Leviticus 11:30

KJV

And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the ferret {H604}, and the chameleon {H3581}, and the lizard {H3911}, and the snail {H2546}, and the mole {H8580}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the gecko, the land crocodile, the skink, the sand-lizard and the chameleon.

Berean Standard Bible

the gecko, the monitor lizard, the common lizard, the skink, and the chameleon.

American Standard Version

and the gecko, and the land-crocodile, and the lizard, and the sand-lizard, and the chameleon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:30 is a specific enumeration within the Mosaic Law's comprehensive dietary regulations, listing five "creeping things" – the ferret, chameleon, lizard, snail, and mole – that were considered ritually unclean for the Israelites. This verse, part of a broader chapter detailing clean and unclean animals, underscores God's meticulous instructions for His people, designed not merely for hygiene but primarily to cultivate holiness, ritual purity, and a distinct identity for Israel among the nations, reflecting His own set-apart nature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11:30 is situated within the broader context of Leviticus 11, which provides an exhaustive list of animals permissible and impermissible for consumption or contact by the Israelites. The chapter begins with general categories for land animals, aquatic creatures, and birds, before narrowing its focus to "swarming things" or "creeping things" that move on the earth, as introduced in [Leviticus 11:29](/leviticus/11-29 "Leviticus 11:29 - Unclean Swarming Things"). Verses [Leviticus 11:29-30](/leviticus/11-29 "Leviticus 11:29-30 - Specific Unclean Creeping Things") specifically list eight such creatures, with verse 30 completing this particular enumeration. The chapter concludes with instructions on how defilement occurs through contact with the carcasses of these unclean animals and the necessary purification rituals, emphasizing the pervasive nature of ritual purity in daily life, as seen in [Leviticus 11:31-40](/leviticus/11-31 "Leviticus 11:31-40 - Rules for Defilement by Carcasses").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dietary laws in Leviticus were given to ancient Israel shortly after their exodus from Egypt, as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. These regulations were not unique in the ancient Near East, as many cultures had dietary restrictions, but Israel's laws were distinct in their divine origin and theological purpose. Far from being arbitrary, these laws served to distinguish Israel from the surrounding pagan nations, whose practices often involved cultic rituals with various animals. By adhering to these commands, Israel was to reflect God's holiness and maintain their covenant relationship with Him. The distinction between "clean" and "unclean" animals, often based on observable characteristics (e.g., cloven hooves and chewing the cud for land animals; fins and scales for sea creatures), served as a tangible, daily reminder of God's absolute authority and His call for His people to be "holy, for I am holy," as declared in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy as God is Holy"). These laws therefore functioned as a pedagogical tool, teaching discernment, obedience, and the profound theological principle of separation unto God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ferret (Hebrew, _choled'_):** חֹלֶד (choled) is a term whose precise zoological identification remains uncertain. While the KJV translates it as "ferret," many modern translations opt for "weasel," "mole," or a similar burrowing rodent. The commonality among these proposed identifications is that they are small, often ground-dwelling, and sometimes burrowing creatures, fitting the general category of "creeping things" that were deemed ritually impure. The ambiguity highlights the challenge of translating ancient Hebrew animal names into precise modern classifications but does not diminish the clear intent of the prohibition.
* **Chameleon / Mole (Hebrew, _tinshemet'_):** תִּנְשֶׁמֶת (tinshemet) presents a fascinating challenge, as it appears twice in Leviticus 11 with different KJV translations: "swan" in [Leviticus 11:18](/leviticus/11-18 "Leviticus 11:18 - Unclean Birds") and then "chameleon" and "mole" in [Leviticus 11:30](/leviticus/11-30 "Leviticus 11:30 - Unclean Creeping Things"). This linguistic fluidity suggests either a broad category of animals or a specific creature whose characteristics could be interpreted in different ways depending on context. In the context of "creeping things," scholars often propose a type of lizard, gecko, or a burrowing reptile, rather than a bird or a mammal. The repetition of the same Hebrew word for two different animals within the same verse (chameleon and mole) underscores the difficulty of precise identification and the focus on the *category* of uncleanliness rather than exact species.
* **Snail (Hebrew, _chomet'_):** חֹמֶט (chomet) is another term that has caused translation difficulties. While the KJV renders it "snail," most scholarly consensus identifies it not with the common garden snail but with a type of sand lizard or skink. This interpretation aligns better with the other creatures listed in [Leviticus 11:29-30](/leviticus/11-29 "Leviticus 11:29-30 - Unclean Creeping Things"), which are predominantly small reptiles. The common thread is their ground-dwelling, often secretive nature, which may have contributed to their classification as unclean.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the ferret":** This phrase introduces the first of the five specific "creeping things" listed in this verse. As discussed in the key word analysis, this likely refers to a small, burrowing, or ground-dwelling mammal or reptile, deemed unclean due to its characteristics or habits.
* **"and the chameleon":** This continues the list, naming another creature considered unclean. Given the context of "creeping things," this term, though translated "chameleon," is more likely to refer to a type of lizard or gecko, known for its ability to blend into its surroundings or its peculiar movements.
* **"and the lizard":** This is generally accepted as referring to a generic type of lizard (Hebrew: לְטָאָה, _leta'ah'_). Its inclusion emphasizes the broad category of small reptiles that were forbidden.
* **"and the snail":** As noted, this term (Hebrew: חֹמֶט, _chomet'_) is widely understood by scholars to refer to a type of sand lizard or skink, rather than an invertebrate snail. Its inclusion reinforces the prohibition against small, ground-dwelling reptiles.
* **"and the mole":** This final item in the verse again uses the Hebrew word תִּנְשֶׁמֶת (_tinshemet'_), which was earlier translated "chameleon" in the same verse. Here, it likely refers to another type of lizard or a burrowing creature, concluding the specific enumeration of eight unclean "creeping things" that began in [Leviticus 11:29](/leviticus/11-29 "Leviticus 11:29 - Unclean Swarming Things").

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:30 primarily employs **Enumeration**, as it is part of a detailed list of specific animals. This exhaustive listing highlights the meticulousness of God's commands and the comprehensive scope of the purity laws, leaving no ambiguity about what was forbidden. The repetition of the conjunction "and" before each animal creates a rhythmic, cumulative effect, emphasizing the thoroughness of the divine instruction. Furthermore, the entire chapter, including this verse, relies on **Symbolism**. The distinction between "clean" and "unclean" animals served as a tangible symbol of Israel's call to be a holy and set-apart nation, reflecting God's own purity. The physical act of abstaining from certain animals was a constant reminder of their spiritual identity and their separation from the defiling practices of the surrounding cultures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 11:30, as part of the broader dietary laws, powerfully underscores God's call to holiness and separation for His people. The primary purpose of these regulations was not merely about hygiene or health, but to cultivate a distinct way of life for Israel, symbolizing their unique relationship with a holy God. By adhering to these divine commands, they were to reflect God's own purity and distinctiveness from the surrounding nations. This demonstrates God's absolute **Divine Authority** as the Creator, who has the sovereign right to establish what is clean and unclean for His people, governing all aspects of their lives. The distinction between clean and unclean was central to Israelite worship and daily life, illustrating the need for ritual purity to approach a holy God. These laws also fostered **Discernment**, encouraging careful attention to divine instruction and obedience.

* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Command to be Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 14:3](/deuteronomy/14-3 "Deuteronomy 14:3 - Do Not Eat Abominable Things")
* [Ezekiel 22:26](/ezekiel/22-26 "Ezekiel 22:26 - Priests Not Distinguishing Clean and Unclean")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary laws of Leviticus are not binding on Christians today, the profound spiritual principles embedded within them remain highly relevant for believers. The call to holiness, which was outwardly expressed by the Israelites through their adherence to these detailed laws, is now an inward transformation of the heart and mind for followers of Christ. We are called to be holy as God is holy, not by avoiding certain foods, but by actively pursuing spiritual purity and avoiding anything that defiles our hearts, corrupts our minds, or compromises our walk with God. This involves a constant process of discernment, choosing what is spiritually beneficial and honoring to God over what might be harmful or worldly. Just as the Israelites were to live distinctively, set apart for God, so too are we called to live lives that reflect Christ's character and values, demonstrating our allegiance to Him in all aspects of our existence. Leviticus 11:30, therefore, serves as a timeless reminder of God's desire for a people consecrated to Him, living lives of intentional purity and obedience, reflecting His holiness in every detail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to exercise spiritual discernment, distinguishing between what is "clean" (spiritually beneficial) and "unclean" (spiritually harmful)?**
* **How does the concept of "holiness" in Leviticus translate into practical obedience and separation from worldly values in my daily life today?**
* **What are some modern-day "creeping things" or subtle influences that might defile my heart or mind, and how can I intentionally guard against them?**
* **How does my pursuit of personal purity reflect God's character and set me apart as His follower in the world?**

### FAQ

**Are the dietary laws of Leviticus, including the prohibition in Leviticus 11:30, still binding on Christians today?**

Answer: No, the dietary laws of Leviticus are not binding on Christians today. The New Testament clarifies that these Old Covenant regulations, which served to set Israel apart, have been fulfilled and superseded in Christ. Jesus declared all foods clean in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), emphasizing that defilement comes from within a person's heart, not from external food. Peter's vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals") further illustrates this, where God explicitly tells him, "What God has made clean, do not call common" ([Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Do Not Call Common What God Has Made Clean")). The Apostle Paul also taught that "the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Not Food and Drink")). While the specific laws are no longer applicable, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and obedience to God's moral commands remain vital.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed purity laws of Leviticus, including the prohibitions in [Leviticus 11:30](/leviticus/11-30 "Leviticus 11:30 - Unclean Creeping Things"), find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system of clean and unclean animals, sacrifices, and ritual washings served as a shadow, pointing forward to the perfect and final cleansing offered through Christ. These laws highlighted humanity's inherent defilement and the impossibility of achieving true purity through external observances. Jesus, the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), entered a world steeped in ritual impurity and, through His sinless life, atoning death on the cross, and resurrection, became the source of genuine, internal purity. He did not merely declare foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")), but He made clean those who were spiritually unclean, transforming hearts and minds. The New Covenant, established through His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Jesus' Blood")), replaces the external distinctions with an internal reality: believers are made holy and righteous in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Our separation unto God is now a spiritual reality, empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live lives consecrated to Him, not by adhering to dietary codes, but by reflecting the purity and character of Christ in all things ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct")).

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.