from רָמַשׂ; a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal; that creepeth, creeping (moving) thing.
Transliteration:remes
Pronunciation:reh'-mes
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term רֶמֶשׂ (remes, `{{H7431}}`) is a masculine noun derived from the verb רָמַשׂ (ramas, `{{H7430}}`), meaning "to creep," "to crawl," or "to move about." As such, רֶמֶשׂ denotes a "creeping thing" or "moving thing," encompassing a broad category of animals characterized by their low-to-the-ground, often swarming or teeming movement. While frequently translated as "reptile," its semantic range is considerably wider, including not only snakes and lizards but also various small land animals, insects, and even certain aquatic creatures that "swarm" or move in a similar manner. The emphasis is less on a specific zoological classification and more on the *manner* of locomotion and often, their numerousness. It captures the sense of creatures that teem, scurry, or glide close to the earth's surface.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רֶמֶשׂ (remes, `{{H7431}}`) appears prominently in the biblical narrative, particularly within the Pentateuch, establishing its significance in the divine order of creation and the subsequent laws of purity.
In the creation account, רֶמֶשׂ is explicitly mentioned as a category of living beings created by God:
* [[Genesis 1:24-25]]: On the sixth day, God commands the earth to bring forth "living creatures according to their kinds: livestock (בְּהֵמָה, `{{H929}}`), creeping things (רֶמֶשׂ), and beasts of the earth (חַיָּה, `{{H2416}}`) according to their kinds." This passage clearly distinguishes רֶמֶשׂ from larger domesticated animals and wild beasts, highlighting their unique place in God's diverse creation. The repetition "according to their kinds" underscores divine intentionality and order.
During the account of the Great Flood, רֶמֶשׂ is consistently included among the creatures preserved by Noah and those destroyed by the waters:
* [[Genesis 7:8]]: "Of clean animals and of animals that are not clean, and of birds and of everything that creeps on the ground (רֶמֶשׂ)."
* [[Genesis 7:14]]: "they and every beast according to its kind, and all livestock according to their kinds, and every creeping thing (רֶמֶשׂ) that creeps on the earth according to its kind, and every bird according to its kind, every winged creature."
* [[Genesis 7:21]]: "And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures (רֶמֶשׂ) that swarmed on the earth, and all mankind."
* [[Genesis 8:17]]: After the flood, Noah is commanded to release them "that they may swarm on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth." These verses underscore the universality of the flood's judgment and the comprehensive nature of God's preservation, including even the "creeping things."
In the Mosaic Law, particularly in Leviticus, רֶמֶשׂ is consistently classified as ritually unclean:
* [[Leviticus 11:41]]: "Every swarming thing (רֶמֶשׂ) that swarms on the earth is detestable; it shall not be eaten."
* [[Leviticus 11:42-46]]: This section elaborates on various types of "creeping things" that are unclean, emphasizing their low dwelling and association with uncleanness. This prohibition reinforces the distinction between clean and unclean animals, a central theme in Israelite cultic purity.
* [[Ezekiel 8:10]]: The prophet Ezekiel, in a vision of abominations in the temple, sees "every form of creeping things (רֶמֶשׂ) and detestable beasts." This imagery connects the unclean status of *remes* with idolatry and spiritual defilement.
In the poetic literature, רֶמֶשׂ contributes to descriptions of the vastness and diversity of God's creation:
* [[Psalm 104:25]]: "Yonder is the sea, great and wide, which teems with things innumerable, living things both small and great." While not explicitly *remes* here, the verb "teems" (רָמַשׂ, `{{H7430}}`) is used, and the noun *remes* can certainly apply to the small, numerous creatures of the sea, illustrating the concept of swarming life that the word often implies.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root רָמַשׂ (ramas, `{{H7430}}`), from which רֶמֶשׂ (remes, `{{H7431}}`) is derived. This verb means "to creep," "to crawl," or "to swarm," directly informing the noun's meaning of a "creeping thing." The noun describes the *object* of the verb's action.
Other animal categories frequently appear alongside רֶמֶשׂ, highlighting the distinct classifications within biblical zoology:
* בְּהֵמָה (behemah, `{{H929}}`): "livestock" or "domesticated animals."
* חַיָּה (chayyah, `{{H2416}}`): "wild animals" or "beasts of the earth."
* עוֹף (oph, `{{H5775}}`): "flying creatures" or "birds."
* דָּגָה (dagah, `{{H1709}}`): "fish" (though not always explicitly listed with *remes*, aquatic "swarming things" are mentioned).
The concept of "uncleanness" (טָמֵא, tame, `{{H2930}}`) is intrinsically linked to רֶמֶשׂ in the Levitical laws, contrasting with "cleanness" (טָהוֹר, tahor, `{{H2889}}`). This distinction is crucial for understanding Israelite cultic purity and holiness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רֶמֶשׂ (remes, `{{H7431}}`) is multifaceted, touching upon divine creation, human dominion, and the nature of holiness.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Creation:** The inclusion of רֶמֶשׂ in the Genesis creation account underscores God's meticulous and comprehensive creative power. Even the smallest, most seemingly insignificant, or lowliest creatures are brought into existence by His word. They are not accidental but are intentionally designed and ordered within the vast tapestry of life. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over all forms of life, from the largest beasts to the smallest "creeping things."
2. **Order and Distinction:** The categorization of *remes* alongside other animal groups (livestock, wild animals, birds) in Genesis 1 highlights the divine establishment of order and distinction within creation. Each category has its place and purpose, reflecting God's wisdom in structuring the cosmos. This order is maintained even through the judgment of the flood and the subsequent repopulation of the earth.
3. **Holiness and Purity:** The designation of *remes* as ritually unclean in Leviticus is profoundly significant. This does not imply that *remes* are inherently evil, but rather that their nature or habits (e.g., low-to-the-ground movement, association with decay, or perceived sliminess) made them symbolic of defilement within the Israelite cultic system. Their uncleanness served to teach Israel about the importance of separation from anything that might defile, thereby emphasizing the sanctity of God and the necessity of maintaining a holy people. The distinction between clean and unclean foods, including the prohibition against *remes*, was a pedagogical tool to instill a sense of discernment and holiness in daily life, reminding the Israelites of their unique covenant relationship with a holy God.
4. **Human Dominion:** As part of the created order, *remes* falls under humanity's God-given dominion ([[Genesis 1:26]]). This responsibility implies stewardship and care over all creatures, including the "creeping things," reflecting humanity's role as God's vice-regents on earth.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רֶמֶשׂ (remes, `{{H7431}}`) denotes "creeping things" or "moving things," encompassing a wide range of small, often numerous creatures characterized by their low-to-the-ground or swarming movement. Biblically, its primary occurrences highlight its inclusion in God's original creation, its comprehensive destruction and preservation during the flood, and its consistent classification as ritually unclean within the Mosaic Law. Theologically, רֶמֶשׂ testifies to God's meticulous and sovereign power in creating all forms of life, His establishment of order within creation, and the profound importance of holiness and purity in the Israelite covenant. Despite their often humble or even detestable status in human perception, *remes* serve as a vivid reminder of God's comprehensive creative design and His call for His people to live in a manner set apart for Him.
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