Leviticus 11:29

KJV

These also [shall be] unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,

KJV (with Strong's)

These also shall be unclean {H2931} unto you among the creeping things {H8318} that creep {H8317} upon the earth {H776}; the weasel {H2467}, and the mouse {H5909}, and the tortoise {H6632} after his kind {H4327},

Complete Jewish Bible

"'The following are unclean for you among the small creatures that swarm on the ground: the weasel, the mouse, the various kinds of lizards,

Berean Standard Bible

The following creatures that move along the ground are unclean for you: the mole, the mouse, any kind of great lizard,

American Standard Version

And these are they which are unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth: the weasel, and the mouse, and the great lizard after its kind,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:29 is an integral part of God's comprehensive purity laws given to Israel at Mount Sinai, specifically designating certain small, land-dwelling "creeping things" as ritually unclean. This verse, alongside other detailed regulations in the chapter, meticulously outlines what was forbidden for consumption and contact, thereby establishing clear boundaries that were crucial for the Israelites to maintain their distinct identity and ritual purity as a nation consecrated to Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11 is a foundational chapter within the book of Leviticus, which broadly addresses the theme of holiness—how a holy God dwells among a people called to be holy. Following the detailed instructions for priestly consecration and sacrificial worship in [Leviticus 8-10](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8-10 - Consecration of the Priesthood and Sacrifices"), chapter 11 shifts focus to the purity of the Israelite community itself, detailing regulations concerning clean and unclean animals, birds, fish, and "creeping things." This chapter serves as a comprehensive guide for daily living, immediately preceding laws related to purification after childbirth in [Leviticus 12](/leviticus/12 "Leviticus 12 - Purification After Childbirth") and various skin diseases in [Leviticus 13-14](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13-14 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases and Discharges"). Verse 29 specifically addresses a subset of terrestrial creatures, leading into further instructions about defilement through contact with their carcasses in [Leviticus 11:31-40](/leviticus/11-31-40 "Leviticus 11:31-40 - Defilement by Unclean Carcasses"). The meticulous categorization underscores the pervasive and comprehensive nature of God's call to holiness, extending even to the most common aspects of daily life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The laws presented in Leviticus were delivered to the nascent nation of Israel at Mount Sinai, forming a crucial component of the Mosaic Covenant. These regulations served multiple, interconnected purposes beyond mere hygiene. Primarily, they functioned as a visible and tangible means of distinguishing Israel from the surrounding pagan nations, such as the Egyptians and Canaanites, whose dietary practices and religious rituals often involved animals considered abominable by God. By adhering to these laws, Israel was constantly reminded of their unique status as a "holy nation" and a "treasured possession" ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Holy Nation")). The prohibition against certain animals, including those listed in [Leviticus 11:29](/leviticus/11-29 "Leviticus 11:29 - Unclean Creeping Things"), reinforced the idea of separation from idolatrous practices and common defilement, emphasizing God's absolute authority to define purity and impurity for His covenant community. These laws were not arbitrary but deeply theological, designed to cultivate a mindset of reverence, obedience, and distinction in every aspect of life, preparing them to dwell in the presence of a holy God.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 11:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. The most prominent is **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's intrinsic holiness and His demand for His people to reflect that holiness in their daily lives. The distinction between "clean" and "unclean" serves as a constant, tangible reminder of this divine standard, impacting diet, contact, and worship. Another key theme is **Separation and Distinction**, as these laws visibly set Israel apart from the surrounding nations, preventing assimilation into pagan customs and reinforcing their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. This separation was not merely for ritualistic purposes but for the preservation of their spiritual identity. Furthermore, the laws highlight **God's Sovereignty and Authority**, demonstrating His right to define what is acceptable and what is defiling for His people, thereby cultivating a spirit of obedience and trust in His divine wisdom. The meticulous detail of the laws also speaks to the theme of **Order and Creation**, contrasting the ordered nature of God's design with the perceived chaos or "otherness" of certain creatures, reinforcing the idea that holiness involves living in harmony with God's created order.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ_):** This term signifies a state of ritual impurity or defilement, which is distinct from physical dirtiness. In the Old Testament, being _ṭâmêʼ_ meant one was temporarily unfit for participation in sacred worship, touching holy objects, or entering the tabernacle/temple precincts. It required a prescribed purification ritual to restore one to a state of ritual cleanness. The divine declaration of these animals as "unclean" meant they were fundamentally incompatible with the holiness God demanded of His people and their worship, serving as a constant reminder of the pervasive nature of impurity in a fallen world.
* **Creeping things (Hebrew, _sherets_):** Derived from the root _shârats_, meaning "to wriggle" or "to swarm," this term broadly refers to teeming or swarming creatures, typically small animals that move close to the ground. This includes rodents, reptiles, and certain insects. The KJV's "creeping things" accurately captures the sense of their movement. In the biblical worldview, these creatures were often associated with lowliness, abundance, and sometimes vermin, contributing to their designation as unclean. The concept of "swarming" or "teeming" itself could imply a lack of order or a chaotic nature, contrasting with God's ordered creation and the meticulous distinctions He established for His people.
* **Tortoise (Hebrew, _tsâb_):** The precise identification of this animal has been a subject of scholarly debate. While "tortoise" is a common translation (KJV), other interpretations include a large lizard, a monitor lizard, or a type of gecko. The root meaning, "to establish" or "to cling fast," might suggest a creature that is fixed or clings to the ground. The phrase "after his kind" (_mîyn_) appended to "tortoise" (and implicitly applying to the weasel and mouse as well) indicates that the prohibition extends to all species within that general category, not just the specific example named, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the divine decree and leaving no room for ambiguity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These also [shall be] unclean unto you":** This opening clause functions as a definitive divine declaration, unequivocally establishing the ritual status of the creatures that follow. The passive voice emphasizes God's authoritative pronouncement, making their inherent impurity a matter of divine decree, not human preference. For the Israelite community, this meant these animals were fundamentally set apart as defiling.
* **"among the creeping things that creep upon the earth":** This phrase precisely defines the broader category of animals being addressed, distinguishing them from aquatic or flying creatures previously mentioned in the chapter. It narrows the focus to terrestrial creatures that move low to the ground, reinforcing the meaning of the Hebrew term _sherets_ and specifying the domain of these particular purity laws.
* **"the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind":** This provides specific, concrete examples of the "creeping things" that are deemed unclean. These were common animals likely encountered regularly in daily life, making the purity laws a constant, practical reminder of Israel's separation. The inclusion of "after his kind" for the tortoise (and implicitly for the weasel and mouse) signifies that the prohibition extends to all variations or species within those general classifications, making the law comprehensive and leaving no room for ambiguity regarding similar creatures.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:29, within the broader context of the chapter, employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively and reinforce the divine mandate for holiness. **Categorization** is paramount, as the entire chapter systematically divides the animal kingdom into "clean" and "unclean" categories, providing a clear framework for Israelite life and underscoring the ordered nature of God's creation. This verse specifically contributes to the sub-category of "creeping things," detailing a subset of land-dwelling creatures. **Listing** is also prominent, as the verse explicitly names specific animals (weasel, mouse, tortoise) to provide concrete examples within the broader category of "creeping things," making the abstract concept of "unclean" tangible and actionable for the common Israelite. The **Repetition** of the term "unclean" throughout the chapter, and the underlying concept of ritual purity, serves to reinforce the central theme of holiness and the constant need for distinction. Furthermore, the animals themselves function as **Symbolism**, where their physical characteristics and behaviors (e.g., crawling low to the ground, association with vermin or the chaotic) become symbolic representations of defilement and a state contrary to God's holy order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration of certain animals as "unclean" in Leviticus 11:29 and throughout the chapter is deeply rooted in the overarching theological theme of God's absolute holiness and His call for His people to reflect that holiness. These laws were not arbitrary but served as tangible object lessons, impressing upon Israel the absolute necessity of purity in all aspects of life—physical, ritual, and ultimately, spiritual. They underscored God's sovereignty in defining what is acceptable and what is defiling, thereby cultivating a mindset of obedience and distinction. The distinction between clean and unclean was a daily reminder of Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, setting them apart from the defiling practices of the surrounding nations and preparing them to dwell in the presence of a holy God.

* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel, A Holy People")
* [Ezekiel 22:26](/ezekiel/22-26 "Ezekiel 22:26 - Priests Not Distinguishing Clean from Unclean")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary and ritual purity laws of the Old Covenant are no longer binding on New Covenant believers, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for our lives today. Leviticus 11:29, by meticulously defining what was "unclean," challenges us to consider what defiles us spiritually in a world that often blurs the lines between good and evil, pure and impure. We are called to a spiritual holiness that transcends mere external observances, discerning what is spiritually healthy and what is harmful or defiling to our minds, hearts, and actions. This passage reminds us that God has the right to establish standards for His people, and our obedience is a reflection of our submission to His loving authority. It prompts us to examine our lives for "creeping things"—subtle compromises, unholy influences, or unconfessed sins—that might hinder our walk with God and our witness to the world, striving to live a life set apart for His glory and to maintain a conscience clear before Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in these Old Covenant laws inform our understanding of His character and His desire for our holiness?**
* **In what ways might we, as New Covenant believers, be tempted to compromise our spiritual purity today, even without the explicit dietary laws?**
* **What "creeping things" (spiritual defilements or subtle compromises) do we need to identify and remove from our lives to live more fully set apart for God?**

### FAQ

**Why did God declare certain animals "unclean" for the Israelites?**

Answer: The primary reason for declaring certain animals "unclean" was not primarily for hygienic purposes, though some incidental health benefits might have existed. Instead, these laws were profoundly theological and symbolic. They served to teach Israel about God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity from His covenant people. By distinguishing between clean and unclean, God established clear boundaries that reinforced Israel's unique identity as a nation set apart for Him, distinct from the pagan nations around them whose practices often involved these very animals. These dietary and purity laws were tangible, daily reminders of their covenant relationship with Yahweh and their call to reflect His character, preparing them to dwell in His holy presence, as highlighted in [Leviticus 11:45](/leviticus/11-45 "Leviticus 11:45 - I am the LORD who brought you up").

**Are these dietary laws still binding on Christians today?**

Answer: No, the specific dietary and ritual purity laws of the Old Covenant, including those in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), are not binding on New Covenant believers. The New Testament clearly teaches that these regulations were fulfilled in Christ and are no longer necessary for salvation or spiritual purity. Jesus Himself declared all foods clean, as recorded in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), signifying a radical shift from external ritual purity to internal heart purity. Furthermore, Peter's vision in [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Peter's Vision and Clean Foods") explicitly states, "What God has made clean, do not call common," extending God's grace to Gentiles and abolishing the food distinctions. The Apostle Paul further emphasizes freedom from such regulations in [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom from Food and Festival Regulations"), explaining that these were a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." While the literal laws are superseded, the underlying principle of spiritual purity and separation from sin remains vital for Christians.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Covenant laws concerning clean and unclean animals, exemplified by [Leviticus 11:29](/leviticus/11-29 "Leviticus 11:29 - Unclean Creeping Things"), serve as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate purification found in Jesus Christ. These meticulous regulations, while seemingly mundane, highlighted humanity's inherent defilement and the pervasive nature of sin, which renders us "unclean" and separated from a holy God. No amount of ritual washing or dietary adherence could truly cleanse the conscience or remove the stain of sin. Christ, however, fulfills these laws by becoming the spotless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) whose perfect sacrifice purifies us from all unrighteousness. He is the one who makes the unclean clean, as powerfully demonstrated by His willingness to touch and heal the leper ([Mark 1:41](/mark/1-41 "Mark 1:41 - Jesus Heals a Leper")), thereby demonstrating His divine authority over all forms of defilement—physical, ritual, and spiritual. Through His atoning blood, we are not merely ritually cleansed but spiritually transformed, our consciences purged from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). In Christ, the distinction is no longer based on external dietary laws or physical contact but on an internal spiritual reality, enabling us to live as a truly holy and set-apart people, a "royal priesthood, a holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, A Royal Priesthood")), reflecting His purity and light to a world still steeped in spiritual defilement.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 11:41

And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth [shall be] an abomination; it shall not be eaten.

Leviticus 11:42

Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon [all] four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they [are] an abomination.

Psalms 17:13

Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, [which is] thy sword:

Psalms 17:14

From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes.

Ephesians 4:14

That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Luke 16:14

And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

2 Timothy 3:2

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,