Leviticus 11:43Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This passage, in my view, clearly suggests that we should not associate with those who, despite being called brethren, live in sin, whether they are fornicators, libertines, idolaters, wrongdoers, drunkards, or gluttonous; with such individuals, we are advised not even to share a meal (1 Cor. 5:11). Thus, if any among those recognized as truly upright, who have been cleansed and welcomed into spiritual communion through faith, becomes entangled in the deadness that stems from sin, they become ‘unclean’ as mentioned and are to be avoided; for anyone polluted by dead works also contaminates those who stand in fellowship with them. However, if someone finds themselves defiled, they ought to be purified with water by evening; the previous discussion has made this meaning clear. It is important to note that both the one who consumes dead things and the one who touches them are deemed unclean by the law, which does not absolve the participant in their deadness from vice and guilt, nor does it consider innocent those who draw near to them. Therefore, we must remain vigilant, not only against engaging in the same actions as the wicked, but also against forming connections with them; "Whosoever toucheth pitch shall be defiled," it is declared (Sir. 13:1), and this saying holds true. Furthermore, the law has chosen examples that effectively convey moral quality, as illustrated by the subsequent injunction, "Ye shall not defile your souls with any creeping animal, nor make yourselves unclean by them, that ye may be unclean by them: for I am the Lord your God" (Lev. 11:43-44). What spiritual contamination could be incurred from the death of an animal or from touching a corpse? What detrimental effect could arise from food that has been consumed and expelled, as our Savior stated (Matt. 15:17)? Palladius. I believe there is none; your reasoning is sound.