Leviticus 11:42

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whatsoever goeth {H1980} upon the belly {H1512}, and whatsoever goeth {H1980} upon all four {H702}, or whatsoever hath more {H7235} feet {H7272} among all creeping things {H8318} that creep {H8317} upon the earth {H776}, them ye shall not eat {H398}; for they are an abomination {H8263}.

Complete Jewish Bible

whatever moves on its stomach, goes on all fours, or has many legs -all creatures that swarm on the ground; you are not to eat them, because they are a detestable thing.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not eat any creature that moves along the ground, whether it crawls on its belly or walks on four or more feet; for such creatures are detestable.

American Standard Version

Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all fours, or whatsoever hath many feet, even all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:42, embedded within the extensive dietary laws given to ancient Israel, unequivocally prohibits the consumption of various "creeping things" that move low to the ground, designating them as an "abomination." This verse serves as a potent reminder of God's meticulous instructions for His covenant people's purity and distinctiveness, underscoring their unique relationship with Him and their call to embody holiness in stark contrast to the defiled practices of surrounding nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11:42 is situated within [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Dietary Laws and Purity"), a chapter meticulously detailing the dietary regulations (kashrut) for the ancient Israelites. This chapter immediately follows the solemn account of Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized offering and subsequent judgment in [Leviticus 10](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus 10 - Priestly Conduct and Consequences"), which profoundly underscored the absolute necessity of reverent and obedient adherence to God's prescribed terms for worship. Chapter 11 then extends this principle of holy distinction into the realm of daily life, establishing comprehensive categories of clean (kosher) and unclean (tameh) animals from land, water, and air. The prohibition against "creeping things" in verse 42 represents the final, emphatic category of forbidden creatures, reinforcing the comprehensive and non-negotiable nature of these purity laws. The entire chapter culminates in the profound theological declaration in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"), where God commands Israel to "be holy, for I am holy," revealing the ultimate purpose behind these seemingly mundane regulations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** These intricate dietary laws were delivered to the nascent nation of Israel shortly after their miraculous exodus from Egyptian bondage, during their formative journey through the wilderness. Their purpose extended far beyond mere hygiene, serving as foundational pillars in shaping Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people. Historically, these regulations sharply distinguished Israel from the pagan cultures of Egypt and Canaan, whose religious practices often involved consuming animals considered ritually impure by Yahweh. Culturally, the pervasive concepts of ritual purity (tahor) and impurity (tameh) were central to Israelite life and worship, influencing every facet from diet to physical contact and participation in sacred rituals. The prohibitions, particularly against creatures like those described in [Leviticus 11:42](/leviticus/11-42 "Leviticus 11:42 - Prohibition of Creeping Things"), were not primarily about health benefits (though some may have had secondary advantages) but fundamentally about establishing a distinct, holy people set apart exclusively for God. They functioned as a powerful pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about God's divine order, His separation from chaos, and the practical implications of living as His covenant people in a world steeped in idolatry and moral ambiguity.
* **Key Themes:** The dietary laws in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Dietary Laws and Purity"), including verse 42, are deeply interwoven with several overarching themes central to the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. A primary theme is **Holiness and Separation (Qadosh)**, emphasizing God's inherent purity and His call for His people to reflect that holiness by being set apart from the world's defilement. The distinctions between clean and unclean animals served as a constant, tangible reminder of this separation. Another key theme is **Order and Creation**, as the classification of animals often reflects a divine ordering of creation, with "creeping things" representing a category that blurs boundaries or seems "disordered" from an Israelite perspective. This ties into the theme of **Covenant and Obedience**, where adherence to these laws was a visible sign of Israel's faithfulness to their covenant with Yahweh, demonstrating their trust and submission to His divine will. Finally, the laws underscore the theme of **Atonement and Purity**, as violations of purity laws often necessitated specific purification rites, foreshadowing the ultimate need for spiritual cleansing from sin, a concept profoundly developed in later biblical texts like [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Creeping things (Hebrew, _sherets'_):** Derived from the root H8317 (_shârats_), meaning "to wriggle" or "swarm," this term (H8318) refers to a "swarm" or "active mass of minute animals." In the context of Leviticus, it encompasses a wide array of small, numerous creatures that move low to the ground, often with a wriggling, scuttling, or swarming motion. This category includes reptiles, amphibians, and various invertebrates. The biblical worldview often associated these creatures with chaos, the untamed, and the unclean, contrasting sharply with the ordered and domesticated animals deemed suitable for human consumption or sacrifice. Their low-to-the-ground movement and often hidden nature could have symbolized a lack of clear distinction or order, which was antithetical to God's created order and the purity He desired for His people.
* **Belly (Hebrew, _gâchôwn'_):** This term (H1512), probably from a root meaning "to burst forth" or "to issue," refers to "the external abdomen" or "belly," particularly as the source of the fetus. In Leviticus 11:42, it specifically describes creatures that move by dragging their undersides along the ground, such as snakes. This mode of locomotion was likely perceived as inherently "low," debased, or associated with the curse upon the serpent in [Genesis 3:14](/genesis/3-14 "Genesis 3:14 - The Serpent's Curse"). The prohibition against consuming such creatures reinforces the idea of distinction and the avoidance of anything that might symbolize degradation or impurity in God's ordered creation.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _sheqets'_):** This is a powerful theological term (H8263), derived from the root H8262 (_shâqats_), meaning "to detest" or "to be loathsome." It denotes something utterly detestable, abhorrent, or ritually unclean in God's sight. The term signifies something that defiles, pollutes, and is fundamentally opposed to God's holy character. When applied to food, as it is here, it means consuming such an item would render an Israelite ritually impure (tameh), making them unfit to approach God or participate in sacred worship until prescribed purification rites were performed. The use of _sheqets_ here elevates the prohibition from a mere dietary preference to a profound theological imperative, rooted in God's character and His uncompromising standard of purity. It emphasizes the severe nature of the prohibition and God's profound disapproval of these creatures for consumption, marking them as fundamentally antithetical to the holiness He demanded.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whatsoever goeth upon the belly":** This clause specifically targets creatures that slither or crawl on their undersides, exemplified most prominently by snakes. This mode of locomotion, often associated with the serpent's curse in [Genesis 3:14](/genesis/3-14 "Genesis 3:14 - The Serpent's Curse"), was likely seen as inherently "low" or debased, contrasting sharply with the upright posture of humans or the four-footed movement of clean animals. The prohibition thus extends to a symbolic rejection of anything associated with the fall or a disordered existence.
* **"and whatsoever goeth upon [all] four":** This phrase refers to four-footed creatures that, despite having four legs, are still categorized as "creeping things" due to their low-to-the-ground movement or their inherent classification as "swarming" or "teeming." This would include various reptiles like lizards, chameleons, or geckos, which, despite possessing four limbs, move in a manner distinct from clean quadrupeds such as cattle or sheep. The distinction lies not merely in the number of feet but in the overall manner of movement and their inherent nature as "creeping."
* **"or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth":** This broad and inclusive category encompasses multi-legged invertebrates, such as centipedes, millipedes, or other insects not specifically permitted elsewhere (like certain winged insects in [Leviticus 11:21-22](/leviticus/11-21-22 "Leviticus 11:21-22 - Permitted Insects")). The explicit emphasis on "more feet" further highlights their unusual, perhaps chaotic, or numerous form of locomotion compared to the more standard two-footed or four-footed animals. This clause ensures a comprehensive prohibition against virtually all small, low-moving creatures.
* **"them ye shall not eat; for they [are] an abomination":** This is the direct, unequivocal prohibition and its profound theological rationale. The command is absolute: these specified creatures are forbidden for consumption. The reason provided, "for they are an abomination," elevates the prohibition from a mere dietary regulation to a theological imperative, rooted deeply in God's holy character and His unblemished standard of purity. To consume such creatures would be to partake in something fundamentally opposed to God's holiness and the distinct, consecrated identity He desired for His covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:42 masterfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its divine mandate. The most prominent is **Categorization/Classification**, as the verse systematically lists various types of "creeping things" based on their distinct modes of locomotion ("goeth upon the belly," "goeth upon [all] four," "hath more feet"). This precise and exhaustive classification underscores the meticulous nature of God's law and His desire for clear, unambiguous distinctions within His created order. There is also a powerful element of **Repetition**, particularly with the phrase "creeping things that creep upon the earth," which serves to emphasize the broad scope of the prohibition and the inherent, low-to-the-ground nature of these creatures. The language throughout is highly **Didactic and Legal**, utilizing direct, authoritative commands ("them ye shall not eat") and immediately providing a clear, theological rationale ("for they are an abomination"). This structure reinforces the divine authority behind the law and its non-negotiable character. Finally, a strong sense of **Symbolism** permeates the verse; these "creeping things" likely symbolized impurity, chaos, the untamed, or even the cursed aspects of creation, which stood in stark contrast to the order, purity, and holiness that God desired to instill in His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 11:42, much like the broader dietary laws of the Old Covenant, profoundly connects to the fundamental theological themes of God's absolute sovereignty over creation, His inherent and unblemished holiness, and His unwavering desire for a distinct, consecrated people. By categorizing certain creatures as an "abomination" and strictly forbidding their consumption, God was not merely imposing arbitrary rules; He was teaching Israel about the very nature of holiness—not as an abstract concept, but as a tangible, pervasive reality that was to permeate every facet of their lives, including the most basic act of eating. This meticulous distinction served as a constant, daily reminder that Israel was set apart for God's sacred purposes, called to reflect His character in a world steeped in idolatry, moral compromise, and ritual impurity. The laws were deeply pedagogical, training Israel in the crucial disciplines of discernment and obedience, thereby fostering a profound awareness of God's omnipresent holiness and His exacting standards for His covenant community. They underscored the truth that true life and intimate communion with God necessitated a radical separation from all that was defiling or contrary to His divine order.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 14:3-20](/deuteronomy/14-3-20 "Deuteronomy 14:3-20 - Clean and Unclean Animals")
* [Isaiah 66:17](/isaiah/66-17 "Isaiah 66:17 - Consuming Abominable Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary regulations of the Old Covenant are no longer binding on New Testament believers, the profound underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and separation from defilement remain profoundly relevant and eternally applicable. Leviticus 11:42, with its stark declaration of certain creatures as an "abomination," challenges us to engage in deep self-reflection about what we "consume" in a broader, metaphorical sense in our lives today. This extends far beyond literal food to encompass the myriad influences, entertainment, ideologies, relationships, and information we willingly allow to enter and shape our minds, hearts, and spirits. Just as ancient Israel was called to meticulously distinguish between clean and unclean foods, we, as followers of Christ, are called to exercise spiritual discernment, distinguishing between what is truly spiritually nourishing and what is spiritually defiling or detrimental to our walk with God. Our lives, understood as temples of the Holy Spirit, should unequivocally reflect God's holiness in our every action, word, and thought, thereby setting us apart from the unholy patterns and values of the world. This means actively and intentionally choosing to honor God with our bodies and minds, pursuing purity not through ritualistic adherence to external laws, but through a transformed heart that genuinely desires to please Him in all things. The timeless call to be a distinct people, reflecting the very character of God, resonates powerfully in every generation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "abomination" in Leviticus 11:42 challenge us to examine what we allow into our lives today, beyond literal food consumption?**
* **In what ways are we called to be "set apart" for God in a contemporary world, even without specific dietary restrictions?**
* **How does honoring God with our bodies and minds reflect the call to holiness found in the Old Testament law?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: No, the specific dietary laws found in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Dietary Laws and Purity"), including the prohibition in [Leviticus 11:42](/leviticus/11-42 "Leviticus 11:42 - Prohibition of Creeping Things"), are generally understood by Christians not to be binding under the New Covenant. Jesus Himself declared all foods clean in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), emphasizing that true defilement originates from within a person's heart, not from what they eat externally. Peter's transformative vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of the Sheet"), where he was commanded to eat animals previously considered unclean, further clarified that God had cleansed what was once impure, thereby paving the way for the gospel to be preached to Gentiles without requiring adherence to Jewish dietary laws. The Apostle Paul also taught against judging others based on food restrictions (e.g., [Romans 14:1-4](/romans/14-1-4 "Romans 14:1-4 - Do Not Pass Judgment on One Another"), [1 Timothy 4:4-5](/1_timothy/4-4-5 "1 Timothy 4:4-5 - Everything Created by God Is Good")), affirming that all food created by God is good and to be received with thanksgiving. The emphasis shifted from external ritual purity to internal moral and spiritual purity, which is fully realized and fulfilled in Christ.

**Why did God prohibit these specific animals?**

Answer: While the Bible does not explicitly articulate every reason for these prohibitions, several compelling theories are commonly proposed by scholars. One theory suggests **hygiene and health** considerations, as many of the prohibited animals (like scavengers or creatures prone to carrying parasites and diseases) could pose health risks, especially in ancient contexts lacking modern sanitation. Another significant reason centers on **distinction and separation from pagan practices**. Many surrounding cultures consumed these very animals, and the prohibitions served as a powerful means for Israel to maintain a unique identity as God's holy people, distinct from the idolatrous and often morally corrupt nations around them. A third, and perhaps most profound, reason points to **symbolic or pedagogical purposes**. Creatures like those described in [Leviticus 11:42](/leviticus/11-42 "Leviticus 11:42 - Prohibition of Creeping Things") (slithering, multi-legged, low to the ground) might have been viewed as embodying chaos, disorder, or impurity, thereby contrasting sharply with God's perfect order and inherent holiness. By forbidding their consumption, God was profoundly teaching Israel about His nature and the critical importance of order, purity, and clear distinctions in their lives, preparing them for a deeper, more spiritual understanding of holiness that would ultimately be revealed in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 11:42, with its stringent declaration of certain creatures as an "abomination" and its overarching emphasis on purity and separation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament dietary laws, including this specific verse, were never an end in themselves but rather a "shadow of the things to come" ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow of Things to Come")), pointing forward to a deeper, spiritual reality. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, entered a world utterly defiled by sin and, through His sinless life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, accomplished the ultimate and complete purification. He did not merely declare all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")); He cleansed humanity itself, taking upon Himself the "abomination" of our sin so that we, through faith in Him, might become the very righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The ritual purity of the Old Covenant, which was achieved through external adherence and separation, is now superseded by the internal, radical transformation wrought by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Through faith in Christ, believers are made truly clean and holy, enabling them to approach God not through dietary restrictions or external rituals, but through the cleansing power of Christ's precious blood ([Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - The Blood of Christ Cleanses Our Consciences")). The timeless call to be set apart remains, but its focus shifts from what we eat to how we live, empowered by the Spirit to fulfill the righteous requirement of the law in our daily lives ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Us")), demonstrating a spiritual purity that transcends mere external observance.

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

Isaiah 65:25

The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust [shall be] the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

2 Corinthians 11:3

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Titus 1:12

One of themselves, [even] a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians [are] alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

John 8:44

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Matthew 23:23

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Matthew 3:7

¶ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

2 Corinthians 11:13

For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.