Say to the IsraelitesThis directive is given specifically to the Israelites, the chosen people of God, highlighting their unique covenant relationship with Him. The Israelites were set apart from other nations, and this command underscores their distinct identity. The phrase "Say to the Israelites" is a common introduction in Leviticus, indicating divine instruction through Moses. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israel's society, where God directly communicated His laws to His people.
Of all the beasts of the earth
The term "beasts of the earth" refers to land animals, encompassing a wide variety of creatures. This phrase sets the stage for a detailed classification of animals, distinguishing between those that are clean and unclean. The categorization of animals is significant in the context of ancient Israel, as it reflects God's concern for holiness and purity. The earth, as God's creation, is filled with diverse life, and this commandment acknowledges the breadth of God's creation while setting boundaries for human consumption.
These ones you may eat
This phrase introduces the concept of dietary laws, which are central to Levitical regulations. The permission to eat certain animals is not arbitrary but is based on criteria that God established. These dietary laws served multiple purposes: they were a means of maintaining ritual purity, promoting health, and distinguishing the Israelites from surrounding nations. The permission to eat specific animals is a reminder of God's provision and care for His people. In a broader theological context, these laws foreshadow the ultimate purity and holiness found in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and offers spiritual nourishment to believers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God and communicated them to the people.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were given the Law to set them apart as holy.
3.
Mount SinaiThe place where God gave Moses the Law, including dietary regulations, to guide the Israelites in their covenant relationship with Him.
Teaching Points
Holiness and DistinctionThe dietary laws were given to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation. As Christians, we are called to live distinct lives that reflect God's holiness.
Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites were to obey these laws as a sign of their covenant relationship with God. Similarly, our obedience to God's Word is a reflection of our love and commitment to Him.
Understanding Fulfillment in ChristWhile the dietary laws were specific to the Old Covenant, they point to the greater reality of purity and holiness fulfilled in Christ. We are called to live in the freedom and purity that Christ provides.
Cultural and Historical ContextUnderstanding the historical and cultural context of these laws helps us appreciate their significance and the radical nature of the New Covenant in Christ.
Spiritual DiscernmentJust as the Israelites were to discern between clean and unclean, we are called to discern what is spiritually beneficial and what is not, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 11:2?
2.How does Leviticus 11:2 define clean and unclean animals for the Israelites?
3.Why is distinguishing clean animals important for understanding God's holiness in Leviticus?
4.How does Leviticus 11:2 connect to Peter's vision in Acts 10:9-16?
5.What principles from Leviticus 11:2 can guide our dietary choices today?
6.How can Leviticus 11:2 inspire us to pursue spiritual purity in daily life?
7.Why does Leviticus 11:2 focus on dietary laws for the Israelites?
8.How do Leviticus 11:2's dietary laws relate to modern Christian practices?
9.What historical context influenced the dietary laws in Leviticus 11:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 11?
11.What are the main rules of Kosher dietary laws?
12.What distinguishes clean from unclean animals in scripture?
13.Should we obey Old Testament dietary laws? (Leviticus 11:1-47 vs. Mark 7:18-19)
14.Leviticus 2:11: Why prohibit honey in offerings, considering it was a widely available sweetener and valued commodity in that region?What Does Leviticus 11:2 Mean
Say to the Israelites- The command begins with God speaking directly to Moses so that Moses can relay the message to the covenant people (Leviticus 11:1–2;Exodus 19:3–6).
- By addressing “the Israelites,” God highlights their unique relationship to Him—a nation set apart to display His holiness (Deuteronomy 7:6;1 Peter 2:9).
- The phrase also reminds us that revelation is not speculative; it is God’s initiative, ensuring His people are never left to guess what pleases Him (Deuteronomy 29:29).
Key takeaway: Holiness starts with hearing and obeying God’s explicit word.
Of all the beasts of the earth- God owns every creature (Psalm 24:1) and therefore has the right to designate which may enter His people’s diet.
- This line frames the coming laws as comprehensive—covering “all the beasts,” not just a select few—showing God’s concern for every aspect of daily life (Genesis 1:28–30; 9:3–4).
- It also underscores that these dietary rules are not arbitrary but flow from God’s created order; clean and unclean distinctions are woven into the fabric of creation (Leviticus 20:25–26).
Key takeaway: Recognizing God’s sovereign ownership leads to willing submission in seemingly mundane choices like food.
these ones you may eat- The permission “may eat” is both a blessing (provision) and a boundary (protection).
-Leviticus 11:3–8 will list the specific animals—those that both chew the cud and have a split hoof. This dual requirement teaches discernment and filters daily choices through the lens of holiness.
- While these regulations were binding for Israel’s public and ceremonial life, later revelation clarifies their fulfillment in Christ (Acts 10:13–15;Mark 7:18–19). Yet the underlying principle endures: God cares about purity in every arena, and His people respond with thankful, obedient hearts (1 Timothy 4:4–5).
Practical reflections:
• View God’s “may” and “may not” as love-based, not limitation-based.
• Let dietary and other everyday decisions remind you that holiness is a 24/7 calling.
• Though New Testament believers are free from Mosaic food laws, the call to be distinct—showing self-control, gratitude, and stewardship—remains (Romans 12:1–2;1 Corinthians 10:31).
summaryLeviticus 11:2 teaches that God’s holy people are guided by His spoken word in every detail of life. He claims the whole animal kingdom yet graciously grants certain foods for Israel’s good, illustrating both His provision and His prerogative to set boundaries. For believers today, the specific dietary rules have found their completion in Christ, but the heart of the passage still calls us to respond to God’s voice with trusting obedience, living distinctly for His glory.
(2)
These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all . . . --Better,
These are the animals which ye may eat of all. . . . The dietary laws, which stand first in the general precepts about clean and unclean things, begin with the quadrupeds, or land animals, both domesticated and wild. This is in accordance with the Hebrew division of the animal kingdom into four principal classes :--(1) the land animals, (2) the water animals, (3) the birds of the air, and (4) the swarming animals. ? Though not specified here by name, yet the parallel regulations in
Deuteronomy 14:4-5 enumerate the following ten animals :--the ox, the sheep, the goat, the hart, the roebuck, the fallow deer, the wild goat, the pygang, the wild ox, and the chamois, with their various kindred species, which are not mentioned. From the expression, "These are the animals," the opinion obtained during the second Temple that God actually caused specimens of every animal to pass before Moses and Aaron, in order to show them the veritable creatures which are clean and unclean, just as the Lord caused every species to come to Noah into the ark.
Verse 2. -These are the beasts that ye shall eat. In order that the Israelites might know how to avoid the uncleanness arising from the consumption of unclean flesh, plain rules are given them by which they may distinguish what flesh is clean and what is unclean. The first rule is that anything that dies of itself is unclean, whether it be beast, bird, or fish. The reasons of this are plain: for(1) the flesh still retains the blood, which no Israelite might eat; and
(2) there is something loathsome in the idea of eating such flesh. Next, as to beasts, a class is marked off as edible by two plainly discernible characteristics, and instances are given to show that where there is any doubt owing to the animals possessing one of the characteristic marks only, the rule is to be construed strictly. As to fish and insects, equally plain rules, one in each case, are laid down; but as birds are not readily distinguished into large classes, the names of those that are unclean are given one by one, the remainder being all of them permissible. Thus the simple Israelite would run no risk of incurring uncleanness by inadvertently eating unclean food, whether of beast, bird, fish, or insect. The object of the regulations being to exclude all meats naturally offensive to the human taste, all carnivorous quadrupeds are shut out by the rule of chewing the cud (verse 3), with the same purpose, birds of prey and birds that eat offal are prohibited (verses 13-19), and scaleless fish on account of their repulsive appearance (verses 9-12), as well as beetles, maggots, and vermin of all sorts. In the case of beasts and fish, the rules laid down to mark off those things that are offensive, being general in their application, are such as to include in the forbidden class some few which do not appear naturally loathsome. This is owing partly to the difficulty of classification, partly to a change of feeling which experience has wrought in the sentiments of mankind with regard to such edibles as swine's flesh and shell-fish.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
“Say
דַּבְּר֛וּ(dab·bə·rū)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdue
to
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
the Israelites,
בְּנֵ֥י(bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A son
‘Of all
מִכָּל־(mik·kāl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every
the beasts
הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה(hab·bə·hê·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 929:A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal
of
עַל־(‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against
the earth,
הָאָֽרֶץ׃(hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land
you may eat
תֹּאכְל֔וּ(tō·ḵə·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 398:To eat
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OT Law: Leviticus 11:2 Speak to the children of Israel saying (Le Lv Lev.) 
