sunset, they are considered ritually clean again.
Meaning and Significance:
Ritual Purity: This verse highlights the importance of ritual purity in ancient Israelite society. Maintaining ritual purity was essential for participating in religious ceremonies and approaching the sacred.
Dietary Laws: The verse reinforces the distinction between clean and unclean animals, and the requirement for proper slaughtering. These dietary laws were a key part of Israelite identity and set them apart from other nations.
Hygiene and Health: While the primary purpose was ritual purity, there may have been a secondary benefit of hygiene. Eating animals that died of disease or were killed by predators could pose health risks.
Symbolic Meaning: Some scholars believe that the prohibition against eating such animals also had a symbolic meaning. Animals that died naturally or were torn by beasts were seen as being outside the order and control established by God.
Repentance and Restoration: While not explicitly stated, the act of cleansing could symbolize a return to a state of righteousness and obedience after a transgression.
In essence, Leviticus 17:15 lays out a rule for maintaining ritual purity after consuming meat from animals that weren't properly slaughtered. It emphasizes the importance of dietary laws and the need for purification rituals to restore a person's status within the community and before God.