Definition: Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean [thing, as] the uncleanness of man, or [any] unclean beast, or any abominable unclean [thing], and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which [pertain] unto the LORD, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Leviticus 7:21. It’s a pretty serious warning about spiritual impurity and connection to God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse deals with someone who touches something considered “unclean” – things that are spiritually dirty or offensive – while participating in the offering of a sacred sacrifice to God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Leviticus 7:21” : This is the specific verse we’re looking at. It’s a passage from the Old Testament law that describes a ritual involving a person who touches something considered unclean. “Moreover the soul that shall touch…” : This means anyone who comes into contact with something considered impure – think of it as having a spiritual stain. It doesn't just mean physical dirt; it’s about something that is spiritually wrong. “…any unclean [thing, as] the uncleanness of man, or [any] unclean beast, or any abominable unclean [thing]…” : This is where it gets detailed. It lists specific examples of things considered unclean: “uncleanness of man” : This refers to anything that's considered dirty or unholy – like a stain on clothes, a bad attitude, or something morally wrong. “[any] unclean beast” : This is a specific example – think of it as an animal sacrifice (like a goat) that was deemed impure through ritual practices. It’s about something that isn't pure or right before God. “abominable unclean [thing]” : This is the broadest category - any object, creature, or even an action considered to be spiritually wrong and unholy. "...and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings…” : This is the key part . The verse says that if someone touches these things, they will be cut off from their people . What does this mean practically? In ancient times, the offering of a "sacrifice of peace" was a very important ritual. It was a way to offer something pure and acceptable to God. If someone were to come into contact with something considered unclean – like a dirty animal or an unholy object – they would be excluded from being part of that community (the people of Israel). It’s a strong warning against sin, impurity, and any action that would damage the relationship with God. In short: This verse is a reminder that we are all susceptible to spiritual contamination, and it's essential to strive for purity in our thoughts, words, and actions. It emphasizes the importance of keeping ourselves and our community clean before God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Talk about the why behind this warning – why was it important in ancient times? Give you a more modern explanation of the concept of "impurity" or "spiritual taint"?