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 11:21 presents a specific and nuanced exception within the broader framework of Israel's dietary laws, permitting the consumption of certain "flying creeping things." While the preceding verse generally prohibits winged insects that move on four legs, this verse provides a crucial qualification: those possessing specialized hind legs designed for leaping are deemed clean. This detailed distinction highlights God's meticulous authority in defining purity for His covenant people, underscoring the theological purpose of setting Israel apart as a holy nation, distinct in their practices and consecrated to Him.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 11:21 is meticulously placed within the comprehensive dietary regulations outlined in Leviticus 11. This chapter systematically categorizes various animals—aquatic, terrestrial, and avian—as either clean or unclean, dictating what the Israelites were permitted or forbidden to consume. The immediate literary backdrop for verse 21 is Leviticus 11:20, which establishes a general prohibition against all "flying creeping things that creep, going upon all four." Verse 21 then introduces a critical qualification, providing a specific allowance based on a distinct anatomical characteristic. This pattern of general prohibition followed by specific exception is characteristic of biblical law, demonstrating the precise and nuanced nature of God's commands. The overarching purpose of these laws, as seen throughout the book of Leviticus, was to impress upon Israel their unique identity and call to holiness, distinguishing them from the surrounding nations.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, dietary practices were deeply intertwined with religious and cultural identity. The laws in Leviticus served to visibly differentiate Israel from their pagan neighbors, whose culinary habits might include animals deemed abominable by Yahweh. While many "creeping things" were associated with impurity and idolatrous practices, certain insects, particularly locusts, grasshoppers, and crickets, were a recognized and often vital food source in various ancient cultures, including parts of the Middle East and Africa. This verse acknowledges this reality by providing a specific, divinely sanctioned allowance for these types of insects, provided they met the precise anatomical criteria. The distinction was not arbitrary but reflected a divine taxonomy that promoted both ritual purity and, incidentally, often practical health benefits, though the primary purpose was always theological: to reinforce Israel's covenant relationship with God and their status as a holy people, set apart from the nations around them.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Holiness and Separation, as the dietary laws served as a tangible means of setting Israel apart as a consecrated people, reflecting God's own holy character (as explicitly stated in Leviticus 11:44-45). It also underscores Divine Sovereignty and Authority, demonstrating God's absolute right to define what is clean and unclean, acceptable and unacceptable for His people. The meticulous detail of the law, even down to the anatomy of insects, highlights God's Meticulousness and Precision, revealing His comprehensive involvement in every aspect of His covenant people's lives. Furthermore, the concept of Obedience as Worship is central, as adherence to these commands was an act of faith and a visible sign of their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root (H398) signifies the act of consuming food, whether literally or figuratively. In the context of Leviticus 11, it refers to the physical ingestion of animals, distinguishing between those permissible for consumption and those forbidden. The allowance to "eat" these specific insects highlights a deliberate divine exception to a general prohibition, emphasizing God's detailed instructions regarding Israel's diet.
This term (H8318) denotes a "swarm" or "active mass of minute animals," often implying creatures that move in a multitude, typically close to the ground. In Leviticus, sherets frequently carries connotations of impurity, often associated with creatures that swarm or crawl. However, in this verse, when combined with "flying" and the subsequent anatomical description, it refers specifically to winged insects that typically move by crawling or swarming, setting the stage for the unique exception.
This word (H3767) specifically refers to the leg, particularly from the knee to the ankle, and is used in the dual form (kera'ayim) to denote a pair of legs. In this context, it describes the distinctive, powerful hind legs of certain insects, which are adapted for propulsion. The mention of these specific "legs" is the crucial anatomical criterion that distinguishes permissible flying creeping things from forbidden ones.
This primitive root (H5425) means "to jump," "to be violently agitated," or "to shake off." In Leviticus 11:21, it describes the primary function of the specialized legs mentioned: to propel the creature through a powerful spring or jump. This functional description unequivocally identifies insects like locusts, grasshoppers, and crickets, which are renowned for their leaping ability, confirming the precise category of permissible insects.
Verse Breakdown
"Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon [all] four,"
This opening clause introduces the specific exception to the general prohibition of "flying creeping things" found in Leviticus 11:20. It acknowledges a category of winged insects that typically move on four legs (or more, as "four" can be a general descriptor for creatures that crawl or walk on multiple legs, not necessarily limited to exactly four). The phrase "yet these" signals a crucial qualification, indicating that not all such creatures are unclean, but a select group is permitted.
"which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth;"
This is the defining characteristic that renders certain "flying creeping things" permissible for consumption. The phrase describes insects possessing a specific type of hind leg—elongated, jointed, and positioned distinctively "above" or "behind" their other legs—that enables them to jump or leap powerfully. This anatomical and functional description clearly identifies insects such as locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers, which are known for their jumping ability and were, in some ancient cultures, a recognized source of food. This precise detail demonstrates God's meticulousness in His laws, providing clear and unambiguous criteria for distinction.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:21 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its precise legal instruction. The primary device is Categorization and Taxonomy, as the entire chapter functions as an elaborate system for classifying animals into clean and unclean categories. Within this broader system, verse 21 demonstrates Specification by providing a highly detailed exception to a general rule. The initial prohibition in Leviticus 11:20 is broad, but verse 21 narrows the scope, highlighting God's meticulous attention to detail. This creates a clear Contrast between the general uncleanliness of "flying creeping things" and the specific cleanness of those with leaping legs. The use of highly descriptive anatomical and functional language ("legs above their feet, to leap") serves to eliminate ambiguity, functioning almost like a Legal Definition, ensuring clarity for the Israelites in applying the divine command. This precision underscores the divine origin and authority of the law.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 11:21, though seemingly a minor detail about insects, profoundly reinforces core theological themes of the Old Covenant. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous involvement in every aspect of His people's lives, even their diet. The specificity of the law, distinguishing between similar creatures based on precise anatomical features, highlights the divine prerogative to define purity and holiness. These dietary laws were not merely for hygiene or practical benefit but served as a constant, tangible reminder of Israel's distinct identity as a holy nation, set apart for Yahweh. Obedience to such detailed commands was an act of worship and a visible sign of their covenant relationship, demonstrating their commitment to living according to God's revealed will and reflecting His character in a fallen world. This meticulousness also foreshadows the precision of God's redemptive plan.
Reflection and Application
While the specific dietary laws of Leviticus are not binding for New Covenant believers, the underlying principles embedded in Leviticus 11:21 remain profoundly relevant. This verse reminds us of God's meticulous nature and His desire for His people to live distinctly. Just as the Israelites were called to be set apart through their diet, believers today are called to live a life of holiness and distinction, not primarily through external regulations, but through internal transformation and obedience to God's moral and ethical will. Our obedience, driven by love for Christ, is our contemporary expression of being "set apart" from the world's values and practices. This passage encourages us to consider how God's detailed commands, even those we no longer observe literally, reveal His character and His desire for our lives to reflect His glory in every sphere. It prompts us to seek out and understand the underlying wisdom and purpose behind God's instructions, recognizing that His ultimate goal is always our flourishing and His honor, and that true holiness is a holistic surrender to His will.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God make such specific rules about what to eat, even down to which insects were permissible?
God's dietary laws, including the specific allowance in Leviticus 11:21, served multiple purposes for ancient Israel. Primarily, they were a means of establishing and reinforcing their holiness and distinctiveness as God's chosen people. By adhering to these unique regulations, Israel visibly set itself apart from the pagan nations around them, whose practices often included eating animals considered unclean by Yahweh. These laws were a constant, tangible reminder of their covenant relationship and their call to be "holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44). While not the primary reason, some scholars also suggest that these laws had practical benefits, such as promoting hygiene or discouraging the consumption of animals more likely to carry disease, though the biblical text emphasizes the theological purpose. Ultimately, the specificity demonstrated God's absolute authority to define what was acceptable for His people, demanding their obedience as an act of faith and trust in His wisdom.
Are Christians required to follow these dietary laws today?
No, Christians are generally not required to follow the specific dietary laws found in Leviticus. The New Testament teaches that these Old Covenant regulations, particularly those concerning food, were part of the "shadow" that pointed to the "reality" found in Christ (Colossians 2:16-17). Jesus Himself declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), and the Apostle Peter's vision in Acts 10 explicitly revealed that God had cleansed what was once considered unclean, signifying the inclusion of Gentiles into the church without requiring adherence to Jewish dietary laws (Acts 10:15). The focus under the New Covenant shifts from external regulations to internal purity and the spiritual nature of God's kingdom, where "the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 11:21, with its meticulous distinction between clean and unclean, ultimately points to the comprehensive and transformative work of Christ. The very specificity of the law, down to the anatomical features of insects, highlights the impossibility for humanity to achieve perfect purity or righteousness through mere adherence to external regulations. This detailed legal framework served to underscore humanity's pervasive sinfulness and the profound need for a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. In Christ, the distinctions between clean and unclean are fundamentally transformed and transcended. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, making all things new and clean through His atoning sacrifice. Jesus fulfilled the law, not by abolishing it, but by bringing its true purpose to light, demonstrating that true defilement comes not from what enters the mouth, but from the heart (Matthew 15:11). The ceremonial laws, including dietary restrictions, were a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" (Colossians 2:16-17). Thus, the meticulousness of Leviticus 11:21 ultimately magnifies the all-encompassing purity and freedom found in Jesus, who cleanses not just our diet, but our very souls, enabling us to be truly holy before God, not by our own efforts, but by His grace and perfect work on the cross.