And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.

EXODUS 22:31KJV
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Exodus 22:31 (KJV)

What does Exodus 22:31 mean?

Exodus 22:31 commands the Israelites to be set apart as holy people to God and not to eat meat from animals that have died by being torn by wild beasts in the field; instead, such meat should be thrown to the dogs. This instruction highlights both ritual purity and a distinction from surrounding peoples.

God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving them laws to shape their daily life and worship. The verse stresses that being "holy" means living differently, even in practical matters like food. The command to give the torn meat to dogs, rather than eating it, underlines the importance of purity and obedience in Israel’s relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 22:31

  • "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh): This word means "set apart" or "sacred." Here, it emphasizes that the Israelites are to live in a way that marks them as belonging to God, not just in worship but in everyday choices.
  • "flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar): This refers specifically to animal meat. The law is about what kind of meat is suitable for God’s people to eat, not just any food.
  • "beasts" (טֶרֶף, teref): This word points to animals that have been killed or torn by predators. Such meat was considered unclean, likely because it had not been properly slaughtered.
  • "cast" (שָׁלַךְ, shalak): This means to throw or give away. The instruction is not just to avoid the meat, but to actively dispose of it, showing a clear separation from what is unclean.
  • "dogs" (כֶּלֶב, kelev): Dogs in ancient Israel were not household pets but scavengers. Giving the torn meat to dogs shows it is not fit for human consumption.

Why Exodus 22:31 matters

  • Exodus 22:31 clarifies that holiness in Israel was not just about religious rituals but included daily habits, even what people ate.
  • The verse helps explain why certain foods were forbidden, tying dietary rules to the idea of being set apart for God.
  • This law connects to the broader section of Exodus where God is giving civil and ceremonial laws, showing that every part of Israelite life was to reflect their special relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“beasts” Hebrew H2966 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 31:39 That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.
  • Leviticus 7:24 And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.
  • Ezekiel 4:14 Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.

“dogs” Hebrew H3611 · used in 31 verses

  • Exodus 11:7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.
  • 1 Kings 21:19 And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.
  • Psalms 59:6 They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

“cast” Hebrew H7993 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 21:15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
  • 2 Kings 2:21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.
  • Isaiah 19:8 The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish.