Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.’” New Living Translation By these instructions you will know what is unclean and clean, and which animals may be eaten and which may not be eaten.” English Standard Version to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean and between the living creature that may be eaten and the living creature that may not be eaten. Berean Standard Bible You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not.’” King James Bible To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten. New King James Version to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, and between the animal that may be eaten and the animal that may not be eaten.’ ” New American Standard Bible to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the edible creature and the creature which is not to be eaten. NASB 1995 to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the edible creature and the creature which is not to be eaten. NASB 1977 to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the edible creature and the creature which is not to be eaten. Legacy Standard Bible to separate between the unclean and the clean, and between the edible creature and the creature which is not to be eaten. Amplified Bible to make a distinction between the [ceremonially] unclean and the [ceremonially] clean, and between the animal that may be eaten and the animal that may not be eaten. Christian Standard Bible in order to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between the animals that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.” Holman Christian Standard Bible in order to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between the animals that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.” American Standard Version to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten. English Revised Version to make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten. GOD'S WORD® Translation These instructions help you distinguish between clean and unclean, the animals you may eat and those you may not eat." Good News Translation You must be careful to distinguish between what is ritually clean and unclean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not. International Standard Version You are to differentiate between the clean and unclean, between the living creature that can be eaten and the living creature that is not to be eaten." NET Bible to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between the living creatures that may be eaten and the living creatures that must not be eaten.'" New Heart English Bible to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten.'" Webster's Bible Translation To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYou must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not.’” World English Bible to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionto make separation between the unclean and the pure, and between the beast that is eaten, and the beast that is not eaten.” Young's Literal Translation to make separation between the unclean and the pure, and between the beast that is eaten, and the beast that is not eaten.' Smith's Literal Translation To separate between the unclean and between the clean, and between the beast being eaten and between the beast which shall not be eaten. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThat you may know the differences of the clean, and unclean, and know what you ought to eat, and what to refuse. Catholic Public Domain Version so that you may know the difference between clean and unclean, and so that you may know what you ought to eat, and what you ought to refuse. New American Bible that you may distinguish between the clean and the unclean, and between creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten. New Revised Standard Version to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the living creature that may be eaten and the living creature that may not be eaten. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTo make a distinction between the unclean and the clean and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And to distinguish between the defiled and the pure and between animals that are eaten and between animals that are not eaten.'" OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917to make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten. Brenton Septuagint Translation to distinguish between the unclean and the clean; and between those that bring forth alive, such as should be eaten, and those that bring forth alive, such as should not be eaten. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Clean and Unclean Animals…46This is the law regarding animals, birds, all living creatures that move in the water, and all creatures that crawl along the ground. 47You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not.’” Cross References Acts 10:14-15 “No, Lord!” Peter answered. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” / The voice spoke to him a second time: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Mark 7:18-19 “Are you still so dull?” He asked. “Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, / because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated.” (Thus all foods are clean.) Romans 14:14 I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 1 Timothy 4:4-5 For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, / because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. Matthew 15:11 A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” Acts 15:28-29 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements: / You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell. Colossians 2:16-17 Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. / These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ. Hebrews 9:10 They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform. Genesis 7:2 You are to take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate; a pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate; Deuteronomy 14:3-21 You must not eat any detestable thing. / These are the animals that you may eat: The ox, the sheep, the goat, / the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep. ... Ezekiel 22:26 Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Isaiah 66:17 “Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves—to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats—will perish together,” declares the LORD. 1 Corinthians 10:25-26 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, / for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” Romans 14:20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block. 1 Corinthians 8:8 But food does not bring us closer to God: We are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Treasury of Scripture To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten. Leviticus 10:10 And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; Ezekiel 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Jump to Previous Beast Clean Creature Creatures Difference Distinction Distinguish Eaten Edible Food Marking Pure Separation Unclean UsedJump to Next Beast Clean Creature Creatures Difference Distinction Distinguish Eaten Edible Food Marking Pure Separation Unclean UsedLeviticus 11 1. What animals may be eaten4. and what may not be eaten 9. What fishes 13. What fowls 29. The creeping things which are unclean 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. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesTraditionally 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 DistinctionLeviticus 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 and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 11:47?2. How does Leviticus 11:47 guide us in discerning between clean and unclean? 3. What principles from Leviticus 11:47 apply to our daily decision-making today? 4. How does Leviticus 11:47 connect with New Testament teachings on purity? 5. Why is it important to distinguish "between the unclean and the clean"? 6. How can we implement Leviticus 11:47 in our spiritual and physical lives? 7. How does Leviticus 11:47 define the distinction between clean and unclean animals? 8. Why were dietary laws important in Leviticus 11:47 for ancient Israelites? 9. Does Leviticus 11:47 still apply to Christians today? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 11? 11. What does 'ceremonially unclean' mean? 12. If Leviticus 11 is God's eternal command, why does Acts 10:9-16 appear to contradict these dietary laws? 13. Should we obey Old Testament dietary laws? (Leviticus 11:1-47 vs. Mark 7:18-19) 14. If 'clean' and 'unclean' animals (Genesis 7:2) were not defined until later, why are they mentioned here? What Does Leviticus 11:47 Mean You must distinguishLeviticus 11:47 opens with the charge, “You must distinguish...” This is an active call. God does not merely provide a list; He commands His people to exercise discernment. • Distinguishing is learned obedience, echoing Deuteronomy 6:6-7 where parents teach children diligently. • It reflects the priestly responsibility in Ezekiel 44:23: “They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common.” • In practice, this discernment fostered a habit of filtering every choice through God’s revealed will, much like Romans 12:2 urges believers to “test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” between the unclean and the clean Here God draws a moral line using dietary categories. • Clean and unclean are not about hygiene alone; they symbolize spiritual states (Isaiah 52:11). • The distinction reminds Israel that God is holy (Leviticus 11:44-45). Their daily meals became a teaching tool: holiness touches even mundane routines. • The same principle of separation carries into 2 Corinthians 6:17, where believers are called to “come out from among them and be separate.” between animals that may be eaten Allowed animals picture God’s provision. • Deuteronomy 14 reiterates the list, emphasizing God’s care in what He permits. • Psalm 104:27-28 praises God who “gives them their food in due season,” spotlighting His generosity. • The permission to eat certain creatures showed that enjoyment of God’s gifts must stay within His boundaries, paralleling Genesis 2:16-17 in Eden. and those that may not Prohibited animals teach restraint. • Saying “no” to certain foods trained Israel to say “no” to sin (Proverbs 4:14-15). • Acts 10:14-15 records Peter’s initial objection to unclean animals, proving the category was well ingrained. • While Christ later declares all foods clean (Mark 7:19), the underlying lesson—God sets limits for our good—remains unchanged (1 Peter 1:15-16). summary Leviticus 11:47 calls God’s people to active, daily discernment. By separating clean from unclean, the Lord ingrained holiness into ordinary life, teaching dependence on His wisdom, gratitude for His provision, and submission to His limits. The verse still whispers the same invitation: let every choice reflect the character of the God who distinguishes and who makes His people distinct. (47) To make a difference.--Better, that ye may put difference, as the Authorised Version renders the same word in Leviticus 10:10. That is, the design of the dietary law is to enable both the administrators of the law and the people to distinguish, by the characteristics and criteria specified above, between what is clean and unclean.And between the beast that may be eaten.--From the fact that the same word, "beast," is used in both clauses with regard to the animal which may be eaten and the one which may not be eaten without the qualifying adjunct "clean" and "unclean," the administrators of the law during the second Temple concluded that the same clean animal is meant in both instances, under different conditions. The clean animal may be eaten when it is in a healthy state, but the same animal may not be eaten when it has organic defects, or is diseased. Hence they enacted the following canon: an animal is perfectly sound when it is capable of conceiving and bringing forth young. This is the reason why the LXX. renders the word beast here by viviparous.
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