Topical Encyclopedia Carrion refers to the decaying flesh of dead animals and is often associated with uncleanliness and impurity in the biblical context. The concept of carrion is mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, symbolizing death, corruption, and divine judgment.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, carrion is frequently associated with the consequences of disobedience and the judgment of God. In Deuteronomy 28:26 (BSB), as part of the curses for disobedience, it is stated, "Your carcasses will be food for all the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, with no one to scare them away." This imagery underscores the disgrace and abandonment that comes with divine judgment. The book of Isaiah also uses carrion as a metaphor for judgment. Isaiah 34:3 (BSB) describes the aftermath of divine wrath: "Their slain will be thrown out, and the stench of their corpses will rise; the mountains will flow with their blood." Here, carrion serves as a vivid representation of the devastation that follows God's retribution against the nations. Symbolism and Implications Carrion in the biblical narrative often symbolizes the ultimate end of those who oppose God. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion. The presence of carrion is a sign of desolation and abandonment, where the natural order is disrupted, and the land is left to the scavengers. In the context of the Mosaic Law, touching or consuming carrion rendered a person ceremonially unclean. Leviticus 11:39-40 (BSB) states, "If an animal that you may eat dies, anyone who touches the carcass will be unclean until evening. Anyone who eats some of the carcass must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean until evening." This regulation highlights the importance of purity and the avoidance of defilement in the life of the Israelites. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not explicitly mention carrion, the concept of spiritual purity and the avoidance of defilement continues to be significant. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the importance of inner purity and the rejection of spiritual corruption. In Matthew 23:27 (BSB), Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity." This metaphor echoes the Old Testament imagery of carrion, highlighting the need for genuine righteousness. Conclusion Carrion in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of death, judgment, and impurity. It is a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of maintaining spiritual and ceremonial purity. Through the imagery of carrion, the Scriptures convey the seriousness of divine judgment and the call to live in obedience to God's commands. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The dead and putrefying flesh of an animal; flesh so corrupted as to be unfit for food.2. (n.) A contemptible or worthless person; -- a term of reproach. 3. (a.) of or pertaining to dead and putrefying carcasses; feeding on carrion. Greek 4430. ptoma -- a fall, hence a misfortune, ruin ... dead body, carcass, corpse. From the alternate of pipto; a ruin, ie (specially), lifeless body (corpse, carrion) -- dead body, carcase, corpse. see GREEK pipto. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4430.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 7360. racham -- carrion vulture... 7359, 7360. racham or rachamah. 7361 . carrion vulture. Transliteration: racham or rachamah Phonetic Spelling: (raw-khawm') Short Definition: vulture. ... /hebrew/7360.htm - 6k 5038. nebelah -- a carcass, corpse Library The Carrion and the Vultures The Two Yokes Little Sins Expositions of Holy Scripture The Importunate Widow. Of the Prerogatives which the Elect Shall Enjoy in Heaven. A March Juventus Mundi Contents Judging, Asking, and Giving Thesaurus Carrion (3 Occurrences)... 3. (a.) of or pertaining to dead and putrefying carcasses; feeding on carrion. Multi-Version Concordance Carrion (3 Occurrences). ... /c/carrion.htm - 7k Carrion-vulture (2 Occurrences) Raven (7 Occurrences) Vulture (16 Occurrences) Ossifrage (2 Occurrences) Hyena Eagle (27 Occurrences) Carrieth (10 Occurrences) Birds (125 Occurrences) Resources Why did Noah release a raven? Why did he later release a dove (Genesis 8)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat role does Iran play in the end times? | GotQuestions.org Carrion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Carrion (3 Occurrences)Leviticus 11:18 Deuteronomy 14:17 Ezekiel 39:4 Subtopics Related Terms |