Leviticus 11:22

Translation
King James Version
Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Even these of them ye may eat H398; the locust H697 after his kind H4327, and the bald locust H5556 after his kind H4327, and the beetle H2728 after his kind H4327, and the grasshopper H2284 after his kind H4327.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Specifically, of these you may eat the various kinds of locusts, grasshoppers, katydids and crickets.
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Berean Standard Bible
Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper.
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American Standard Version
even these of them ye may eat: the locust after its kind, and the bald locust after its kind, and the cricket after its kind, and the grasshopper after its kind.
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World English Bible Messianic
Even of these you may eat: any kind of locust, any kind of katydid, any kind of cricket, and any kind of grasshopper.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Of them ye shall eate these, the grashopper after his kinde, and the solean after his kinde, the hargol after his kinde, and the hagab after his kind.
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Young's Literal Translation
these of them ye do eat: the locust after its kind, and the bald locust after its kind, and the beetle after its kind, and the grasshopper after its kind;
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See also
Mark 1:6Matthew 3:4Exodus 10:4Exodus 10:5Romans 15:1Romans 14:1Hebrews 12:12
In the KJVVerse 3,020 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Leviticus 11:22 is a precise directive within the broader Mosaic dietary laws, specifying which winged, leaping insects were permissible for consumption by the ancient Israelites. Following the general criteria for clean insects outlined in the preceding verse, this passage explicitly names four types of locusts and grasshoppers that were deemed ritually clean, distinguishing them from other flying creatures. This instruction underscores God's meticulous provision for His people's sustenance while reinforcing the principles of holiness and distinction that permeated every aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with Him, serving as a tangible reminder of their unique identity.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Leviticus 11:22 is situated within the extensive legal framework of Leviticus 11, which meticulously outlines the dietary laws given by God to Israel at Mount Sinai. This chapter is an integral part of the larger section of holiness codes (Leviticus 11-15), emphasizing the concept of ritual purity and separation for the Lord. Specifically, verse 22 directly follows Leviticus 11:21, which establishes the general rule that among all winged creeping things that go upon all fours, only those with "legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth" are clean. Verse 22 then provides specific examples of such permissible insects, elaborating on the general principle and offering concrete instances for the people to follow. The detailed enumeration serves to remove ambiguity and provide clear guidance on what was considered clean within this specific category of food, ensuring the Israelites could adhere precisely to God's commands.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The dietary laws, often referred to as kosher laws, were a fundamental aspect of Israel's covenant identity, setting them apart from surrounding pagan nations. In the ancient Near East, many cultures consumed a wide variety of animals, including insects, as part of their diet. Locusts and grasshoppers, in particular, were a common and often vital food source, especially in arid regions where other provisions might be scarce. They provided a rich source of protein and could be easily harvested. By specifying which insects were clean, God was not only providing practical guidance for sustenance but also reinforcing the theological principle of holiness. These laws were not arbitrary but served to teach Israel about purity, obedience, and their unique status as a holy nation set apart for Yahweh. The distinction between clean and unclean was a tangible, daily reminder of their unique relationship with God, influencing their social interactions and their understanding of divine order, as seen throughout the book of Leviticus.
  • Key Themes: The primary theme permeating Leviticus 11 and indeed the entire book of Leviticus is holiness and distinction. God, as a holy God, calls His people to be holy, and this holiness is expressed through their adherence to His laws, which set them apart from the surrounding nations. The dietary regulations, including those concerning insects, are a practical outworking of this call to separation, teaching Israel to discern between the common and the sacred, the clean and the unclean. Another significant theme is obedience, as these detailed laws required meticulous adherence, fostering a disciplined and responsive relationship with Yahweh. Furthermore, the passage subtly highlights God's provision, demonstrating His care for His people's physical needs by permitting the consumption of certain readily available and nutritious food sources within the framework of their covenant obligations, ensuring their sustenance even in challenging environments, a theme echoed in Deuteronomy 8:3.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Locust (Hebrew, ʼarbeh', H697): This term (H697) is a common Hebrew word for a locust, often referring to a specific species known for its swarming behavior and destructive impact on crops, as seen in the plague narratives (e.g., Exodus 10:4). In the context of Leviticus 11, it refers to a type of locust that was permissible for consumption, indicating that while they could be a plague, certain kinds were also a divinely sanctioned food source, highlighting God's nuanced provision.
  • Bald Locust (Hebrew, çolʻâm', H5556): The precise identification of this insect (H5556) is debated among scholars. The KJV translation "bald locust" suggests a distinguishing characteristic, perhaps a smooth head or a specific physical feature. Many modern translations render it as "cricket" or another type of locust, indicating a leaping insect distinct from the common locust but still belonging to the permissible category. Its name might derive from a root suggesting "consuming" or "destroying," underscoring its nature as a type of locust.
  • Beetle (Hebrew, chârᵉgôl', H2728): Similar to çolʻâm, the exact identification of chârᵉgôl (H2728) is uncertain. Despite the KJV's translation as "beetle," it is widely understood by lexicographers and entomologists to refer to another type of leaping orthopteran insect, likely a kind of locust or grasshopper, rather than what we commonly understand as a beetle today. The common thread among these terms is their ability to leap, fulfilling the criterion set in Leviticus 11:21, which emphasizes the physical characteristic that made them ritually clean.

Verse Breakdown

  • "[Even] these of them ye may eat;": This opening phrase serves as an emphatic affirmation, directly following the general rule in Leviticus 11:21. It clarifies that from the category of winged insects with leaping legs, the following specific types are indeed permissible for consumption, providing explicit divine sanction for their inclusion in the Israelite diet. The introductory "Even these" underscores the specificity and selectivity of God's instructions, emphasizing that not all insects are clean, but only those meeting the precise criteria.
  • "the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.": This clause provides a detailed enumeration of the four specific types of insects that are deemed clean. The repeated phrase "after his kind" (לְמִינֵהוּ, ləmînēhû) emphasizes the classification by species or type, indicating that not all insects within a broader category are clean, but only these specific varieties and their respective sub-types. This precision highlights the meticulous nature of God's law, leaving little room for ambiguity in dietary distinctions. The inclusion of these specific insects reflects a practical understanding of available food sources in the ancient Near East and God's provision for His people within the framework of holiness, allowing them to utilize common food sources while maintaining ritual purity.

Literary Devices

Leviticus 11:22 primarily employs Enumeration and Legalistic Language. The verse meticulously lists specific types of insects, providing a clear and exhaustive catalog of what is permissible. This Enumeration serves to remove ambiguity and provide precise instructions, which is characteristic of the legal genre found throughout Leviticus. The repeated phrase "after his kind" functions as a Categorization device, reinforcing the idea of distinct species and their classification within the broader divine order, emphasizing the meticulousness of God's creation and His laws. The overall tone is one of direct instruction and command, typical of Legalistic Language, emphasizing the binding nature of these divine decrees for the Israelite community. This precise language underscores the meticulousness of God's concern for every detail of His people's lives, even down to their diet, reflecting His desire for a people set apart in all their ways.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Leviticus 11:22, within the broader context of the Mosaic dietary laws, powerfully communicates God's meticulous attention to detail and His desire for a holy and distinct people. These laws were not merely arbitrary rules but served as tangible expressions of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, teaching them about purity, obedience, and separation from the practices of surrounding pagan cultures. The distinction between clean and unclean permeated daily life, transforming mundane acts like eating into opportunities for worship and remembrance of their unique identity as God's chosen nation. This passage also highlights God's practical provision, allowing for the consumption of certain insects that were a common and nutritious food source in the ancient world, demonstrating His care for their physical sustenance within the framework of their spiritual calling.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the specific dietary laws of Leviticus are no longer binding for New Testament believers, Leviticus 11:22 offers profound insights into the character of God and the nature of holiness. It reminds us that God is a God of order, detail, and distinction, deeply concerned with every aspect of His people's lives. The underlying principle of these laws was to cultivate a lifestyle of holiness—a life set apart for God's purposes. For us today, this translates not into adherence to dietary restrictions, but into a commitment to moral purity, ethical integrity, and spiritual devotion in all areas of our lives. It challenges us to consider how our choices, even seemingly mundane ones, can reflect our identity as God's redeemed people, living distinctly in a world that often blurs moral and spiritual lines. Our "diet" now encompasses what we consume through our eyes, ears, and minds, calling us to discern what is "clean" and "unclean" in terms of influences, relationships, and pursuits that either draw us closer to God or pull us away. This passage encourages a thoughtful, intentional approach to Christian living, where every decision, no matter how small, can be an act of worship and a demonstration of our commitment to God's holy standards.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Mosaic law, even concerning insects, reveal His character and His desire for a distinct people?
  • In what ways can we, as New Testament believers, apply the underlying principle of "holiness" and "distinction" from Leviticus 11:22 to our daily lives today, beyond literal dietary rules?
  • What "unclean" influences or habits might we need to discern and remove from our "diet" (our lives) to live more fully set apart for God and His purposes?

FAQ

Why were some insects considered clean and others unclean in the Mosaic Law?

Answer: The distinction between clean and unclean animals, including insects, in the Mosaic Law was primarily for the purpose of ritual purity and to set Israel apart as a holy nation. While the exact rationale for every specific animal's classification is not explicitly stated, the general principle for insects in Leviticus 11:21 was that winged creeping things that go upon all fours were unclean, UNLESS they had "legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth." This criterion allowed for the consumption of certain locusts, grasshoppers, and crickets, which were common food sources in the ancient Near East. The distinction likely served a multi-faceted purpose: promoting hygiene, symbolizing order and distinction, and serving as a tangible reminder of Israel's unique covenant relationship with God, reinforcing their identity as a people consecrated to Him.

Are Christians today bound by the dietary laws found in Leviticus 11?

Answer: No, Christians today are generally not bound by the specific dietary laws of Leviticus 11. The New Testament clarifies that these laws, part of the Old Covenant, have been fulfilled and superseded by the New Covenant in Christ. Jesus declared all foods clean in Mark 7:19, stating that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of their heart. Furthermore, Peter's vision in Acts 10:9-16 explicitly teaches that God has made all foods clean, symbolizing the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile and the universal reach of the Gospel. While the specific dietary restrictions are no longer applicable, the underlying principles of holiness, obedience, and living a life set apart for God remain central to Christian discipleship, though expressed through transformed hearts and ethical conduct rather than external food regulations, as discussed in Romans 14:1-4.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The dietary laws of Leviticus 11, including the specific allowance for certain insects in Leviticus 11:22, find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. These laws served as a "tutor" or "guardian" (Galatians 3:24) to lead Israel to Christ, demonstrating the impossibility of achieving true purity through external regulations alone. Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, established a New Covenant where the emphasis shifted from ceremonial cleanness to internal, spiritual purity. He declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), signifying that defilement comes not from what enters the mouth, but from the wicked thoughts and intentions of the heart (Matthew 15:18-20). The vision given to Peter in Acts 10:9-16 dramatically illustrates the abolition of these distinctions, paving the way for the Gospel to be proclaimed to all nations without the burden of Mosaic dietary restrictions. Thus, the holiness once symbolized by external dietary laws is now realized in believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live lives truly set apart for God, not by what we eat, but by our transformed character and obedience to Christ's commands (Romans 12:1-2).

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Commentary on Leviticus 11 verses 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.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–42. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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