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.