Clean and unclean animals are distinguished by observable characteristics: land animals must both chew cud and have split hooves, aquatic creatures must have fins and scales. Birds are listed by prohibited species rather than characteristics, and insects are generally unclean except certain locusts with jointed jumping legs. Contact with carcasses conveys uncleanness until evening, and these dietary laws establish Israel's holiness as distinct from other nations.
Read Leviticus Chapter 11 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Moses
Mediator and lawgiver who received and transmitted God's instructions to Israel
Aaron
First high priest of Israel, consecrated to lead the sacrificial worship
Nadab
Son of Aaron who died for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord
Abihu
Son of Aaron who died alongside Nadab for disobedience in worship
Places in This Chapter
Mount Sinai
View on MapThe mountain where God gave all the laws contained in Leviticus, establishing the covenant relationship with Israel
The Tabernacle
View on MapThe portable sanctuary where God dwelt among his people and where sacrifices were offered
Holy of Holies
View on MapThe innermost chamber of the tabernacle where the Ark resided and only the high priest could enter once a year
Egypt
View on MapEgypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Position in Book
Laws of SacrificeChapters 1-7
Ordination of PriestsChapters 8-10
Laws of PurityChapters 11-15
Clean and unclean animals, purification after childbirth, skin diseases, and bodily discharges.
The Day of AtonementChapters 16
The Holiness CodeChapters 17-26
Vows and DedicationsChapters 27