Leviticus 11:24-28

Uncleanness caused by Dead Bodies

(See introductory note on Leviticus 11:20.)

Leviticus 11:24 are a general introduction. -And by these" (Leviticus 11:24) refers to what follows, not to the -winged creeping things" of Leviticus 11:23.

(a) touching or bearing the carcase of (α) beasts specified in Leviticus 11:26 or (β) swarming things specified in Leviticus 11:29 caused uncleanness till the even; if they were carried, the clothes must also be washed.

(b) further cases of defilement were caused by a carcase, (α) a vessel (Leviticus 11:32-33), (β) food (Leviticus 11:34), (γ) ovens, etc. (Leviticus 11:35), (δ) water in a pit (Leviticus 11:36), (ε) seed (Leviticus 11:37-38).

Carrying part of the carcase involves uncleanness of a higher degree than that caused by mere contact. Note the difference in the regulations of Leviticus 11:24; Leviticus 11:27.

In Leviticus 11:26-27 the beasts are specified by their characteristics; in Leviticus 11:29-30 by their names.