Leviticus 11:29

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,

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},

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

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

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

Context of Leviticus 11:29

Leviticus chapter 11 provides an exhaustive list of animals, birds, fish, and creeping things that were declared either "clean" or "unclean" for the Israelites. These regulations, part of the Mosaic Law given by God through Moses, were fundamental to the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people. The purpose was not merely hygienic (though some benefits might have existed), but primarily to establish a profound distinction between Israel and the surrounding pagan nations, emphasizing their status as a holy and peculiar people set apart for God. Verse 29 specifically lists certain "creeping things" that were considered unclean, meaning they were not to be eaten, and their carcasses would ritually defile anyone who touched them.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Holiness and Purity: The overarching theme of Leviticus is God's call for His people to be holy, just as He is holy (Leviticus 11:44). The clean and unclean laws were a practical way to teach and enforce this principle, making ritual purity a daily concern.
  • Distinction and Separation: These laws served as a constant reminder that Israel was different from other nations. Their practices, including what they ate and touched, reinforced their identity as God's chosen nation, distinct from the defiling customs of their neighbors.
  • Divine Authority: God alone had the authority to define what was clean or unclean. This highlighted His sovereignty and the Israelites' dependence on His revealed will for their lives and well-being. The specific inclusion of animals like the weasel, mouse, and tortoise underscores the comprehensive nature of these divine decrees.

Linguistic Insights

The term "creeping things" translates the Hebrew word sherets (ืฉึถืืจึถืฅ), which refers to swarming or teeming creatures, often small animals that move low to the ground. This term is used broadly in Leviticus 11 to categorize various amphibians, reptiles, and rodents. The specific animals listedโ€”the weasel, mouse, and tortoise (or sometimes interpreted as a type of lizard)โ€”are examples of such creatures that were commonly found and likely seen as pests, reinforcing the idea of their low status and inherent uncleanness within the Israelite worldview.

Practical Application

While the specific dietary and purity laws of the Old Covenant are not binding on New Covenant believers (see also Mark 7:19 and Colossians 2:16), the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant:

  • Spiritual Purity: Believers are still called to holiness and purity, not by adhering to Old Testament food laws, but by living in accordance with God's moral and spiritual commands. We are to separate ourselves from spiritual defilement and worldly influences (2 Corinthians 6:17).
  • Discernment: We are called to exercise spiritual discernment, recognizing what is spiritually healthy and what is spiritually harmful or defiling in our lives, thoughts, and actions (Romans 12:2).
  • God's Authority: This passage reminds us that God has the right to establish standards for His people. Our obedience is a reflection of our submission to His loving authority and our desire to honor Him in all areas of life.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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,
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