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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 11 - Verse 11

11:11
They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.

Meaning

The verse you are referring to is found in Leviticus 11:11, as part of the dietary restrictions outlined in the Old Testament. In this verse, God instructs the Israelites that certain animals are considered unclean and should not be consumed. The passage specifically mentions that these animals will be an abomination to the people and they are strictly forbidden from eating their flesh. This was a way for God to set apart his chosen people and promote holiness and obedience to His commands. The animals mentioned in this verse were likely seen as unclean due to cultural beliefs regarding their lack of hygiene or their association with pagan rituals. By abstaining from these animals, the Israelites were demonstrating their obedience to God's laws and their commitment to following His will. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's commands and living a life of purity and obedience.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the word "abomination" is used twice to emphasize the extreme disgust and detestable nature of consuming the flesh of certain animals. The Hebrew word for "abomination" is "sheqets," which denotes something detestable or abhorrent in the eyes of God. It is important to note that the dietary laws outlined in the Bible were intended to set the Israelites apart from other nations and to promote purity and holiness. By abstaining from eating the flesh of certain animals, the Israelites were demonstrating their obedience to God's commands and their commitment to living a holy life. Additionally, the prohibition against eating certain animals served as a reminder of the Israelites' unique covenant with God and their responsibility to uphold His laws. Therefore, the theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of obedience, purity, and holiness in the eyes of God.

American Standard Version

and they shall be an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, and their carcasses ye shall have in abomination.
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