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 11:30 is a precise 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 and absolute sovereignty over creation.
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. Verses Leviticus 11:29-30 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. This meticulous detail highlights the comprehensive scope of God's law and its impact on every aspect of Israelite existence.
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. These laws therefore functioned as a pedagogical tool, teaching discernment, obedience, and the profound theological principle of separation unto God.
Key Themes
Leviticus 11:30 contributes directly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. The most prominent is Holiness and Purity, emphasizing God's demand for His people to be set apart, reflecting His own character. The distinction between clean and unclean animals served as a constant, tangible reminder of this spiritual truth, permeating daily life. Another key theme is Divine Authority and Sovereignty, as God, the Creator, unilaterally establishes the categories of clean and unclean, demonstrating His absolute right to govern His creation and His covenant people. This chapter also highlights Covenant Relationship, as obedience to these laws was a visible sign of Israel's commitment to their covenant with Yahweh. Finally, the laws foster Discernment and Obedience, training the Israelites to carefully distinguish between what is permissible and what is forbidden, thereby cultivating a disciplined and obedient walk with God, a theme echoed in Deuteronomy 14:3-21.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root H604, this term refers to "some kind of lizard, probably the gecko (from its wail)." While the KJV translates it as "ferret," modern scholarship often identifies it as a type of gecko or a similar small, wailing lizard. Its inclusion among the "creeping things" emphasizes the broad category of small, ground-dwelling, and often secretive reptiles that were deemed ritually unclean. The etymology suggesting a "wail" points to a distinctive characteristic that may have contributed to its classification.
Derived from H3581, this word signifies "vigor" or "force," but also, "from its hardiness, a large lizard." In the context of Leviticus 11:30, it refers to a specific type of lizard, likely a large, strong lizard known for its resilience. The KJV's translation "chameleon" is a plausible identification given the general characteristics of lizards, but the underlying Hebrew suggests a creature known for its robustness or power, fitting within the broader category of reptiles prohibited due to their characteristics or habitat.
This term is defined as "properly, a hard breather, i.e. the name of two unclean creatures, a lizard and a bird (both perhaps from changing color through their irascibility), probably the tree-toad and the water-hen." This word is notably used twice in Leviticus 11, referring to a bird (swan, Leviticus 11:18) and here to a "creeping thing." In this context, it most likely refers to a type of lizard or amphibian, possibly a tree-toad, known for its breathing characteristics or potential color changes, reinforcing the prohibition against a variety of small, ground-dwelling, or burrowing creatures.
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, wailing lizard, such as a gecko, deemed unclean due to its characteristics or habits, and its association with the ground.
"and the chameleon"
This continues the list, naming another creature considered unclean. Based on the Hebrew, this refers to a type of large, hardy lizard, known for its vigor. Its inclusion reinforces the prohibition against various types of reptiles that were part of the "swarming things" category.
"and the lizard"
This is generally accepted as referring to a generic type of lizard (Hebrew: lᵉṭâʼâh'), derived from a root meaning "to hide." Its inclusion emphasizes the broad category of small reptiles, often with covert habits, that were forbidden for consumption or contact.
"and the snail"
As noted in the Strong's data, this term (Hebrew: chômeṭ') is widely understood by scholars to refer to a type of lizard, specifically a "lizard (as creeping)" or skink, rather than an invertebrate snail. Its inclusion reinforces the prohibition against small, ground-dwelling, creeping reptiles.
"and the mole"
This final item in the verse again uses the Hebrew word tanshemeth', which was earlier translated "chameleon" in the same verse in some interpretations, but here specifically aligns with H8580. In this context, it likely refers to another type of lizard or amphibian, possibly a tree-toad, concluding the specific enumeration of eight unclean "creeping things" that began in Leviticus 11:29.
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 repetitive use of the conjunction "and" before each animal creates a rhythmic, cumulative effect, emphasizing the thoroughness of the divine instruction and the systematic nature of the legal code. Furthermore, the entire chapter, including this verse, relies heavily 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 and order. The physical act of abstaining from certain animals was a constant, daily reminder of their spiritual identity and their separation from the defiling practices of the surrounding cultures. This symbolic framework taught the Israelites to discern and live in accordance with God's character.
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, teaching them to live intentionally set apart for God's purposes.
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 and striving to be set apart for His glory in a world that often seeks to conform us to its patterns.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Are the dietary laws of Leviticus, including the prohibition in Leviticus 11:30, still binding on Christians today?
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, emphasizing that defilement comes from within a person's heart, not from external food. Peter's vision in Acts 10:9-16 further illustrates this, where God explicitly tells him, "What God has made clean, do not call common" (Acts 10:15). 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). While the specific laws are no longer applicable, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and obedience to God's moral commands remain vital for believers.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The detailed purity laws of Leviticus, including the prohibitions in Leviticus 11:30, 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 who takes away the sin of the world, 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), but He made clean those who were spiritually unclean, transforming hearts and minds. The New Covenant, established through His blood (Luke 22:20), replaces the external distinctions with an internal reality: believers are made holy and righteous in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). 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) and presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).