Leviticus 11:36 – “But a spring or a cistern for collecting water remains clean, but anyone who touches one of these carcasses is unclean.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 11:36 provides an exception to the laws of cleanliness concerning contact with dead animals. While many objects that come into contact with a carcass become unclean, a spring or a cistern—sources of flowing or stored water—remains clean. The reasoning behind this exception is that flowing water, such as a spring, is considered to have a purifying quality because it does not become stagnant or absorb impurities as easily. However, anyone who touches the carcass itself still becomes unclean. This verse teaches that while certain sources of water are inherently clean, personal contact with impurity requires cleansing.
Historical Context
The book of Leviticus was given to the Israelites during their time in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. During this time, God provided laws to guide His people in living holy lives that reflected their covenant relationship with Him. The laws regarding cleanliness and contact with dead animals were important for both spiritual and practical reasons. Water sources such as springs and cisterns were vital for survival in the wilderness and in everyday life in ancient Israel. Declaring these water sources clean despite contact with a carcass helped ensure that essential water remained usable, preventing unnecessary hardship while maintaining the importance of ritual purity.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 11:36 highlights the concept of purity and the importance of distinguishing between what is inherently clean and what becomes defiled by contact. The verse suggests that some things, like flowing water, possess a natural ability to remain pure despite coming into contact with impurity. This principle illustrates that purity can sometimes be resilient but also requires discernment. It reinforces the idea that while God provides ways for His people to maintain cleanliness and purity, there are still boundaries that must be respected. The requirement for a person who touches a carcass to undergo cleansing serves as a reminder that holiness involves personal responsibility and attentiveness to God’s commands.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 11:36 is written in a clear, directive style that is characteristic of the legal texts in Leviticus. The verse uses specific language to outline an exception to the general rule about uncleanness. The contrast between what remains clean (the spring or cistern) and what becomes unclean (the person who touches the carcass) is presented clearly. This structure emphasizes both the grace of allowing essential water to remain pure and the importance of personal purity. The repetitive and structured nature of these laws throughout Leviticus reinforces their significance and ensures that the Israelites understood the detailed expectations God had for them regarding purity and holiness.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 15:13: Discusses the use of flowing water for purification, emphasizing its cleansing properties.
- Numbers 19:17-19: Provides instructions for using water for ritual cleansing, reinforcing the significance of water in purification.
- Psalm 51:7: David asks God to “cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean,” reflecting the symbolic use of cleansing in a spiritual context.
- John 4:14: Jesus speaks of the “living water” that He provides, which will never leave a person thirsty, symbolizing spiritual purity and eternal life.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Leviticus 11:36 might seem like an ancient rule concerning water and cleanliness, but it carries deeper meaning. The New Testament teaches that the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament have been fulfilled through Jesus Christ. However, the principle behind this verse still applies. It teaches Christians the importance of understanding what is inherently pure and how to maintain purity in their own lives. Just as the Israelites were called to distinguish between what remains clean and what becomes defiled, Christians are called to discern what leads to spiritual growth and what could lead to spiritual impurity. This discernment helps maintain a close relationship with God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 11:36 reflects God’s love and care for His people by providing practical guidelines that balance the need for holiness with the realities of daily life. God’s command that springs and cisterns remain clean despite contact with unclean things demonstrates His understanding of human needs. At the same time, the requirement for personal cleansing after touching a carcass teaches His people to take purity seriously. Just like a loving parent who sets rules to both protect and provide for their children, God’s instructions were meant to help His people live in a way that reflects His holiness and care for them. God shows His desire for His people to remain close to Him while providing practical ways to live out His commands.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The cleanliness laws, including those in Leviticus 11:36, find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus often used water as a symbol of cleansing and renewal. In John 4, He speaks of the “living water” that He provides, which brings eternal life and spiritual satisfaction. This living water represents the cleansing and renewing power of Jesus, which goes beyond the physical purification described in Leviticus. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus established a new covenant that focuses on internal transformation rather than external rituals. Believers are cleansed by the “living water” of Jesus, symbolizing the complete and lasting purification that comes through faith in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the principle of distinguishing between what is inherently clean and what becomes unclean apply to our spiritual lives today?
- What are some ways Christians can ensure they are spiritually discerning about what influences they allow into their lives?
- How does understanding the Old Testament’s focus on purity deepen our appreciation for the spiritual cleansing we have through Jesus Christ?
- How can we apply the idea of “living water” to our daily walk with God?
- How does Jesus’ offer of spiritual “living water” challenge us to examine our own spiritual thirst and reliance on Him?
This exploration of Leviticus 11:36 shows that while the Old Testament laws of ceremonial purity are no longer directly applicable to Christians today, the principles of holiness, discernment, and living a life that honors God remain central to the Christian faith and our relationship with Jesus Christ.