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 11:47KJV
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Leviticus 11:47 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 11:47 mean?

Leviticus 11:47 explains that God gave the Israelites rules to help them tell the difference between animals that are considered "unclean" and "clean," and to know which animals they are allowed to eat and which ones they are not. This verse sums up the purpose of the food laws given in the chapter.

In Leviticus 11:47, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, after listing detailed instructions about which animals are acceptable for eating. The verse acts as a conclusion, highlighting that these distinctions are not random but are meant to teach the people how to separate (or "make a difference") between what is permitted and what is not, according to God's standards.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 11:47

  • The word "difference" (בָּדַל, badal) means to separate or distinguish. This shows that the laws are about making clear distinctions, not just following rules without understanding.
  • "Unclean" (טָמֵא, tame) and "clean" (טָהוֹר, tahor) are terms for ritual status, not just physical cleanliness. They refer to what is acceptable or unacceptable for worship and daily life, not just hygiene.
  • The word "beast" (חַיָּה, chayyah) here refers broadly to living creatures, not just wild animals. This means the rules cover all kinds of animals, not only certain types.
  • "Eaten" (אָכַל, akal) is the regular word for eating, making it clear the focus is on what is allowed as food, not just contact.

Why Leviticus 11:47 matters

  • Leviticus 11:47 clarifies that the food laws are about learning to make thoughtful distinctions, not just following a list of dos and don’ts.
  • The verse shows that the categories of "clean" and "unclean" are about more than health—they are about being set apart as God’s people.
  • This verse ties together the whole chapter, showing that the detailed animal lists serve a bigger purpose: teaching the Israelites to live in a way that reflects God’s instructions.

Where else these words appear

“difference” Hebrew H914 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?
  • Ezra 8:24 Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

“unclean” Hebrew H2931 · used in 78 verses

  • Leviticus 5:2 Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.
  • Leviticus 14:41 And he shall cause the house to be scraped within round about, and they shall pour out the dust that they scrape off without the city into an unclean place:
  • Deuteronomy 14:8 And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.

“clean” Hebrew H2889 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 7:2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.
  • Exodus 39:25 And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates upon the hem of the robe, round about between the pomegranates;
  • Deuteronomy 12:15 Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.