Leviticus 11:41

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Leviticus 11:41 is part of a detailed chapter in the Old Testament outlining the dietary laws given by God to the Israelites through Moses. This specific verse addresses a category of creatures considered unclean and forbidden for consumption.

Context

Chapter 11 of Leviticus provides a comprehensive list of animals that the Israelites were permitted (clean) and forbidden (unclean) to eat. These laws were a crucial part of the Mosaic covenant, designed to set Israel apart as a holy nation dedicated to God. The distinction between clean and unclean applied not only to food but also to issues of ritual purity. Verse 41 specifically deals with creatures that "creep upon the earth," classifying them as an "abomination" and strictly prohibiting their consumption.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Separation: The primary purpose of these dietary laws was to establish boundaries for Israel, reinforcing their identity as a people set apart for God. Eating only clean animals symbolized this separation from the practices of surrounding nations and dedication to a holy lifestyle.
  • Dietary Laws: This verse is a direct commandment regarding forbidden foods, specifically targeting land-dwelling invertebrates and small vertebrates that move close to the ground.
  • Abomination (Sheqets): The term used for "abomination" (Hebrew: sheqets) signifies something detestable, impure, or forbidden, particularly in a religious or ritual sense. Eating these creatures was considered defiling.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "creeping thing" is sherets, which refers broadly to swarming or teeming creatures, often small animals that move low to the ground or in water. The term "abomination" is sheqets, meaning something detestable or impure. The use of sheqets emphasizes the strong prohibition and the ritual impurity associated with these creatures.

Reflection

While these specific dietary regulations from the Mosaic Law are not considered binding on Christians today (as discussed in passages like Acts 10:15 and Mark 7:19), the underlying principle of living a life set apart for God remains relevant. The Old Testament laws served as a "schoolmaster" pointing to Christ (Galatians 3:24). For ancient Israel, abstaining from "creeping things" was an outward sign of their inward commitment to holiness and obedience to God's unique covenant.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 11:29 (5 votes)

    These also [shall be] unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,

  • Leviticus 11:23 (2 votes)

    But all [other] flying creeping things, which have four feet, [shall be] an abomination unto you.

  • Leviticus 11:20 (2 votes)

    ¶ All fowls that creep, going upon [all] four, [shall be] an abomination unto you.