Leviticus 11:41

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And every creeping thing {H8318} that creepeth {H8317} upon the earth {H776} shall be an abomination {H8263}; it shall not be eaten {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Any creature that swarms on the ground is a detestable thing; it is not to be eaten -

Berean Standard Bible

Every creature that moves along the ground is detestable; it must not be eaten.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:41 is a pivotal verse within the comprehensive dietary laws given to ancient Israel, specifically prohibiting the consumption of "creeping things" that move upon the earth. This declaration classifies such creatures as an "abomination" (Hebrew: *sheqets*), signifying their extreme ritual impurity and detestable nature. The verse underscores God's meticulous instructions for His covenant people, setting them apart from surrounding nations and reinforcing the foundational principles of holiness and purity that permeated every aspect of their lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11:41 is situated within a lengthy chapter dedicated to distinguishing between ritually clean and unclean animals, a critical component of the Mosaic Law. The chapter begins by delineating permissible and forbidden land animals based on their hooves and chewing cud, then moves to aquatic creatures, and subsequently to birds. Verse 41 specifically addresses "creeping things" (Hebrew: *sherets*), a broad category of small, low-to-the-ground animals, concluding the primary lists of forbidden creatures. This verse acts as a strong, definitive prohibition, reinforcing the chapter's overarching theme of ritual purity and the meticulous separation required of Israel. The subsequent verses in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals") detail the defilement caused by touching the carcasses of these unclean animals, further emphasizing the pervasive nature of these purity laws.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dietary laws of [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - The Dietary Laws") were given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, shortly after their exodus from Egypt, as part of the covenant establishing them as God's holy nation. These regulations served multiple purposes: they distinguished Israel from the pagan nations around them (such as the Egyptians and later the Canaanites), whose dietary practices often involved animals considered unclean by Yahweh or were tied to idolatrous rituals. By adhering to these laws, Israel visibly demonstrated their unique identity and their commitment to Yahweh's holiness. The concept of "abomination" (Hebrew: *sheqets*) was not merely a dietary restriction but carried profound theological weight, marking something as utterly repugnant to God, often associated with idolatry or severe moral transgressions, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 14:3](/deuteronomy/14-3 "Deuteronomy 14:3 - Do Not Eat Any Abominable Thing"). Thus, the prohibition against "creeping things" contributed to Israel's ritual purity and their overall separation unto God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Creeping thing (Hebrew, _sherets'_):** This term refers to a broad category of small, swarming, or teeming creatures that move low to the ground. It encompasses a variety of animals, including reptiles (like lizards and snakes), amphibians, and various invertebrates. The word often carries a connotation of abundance and perhaps a sense of chaotic, uncontrolled movement. In the context of purity laws, these creatures were often seen as blurring boundaries or being associated with the dust and decay of the earth, contributing to their unclean status.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _sheqets'_):** Far stronger than merely "unclean" (Hebrew: *tameh*), *sheqets* denotes something utterly detestable, abhorrent, or disgusting, particularly in a ritual or religious sense. It signifies a profound repugnance to God and His holiness. The use of this term emphasizes the severity of the prohibition and the extreme ritual impurity associated with these creatures, making their consumption not just forbidden but profoundly defiling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every creeping thing":** This phrase introduces the specific category of animals being addressed. The Hebrew term *sherets* implies a wide range of small, low-moving creatures, signifying a comprehensive prohibition against anything that fits this description.
* **"that creepeth upon the earth":** This clause further specifies the habitat and movement of these creatures, distinguishing them from aquatic or aerial animals. The emphasis on their ground-hugging, often slithering or scuttling motion, likely contributed to their classification as unclean, perhaps associating them with the dust of the earth and the curse upon the serpent in [Genesis 3:14](/genesis/3-14 "Genesis 3:14 - The Serpent's Curse").
* **"[shall be] an abomination;":** This declarative statement assigns a definitive status to these creatures. The use of "abomination" (Hebrew: *sheqets*) elevates the prohibition beyond simple uncleanness to a level of extreme detestability in God's sight. This is a theological judgment, marking them as fundamentally opposed to the purity God demands of His people.
* **"it shall not be eaten.":** This is the direct, unequivocal command. The "shall not" expresses an absolute prohibition, leaving no room for interpretation or exception. The consequence of their "abominable" status is a strict ban on consumption, reinforcing the boundary between the holy and the profane for the Israelites.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its strong prohibition. **Categorization** is evident in the precise classification of "creeping things" as a distinct group of forbidden animals, fitting within the broader taxonomic system of [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"). The **repetition** of the root "creep" (Hebrew: *ramas*) in "creeping thing that creepeth" (Hebrew: *sherets ha-sherets*) emphasizes the characteristic movement that defines this category and reinforces the prohibition. The use of the strong term **"abomination"** (Hebrew: *sheqets*) serves as a form of **hyperbole** or **emphatic language**, elevating the prohibition from a mere dietary restriction to a matter of profound ritual and theological significance, underscoring the detestable nature of these creatures in God's eyes. Finally, the verse is characterized by **legal language**, employing a direct, declarative, and absolute command ("shall be," "shall not be eaten"), typical of covenant stipulations designed to establish clear boundaries for Israel's conduct and identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 11:41, like the entire chapter, is deeply rooted in the overarching theological theme of **holiness** that pervades the book of Leviticus. God’s command for Israel to be holy as He is holy ([Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")) necessitated a system of laws that would set them apart from the defilement of the world. The distinction between clean and unclean, particularly the strong declaration of "abomination" for certain creatures, served as a constant reminder of God's absolute purity and His demand for a separated, consecrated people. These dietary laws, therefore, were not merely about hygiene or health, but primarily about cultivating a distinct identity and a consciousness of God's presence, teaching Israel about the sacredness of life and the dangers of spiritual contamination. They were a visible, tangible expression of their covenant relationship with a holy God, guiding them in daily obedience and fostering a deeper understanding of purity.

* [Leviticus 20:25](/leviticus/20-25 "Leviticus 20:25 - Distinguish Between Clean and Unclean")
* [Deuteronomy 14:3](/deuteronomy/14-3 "Deuteronomy 14:3 - You Shall Not Eat Any Abominable Thing")
* [Ezekiel 8:10](/ezekiel/8-10 "Ezekiel 8:10 - Idolatry with Creeping Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary prohibitions of Leviticus 11:41 are not directly binding on New Covenant believers, the underlying principles of holiness, separation, and obedience to God remain profoundly relevant. For ancient Israel, abstaining from "creeping things" was an outward sign of an inward commitment to God's standards and a visible marker of their unique identity. For us today, the call to holiness is transformed from ritualistic dietary restrictions to a spiritual and moral separation from the "creeping things" of sin and worldliness that can defile our hearts and minds. We are called to discern and reject attitudes, behaviors, and influences that are an "abomination" to God's character, even if they are culturally accepted. This involves a conscious choice to live distinctly, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our choices in media, relationships, and pursuits, ensuring that our lives reflect the purity and righteousness of Christ. Our "diet" is now spiritual, requiring us to feed on truth and righteousness, and to abstain from anything that would compromise our walk with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "abomination" in Leviticus 11:41 inform our understanding of God's character and His desire for purity in His people?**
* **In what ways can we, as New Covenant believers, apply the principle of "separation unto God" in our daily lives, even without specific dietary laws?**
* **What "unclean" or "abominable" influences in contemporary culture might God call us to avoid for the sake of spiritual health and a clear conscience?**

### FAQ
**Why were "creeping things" considered an abomination?**

Answer: The classification of "creeping things" as an "abomination" (Hebrew: *sheqets*) was multifaceted. Theologically, it underscored God's absolute holiness and His desire for Israel to reflect that purity. From an ancient Israelite perspective, these creatures often blurred categories (e.g., reptiles are land animals but slither like fish or snakes), which could be perceived as disorderly or chaotic, contrasting with God's ordered creation. Their low-to-the-ground movement also symbolically linked them to the dust of the earth and the curse on the serpent in [Genesis 3:14](/genesis/3-14 "Genesis 3:14 - The Serpent's Curse"). Furthermore, the term "abomination" served to strongly distinguish Israel from the practices of surrounding pagan nations, whose diets often included such creatures and whose worship involved detestable rituals.

**Does this verse apply to Christians today?**

Answer: No, the specific dietary laws of the Mosaic Covenant, including the prohibition in [Leviticus 11:41](/leviticus/11-41 "Leviticus 11:41 - Creeping Things an Abomination"), are not binding on New Covenant believers. The New Testament clarifies that all foods are declared clean through Christ. In [Mark 7:18-19](/mark/7-18 "Mark 7:18-19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), Jesus states that nothing outside a person can defile them, "thus declaring all foods clean." Peter's vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals") further illustrates God's declaration that what He has made clean should not be called unclean by humans. The New Covenant emphasizes spiritual purity and the transformation of the heart over external ritualistic dietary distinctions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dietary laws, including the prohibition against "creeping things" in [Leviticus 11:41](/leviticus/11-41 "Leviticus 11:41 - Creeping Things an Abomination"), served as a vital "schoolmaster" ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")) to guide Israel to Christ. These regulations, with their meticulous distinctions between clean and unclean, continually highlighted the pervasive nature of defilement and the impossibility of achieving true purity through human effort or external adherence alone. They pointed to the ultimate need for a perfect sacrifice and a radical transformation that only God could provide. Jesus Christ fulfills these laws by addressing the very root of impurity: sin in the human heart ([Mark 7:20-23](/mark/7-20 "Mark 7:20-23 - What Comes Out of a Person Defiles Them")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making those who believe in Him truly clean and holy, not by adherence to dietary codes, but by the cleansing power of His blood and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law and the Spirit")). In Christ, the emphasis shifts from external prohibitions to internal purity, calling believers to a spiritual separation from the "creeping things" of sin, idolatry, and worldliness that truly defile and separate us from God's holy presence ([2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out From Among Them")).

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.