Leviticus 11:43

KJV

¶ Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall not make {H8262} yourselves {H5315} abominable {H8262} with any creeping thing {H8318} that creepeth {H8317}, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean {H2933} with them, that ye should be defiled {H2930} thereby.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to make yourselves detestable with any of these swarming, crawling creatures; do not make yourselves unclean with them, do not defile yourselves with them.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not defile yourselves by any crawling creature; do not become unclean or defiled by them.

American Standard Version

Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:43 serves as a stringent prohibition within Israel's detailed purity laws, specifically forbidding the people from making themselves "abominable" or "unclean" through contact with or consumption of "creeping things." This divine command underscores the critical importance of ritual purity and holiness for the Israelites, emphasizing that deviation from these standards would result in a state of defilement, rendering them unfit for sacred interaction and communal life. The verse highlights God's expectation for His covenant people to maintain a distinct and consecrated identity, reflecting His own perfect holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11:43 is situated within the broader framework of [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), a chapter meticulously outlining the dietary and purity laws concerning various animals. The chapter begins by distinguishing between clean and unclean land animals, aquatic creatures, and birds, providing criteria for each. Verses 29-38 specifically address the uncleanness associated with "creeping things" (sheretz) that swarm on the earth, detailing how contact with their carcasses can defile objects like earthenware, ovens, and wells. Leviticus 11:43 acts as a summary and emphatic warning, encapsulating the danger of ritual impurity from these creatures. It precedes the climactic declaration in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"), where God explicitly links these purity regulations to His own holy character, commanding Israel to "be holy, for I am holy." This structural placement emphasizes that the practical, physical distinctions were ultimately rooted in a theological call to consecration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of the Mosaic Law, including the purity codes in Leviticus, occurred after Israel's exodus from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land. These laws served a multifaceted purpose for a nascent nation called to be God's distinct people. Historically, they set Israel apart from the surrounding pagan nations, such as the Egyptians and Canaanites, whose religious practices often involved consuming or venerating animals deemed unclean by Yahweh. For instance, certain animals considered "creeping things" might have been part of fertility cults or idolatrous rituals in neighboring cultures. Culturally, these laws established a clear boundary between the sacred and the profane, teaching Israel about the nature of God's holiness and their responsibility to reflect it in every aspect of life, from diet to daily interactions. While not primarily a health code, these regulations would have also contributed to public hygiene and prevented the consumption of potentially diseased animals in a pre-scientific era. The overarching aim was to create a holy people for a holy God, preparing them to dwell in His presence within the tabernacle and, later, the temple.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abominable (Hebrew, _sheqets'_):** This powerful term denotes something detestable, loathsome, or abhorrent in God's sight. It carries strong connotations of ritual impurity that is offensive to God, often associated with practices or objects that violate divine order or are linked to idolatry (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:26](/deuteronomy/7-26 "Deuteronomy 7:26 - Abhor Idols")). In the context of Leviticus 11, it signifies a deep spiritual repugnance towards certain creatures and the defilement they impart.
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭāmē’_):** This word describes a state of ritual impurity. An individual or object that is _ṭāmē’_ is rendered unfit for participation in sacred worship, access to the tabernacle/temple, or even certain communal interactions, until a prescribed purification process is completed. It's a temporary, cultic state, distinct from moral sin, but nevertheless a barrier to full communion with God and His people.
* **Defiled (Hebrew, _ṭāmē’_):** Derived from the same root as "unclean," this term emphasizes the consequence of becoming _ṭāmē’_. To be defiled means to be polluted or made impure, necessitating a process of cleansing (e.g., washing, waiting a period) to restore ritual purity and allow re-entry into the community's sacred life. The repetition highlights the direct cause-and-effect relationship between contact with unclean things and the resulting state of impurity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth,"**: This opening clause issues a direct, emphatic prohibition. The phrase "make yourselves abominable" implies an active choice or responsibility on the part of the Israelites to avoid actions or contact that would render them detestable in God's eyes. "Creeping thing that creepeth" (Hebrew: _sheretz ha-sheretz_) refers to small, swarming creatures that move close to the ground, encompassing a range of reptiles, insects, and small mammals (e.g., lizards, mice, weasels, moles mentioned earlier in [Leviticus 11:29-30](/leviticus/11-29 "Leviticus 11:29-30 - Unclean Swarming Things")). These creatures were often associated with uncleanness due to their habitat (dust, decay) and mode of movement.
* **"neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them,"**: This second clause reinforces the prohibition, specifying the direct consequence of contact: ritual impurity. It reiterates the active role of the individual in maintaining purity by avoiding these creatures. The phrase "make yourselves unclean" emphasizes that the defilement is not accidental but a result of a choice to engage with or consume what God has forbidden.
* **"that ye should be defiled thereby."**: This final clause states the inevitable outcome of violating the command. The passive voice "that ye should be defiled" underscores that defilement is the automatic and unavoidable result of contact with or consumption of these "creeping things." The consequence is a state of ritual pollution, requiring purification before one can again participate fully in the holy community and approach God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:43 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is prominent, particularly with the root _ṭāmē’_ for "unclean" and "defiled," which serves to underscore the pervasive nature and inevitable consequence of ritual impurity. The phrase "creeping thing that creepeth" (Hebrew: _sheretz ha-sheretz_) also uses **repetition** (a form of **polyptoton**) to emphasize the category of forbidden creatures. The verse is framed as a direct **prohibition** ("Ye shall not"), characteristic of legal and covenantal texts, conveying the absolute nature of the command. The structure moves from the general (making oneself "abominable") to the specific consequence (making oneself "unclean" and "defiled"), creating a logical progression that highlights the severity of the transgression. This **didactic** style aims to instruct and warn the audience about the boundaries of holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 11:43, along with the broader purity laws, profoundly communicates God's absolute holiness and His expectation that His people reflect His character. These physical distinctions were not arbitrary but served as tangible object lessons, teaching Israel about the spiritual separation required to dwell in the presence of a holy God. The avoidance of "creeping things" symbolized a rejection of all that is impure, chaotic, or associated with death and decay, pointing towards a life of vitality and order in alignment with divine will. The laws instilled a consciousness of sin's defiling nature and the need for purification, foreshadowing the ultimate cleansing required for humanity to stand before a holy God.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 14:3](/deuteronomy/14-3 "Deuteronomy 14:3 - Do Not Eat Abominable Things")
* [Isaiah 66:17](/isaiah/66-17 "Isaiah 66:17 - Those Who Eat Unclean Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary and ritual purity laws of the Old Covenant are no longer binding for New Testament believers, the spiritual principles embedded in Leviticus 11:43 remain profoundly relevant. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring call to holiness and separation from spiritual defilement. For Christians, "creeping things" are not literal animals but represent anything that is spiritually "abominable" or "unclean" in God's sight—sinful desires, worldly values, corrupting influences, and practices that contradict the righteousness of Christ. We are called to actively "not make ourselves abominable" by rejecting sin in all its forms and to "not make ourselves unclean" by engaging in practices that defile our conscience or compromise our witness. The consequence of spiritual defilement is a hindered fellowship with God and a diminished capacity to live out our calling. Therefore, we are to strive for purity in thought, word, and deed, allowing the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and transform us into the image of Christ, honoring God in every aspect of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "creeping things" in my life today that God might consider spiritually abominable or unclean?**
* **In what ways might I be actively "making myself unclean" through choices that contradict God's holiness and character?**
* **How does the concept of spiritual "defilement" impact my relationship with God and my witness to others?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sense of spiritual purity and separation from worldly influences, reflecting God's holiness in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Were the dietary laws in Leviticus 11, including the prohibition against "creeping things," primarily for health reasons?**

Answer: While some hygienic benefits may have been an incidental outcome of these laws, their primary purpose was theological and ritualistic. The main goal was to establish and maintain Israel's distinct identity as a holy nation, set apart for God. These laws taught them about God's holiness, the defiling nature of sin, and the need for ritual purity to approach Him. The distinction between clean and unclean animals served as a constant reminder of God's order and Israel's consecrated status, rather than being primarily a public health code. The emphasis was on ritual fitness for worship and fellowship with a holy God.

**Are Christians still bound by the dietary laws of Leviticus 11, including the prohibition against "creeping things"?**

Answer: No, New Testament believers are not bound by the ceremonial dietary laws of the Old Covenant. The New Testament clarifies that these laws were part of the old covenant and served as a shadow pointing to Christ. In [Mark 7:18-19](/mark/7-18 "Mark 7:18-19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), Jesus declared all foods clean. Peter's vision in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter's Vision and the Gentiles") further confirmed this, with God stating, "What God has made clean, do not call common" ([Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - What God Has Made Clean")). Paul also taught that food does not commend us to God and that believers have freedom in these matters, as long as it doesn't cause a brother to stumble ([Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Principles of Conscience and Liberty")). The focus for Christians has shifted from external ritual purity to internal spiritual purity and holiness of heart, made possible through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prohibitions in Leviticus 11:43, like all the Old Covenant purity laws, served as a pedagogical shadow, pointing to the ultimate and perfect purity found in Jesus Christ. The "creeping things" that caused ritual defilement foreshadowed the pervasive nature of sin, which truly defiles humanity and separates us from a holy God. The Old Testament system of cleansing rituals could only offer temporary, external purification, never truly removing the stain of sin or enabling perfect access to God's presence. However, Jesus, as the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), entered our defiled world not to be defiled by it, but to cleanse it. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate purification, capable of cleansing our consciences from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Through faith in Him, believers are declared righteous and made spiritually clean, no longer subject to the external distinctions of clean and unclean foods or rituals. The call to holiness remains, but it is now an internal transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live lives set apart for God's glory, reflecting the very holiness of Christ who has purified us once for all ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All You Do")). In Christ, the dividing wall of ritual distinctions is broken down, and all who believe are made clean and brought near to God.

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.