TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 11:20–42.
Here is the law, 1. Concerning flying insects, as flies, wasps, bees, etc.; these they might not eat (Lev 11:20), nor indeed are they fit to be eaten; but there were several sorts of locusts which in those countries were very good meat, and much used: John Baptist lived upon them in the desert, and they are here allowed them, Lev 11:21, Lev 11:22. 2. Concerning the creeping things on the earth; these were all forbidden (Lev 11:29, Lev 11:30, and again, Lev 11:41, Lev 11:42); for it was the curse of the serpent that upon his belly he should go, and therefore between him and man there was an enmity put (Gen 3:15), which was preserved by this law. Dust is the meat of the creeping things, and therefore they are not fit to be man's meat. 3. Concerning the dead carcasses of all these unclean animals. (1.) Every one that touched them was to be unclean until the evening, Lev 11:24-28. This law is often repeated, to possess them with a dread of every thing that was prohibited, though no particular reason for the prohibition did appear, but only the will of the Law-maker. Not that they were to be looked upon as defiling to the conscience, or that it was a sin against God to touch them, unless done in contempt of the law: in many cases, somebody must of necessity touch them, to remove them; but it was a ceremonial uncleanness they contracted, which for the time forbade them to come into the tabernacle, or to eat of any of the holy things, or so much as to converse familiarly with their neighbours. But the uncleanness continued only till the evening, to signify that all ceremonial pollutions were to come to an end by the death of Christ in the evening of the world. And we must learn, by daily renewing our repentance every night for the sins of the day, to cleanse ourselves from the pollution we contract by them, that we may not lie down in our uncleanness. Even unclean animals they might touch while they were alive without contracting any ceremonial uncleanness by it, as horses and dogs, because they were allowed to use them for service; but they might not touch them when they were dead, because they might not eat their flesh; and what must not be eaten must not be touched, Gen 3:3. (2.) Even the vessels, or other things they fell upon, were thereby made unclean until the evening (Lev 11:32), and if they were earthen vessels they must be broken, Lev 11:33. This taught them carefully to avoid every thing that was polluting, even in their common actions. Not only the vessels of the sanctuary, but every pot in Jerusalem and Judah, must be holiness to the Lord, Zac 14:20, Zac 14:21. The laws in these cases are very critical, and the observance of them would be difficult, we should think, if every thing that a dead mouse or rat, for instance, falls upon must be unclean; and if it were an oven, or ranges for pots, they must all be broken down, Lev 11:35. The exceptions also are very nice, Lev 11:36, etc. All this was designed to exercise them to a constant care and exactness in their obedience, and to teach us, who by Christ are delivered from these burdensome observances, not to be less circumspect in the more weighty matters of the law. We ought as industriously to preserve our precious souls from the pollutions of sin, and as speedily to cleanse them when they are polluted, as they were to preserve and cleanse their bodies and household goods from those ceremonial pollutions.
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Summary
Leviticus 11:20 establishes a specific dietary prohibition within the Mosaic Law, declaring certain "fowls that creep, going upon all four" as an abomination. This verse is part of God's meticulous instructions for Israel's ritual purity and separation, specifically targeting flying creatures that exhibit anomalous locomotion by also moving on four limbs. This unique classification highlights the divine emphasis on maintaining distinct categories in creation, symbolizing Israel's call to a distinct identity as a holy people set apart for God's purposes.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 11 provides a comprehensive framework for the dietary laws (kashrut) given to the Israelites, meticulously categorizing animals into those permissible ("clean") and impermissible ("unclean") for consumption. The chapter begins by outlining principles for land animals in Leviticus 11:2-8, then transitions to aquatic creatures in Leviticus 11:9-12, and subsequently to birds in Leviticus 11:13-19. Verse 20 introduces a unique and seemingly contradictory category of flying creatures that also exhibit crawling behavior on four limbs, setting them apart from typical birds. This prohibition is immediately followed by a distinction within winged insects, allowing some that have jointed legs for leaping in Leviticus 11:21-23, before moving to regulations concerning carcasses and their defiling effects in Leviticus 11:24-40. The chapter concludes with a powerful reiteration of the overarching command for Israel to be holy, as God Himself is holy, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-47.
Historical & Cultural Context
The dietary laws in Leviticus were far more than mere hygiene regulations, though practical benefits may have incidentally existed. Primarily, they served as a tangible and pervasive expression of Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and their distinct identity among the nations. In the ancient Near East, many surrounding cultures engaged in practices involving various animals, some of which were associated with pagan deities or cultic rituals. By establishing clear distinctions between clean and unclean, God provided a comprehensive framework for Israel to demonstrate their separation from these pagan influences and their exclusive commitment to Him. These laws reinforced the profound concept of holiness—being "set apart" for God's sacred purposes. Creatures that blurred natural categories (e.g., a flying creature that also creeps on four legs) were often viewed as anomalies or disruptive to the divinely ordered creation, thus symbolizing disorder or impurity. This theological understanding of order and distinction was paramount in shaping Israel's worldview and their daily lives as God's chosen people.
Key Themes
The primary theme running through Leviticus 11 and indeed the entire book of Leviticus is Holiness. God's call for Israel to "be holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44) permeates these regulations. The dietary laws are a practical outworking of this call, teaching Israel about Distinction and Separation—distinguishing between the sacred and the common, the pure and the impure. This chapter also emphasizes Divine Order, reflecting God's character as a God of order who established clear categories in creation. Creatures that defy these categories, like those described in Leviticus 11:20, serve as symbolic representations of disorder or impurity, reinforcing the need for Israel to maintain clear boundaries in their lives to reflect God's own nature. Finally, the laws underscore the theme of Obedience as a demonstration of covenant faithfulness.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root עוּף, meaning "to fly," this term refers to any winged creature, often collectively. While it can include birds, in the context of Leviticus 11, especially when combined with "creep," it likely encompasses flying insects and other winged creatures. It establishes the initial classification of the creature as one that moves through the air.
From the root שָׁרַץ, meaning "to swarm" or "to teem," this word refers to a multitude of small, active creatures that move by crawling or swarming, typically on the ground. Its application to "fowls" in this verse creates a unique and seemingly contradictory description, highlighting a creature that possesses wings and flies but also habitually moves by crawling on four limbs on the ground. This combination signifies a blurring of the distinct categories God established in creation.
From the root שָׁקַץ, meaning "to be filthy" or "to detest," this is a strong theological term signifying something utterly detestable, ritually impure, and forbidden by God. It denotes not merely something disliked, but something that is an affront to God's holiness and order, making it unfit for consumption and requiring ritual separation from those who would touch or consume it.
Verse Breakdown
"All fowls that creep"
This phrase identifies the general class of creatures under consideration: those that fly ("fowls" or winged creatures) but also exhibit the characteristic of "creeping" or swarming on the ground. This unusual combination marks them as distinct from typical birds, which primarily move by flying and perching, and from typical land animals, which walk on four legs but do not fly. The KJV's "fowls" here likely includes winged insects, which can both fly and creep on multiple legs.
"going upon [all] four"
This specifies the manner of creeping, emphasizing the use of four limbs for ground locomotion. This further distinguishes them from most birds (which have two legs) and highlights their anomalous nature within the established categories of creation. The precise identity of such creatures has been debated, but bats (often classified with birds in ancient thought) or certain large, winged insects that use all four legs for crawling are strong candidates. Their dual mode of movement—flying and quadrupedal crawling—renders them anomalous.
"[shall be] an abomination unto you"
This declares God's verdict on these creatures: they are detestable and forbidden for consumption. The term "abomination" underscores the profound ritual impurity and theological unacceptability of these creatures, reinforcing the divine command for Israel to maintain ritual purity and distinction in their dietary practices.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:20 employs several significant literary devices that contribute to its theological weight. The primary device is Categorization, as the verse meticulously defines a specific subset of flying creatures based on their anomalous mode of locomotion, thereby creating a distinct category of the unclean. This precise definition is integral to the broader legal framework of the chapter, which systematically classifies all living creatures according to divine criteria. Furthermore, there is profound Symbolism at play; creatures that "creep, going upon all four" while also being "fowls" represent a blurring of the divinely ordained boundaries and categories of creation. They embody liminality—existing between distinct realms (air and land, typical bird and typical land animal)—which often symbolized disorder or impurity in ancient Israelite thought. This symbolic representation reinforced the theological principle of maintaining clear distinctions and order, reflecting God's own character of holiness and order. Finally, the verse utilizes Legal Prescription, employing declarative and prohibitive language ("shall be an abomination unto you") to establish a clear and non-negotiable divine command, underscoring the absolute authority of God's word in defining purity and impurity for His people.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 11:20, like the broader dietary laws, underscores the profound theological themes of holiness, distinction, and obedience. God's meticulous instructions served to impress upon Israel that their entire lives, including what they ate, were to reflect their covenant relationship with Him. The distinction between clean and unclean was not arbitrary but designed to cultivate a mindset of separation from the common practices of the surrounding nations, reinforcing their identity as a holy people set apart for a holy God. The prohibition against creatures that blurred natural categories also emphasized God's order in creation and the importance of adhering to divine boundaries. Ultimately, these laws were a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about God's character and their call to reflect His purity and order in all aspects of their lives, culminating in the command to be holy as He is holy.
Reflection and Application
While the specific dietary laws of the Old Testament are no longer binding on New Testament believers, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and obedience remain profoundly relevant. Just as God called Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean in their physical diet, believers today are called to exercise spiritual discernment, separating themselves from influences, philosophies, and practices that are contrary to God's Word and His character. This involves a conscious choice to pursue moral and spiritual purity, reflecting the holiness of God in our thoughts, words, and actions. The call to be set apart for God's purposes endures, inviting us to live lives that honor Him and bear witness to His transforming power. Our obedience is not based on a legalistic adherence to external rules, but on a heart transformed by grace, seeking to please God in all things, trusting in His wisdom even when His reasons are not fully understood. We are called to embody a distinct spiritual identity in a world that often blurs moral and ethical lines, just as the dietary laws called Israel to maintain physical distinctiveness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were these specific creatures, "fowls that creep, going upon all four," deemed an abomination?
The prohibition against "fowls that creep, going upon all four" (likely including creatures like bats or certain large, winged insects that also crawl on multiple legs) stems from the ancient Israelite understanding of divine order and purity. In God's creation, animals were typically categorized into distinct realms and modes of movement: fish in water, birds in the air, and land animals walking on two or four legs. Creatures that blurred these categories—such as a flying creature that also habitually crawled on four limbs—were seen as anomalous or liminal, existing between established boundaries. This blurring of categories was often associated with disorder or impurity in the Israelite worldview, making them an "abomination" (Hebrew: sheqets), something ritually detestable and forbidden by God. This reinforced the theological principle of maintaining clear distinctions and holiness, reflecting God's own character of order and purity, and teaching Israel to value divine order in all aspects of life.
Are the dietary laws of Leviticus, including this prohibition, still binding on believers today?
No, the specific dietary laws of Leviticus are generally understood not to be binding on New Testament believers. The New Testament teaches that with the coming of Christ, the Old Covenant's ceremonial and dietary laws were fulfilled and transcended. Jesus Himself declared all foods clean in Mark 7:19, signifying that true defilement comes from within, not from external consumption. Furthermore, Peter's vision in Acts 10:9-16 explicitly revealed that God no longer considers certain foods unclean, paving the way for the inclusion of Gentiles into the church without requiring adherence to Mosaic dietary customs. The Apostle Paul further affirmed this, stating that food does not commend us to God and that believers should not be judged on matters of food or drink in Romans 14:17 and Colossians 2:16-17. While the literal dietary restrictions are lifted, the underlying spiritual principles of holiness, discernment, and obedience to God's will remain eternally relevant for all believers.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 11:20, like all the Mosaic dietary laws, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant's distinctions between clean and unclean, particularly concerning food, served as a shadow pointing to a greater spiritual reality. These regulations were a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about the pervasive nature of sin and the need for a radical separation unto God, highlighting the impossibility of achieving true purity through external rituals alone. Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, became the ultimate sacrifice that purifies not only our outward lives but our very hearts and consciences, as profoundly articulated in Hebrews 9:11-14. He declared all foods clean in Mark 7:19, signifying that true defilement comes not from what enters the body, but from the evil intentions of the heart, as He explains in Mark 7:20-23. Furthermore, Christ broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, making both one in Him, thereby transcending the very distinctions that the dietary laws symbolized, as beautifully described in Ephesians 2:14-16. In Christ, the focus shifts from ceremonial purity to spiritual purity, from external adherence to internal transformation, inviting believers to live lives of holiness not by legalistic observance, but by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, reflecting the character of the One who made all things new, making us new creations in Him as declared in 2 Corinthians 5:17.