Leviticus 11 23

Leviticus 11:23 kjv

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

Leviticus 11:23 nkjv

But all other flying insects which have four feet shall be an abomination to you.

Leviticus 11:23 niv

But all other flying insects that have four legs you are to regard as unclean.

Leviticus 11:23 esv

But all other winged insects that have four feet are detestable to you.

Leviticus 11:23 nlt

All other winged insects that walk along the ground are detestable to you.

Leviticus 11 verses

Leviticus 11 23 Meaning

This verse declares that all "creeping things" which move upon the earth are detestable for the Israelites to eat. It is an absolute prohibition within the detailed dietary laws given to God's covenant people, distinguishing them as a holy nation through purity in their food consumption.

Leviticus 11 23 Context

Leviticus chapter 11 provides a comprehensive and detailed set of dietary laws for the Israelites, specifying which animals, aquatic creatures, and winged creatures are considered "clean" and thus permissible for consumption, and which are "unclean" and forbidden. This distinction was foundational to their ritual purity and identity as God's chosen people. Verse 23 falls within the section addressing winged, swarming creatures, emphasizing the general prohibition of all creeping things found on the earth.

Historically and culturally, these laws served to distinguish Israel from the surrounding pagan nations, many of whom consumed a wide variety of animals, including those considered abominable by God. The prohibitions also held practical benefits, promoting hygiene by discouraging the consumption of carrion-eaters, potential disease vectors, or creatures living in unsanitary conditions. Theologically, these laws were part of a broader system designed to teach Israel about God's holiness and the necessity of maintaining purity in order to dwell in His presence. The "creeping things," often viewed with revulsion due to their low-to-the-ground, swarming movement, symbolically represented defilement or chaos, standing in stark contrast to the ordered and holy nature of God. The strong declaration of "abomination" reinforced a polemic against any practices that blurred the lines between the sacred and the profane, a constant reminder for Israel to maintain their unique consecrated identity before God.

Leviticus 11 23 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): A simple conjunction connecting this verse to the preceding classifications of flying, creeping things, showing continuity in the dietary prohibitions.
• every (כָּל - kol): Emphasizes universality within the specified category, signifying that there are no exceptions.
• creeping thing (שֶׁרֶץ - sherets): A Hebrew noun referring to a "swarming thing," "creeping thing," or "moving creature." In Leviticus, it broadly encompasses various small, numerous animals that crawl or teem on the ground, including reptiles, amphibians, insects, and some rodents. It often carries a connotation of disgust or revulsion due to the manner of movement or association with unclean environments.
• that creeps (הַשֹּׁרֵץ - ha'shōrēts): The participle form of the verb from the same root as sherets, meaning "that which swarms" or "that which creeps." This repetition intensifies the meaning, highlighting the defining characteristic—the act of low, close-to-the-ground, often unsystematic movement.
• upon the earth (עַל־הָאָרֶץ - ‘al-ha’aretz): Specifies the habitat, distinguishing these "creeping things" from winged "creeping things" (insects) mentioned earlier in the chapter (e.g., Lev 11:20-22). It specifically targets land-based, ground-crawling creatures.
• shall be (הוּא - hu): A simple Hebrew pronoun serving as a copula, equivalent to "it is" or "it shall be," establishing the inherent nature or status of these creatures.
• an abomination (שֶׁקֶץ - sheqets): A very strong Hebrew term meaning "detestable thing," "abominable thing," "loathsome thing," or "pollution." It denotes something profoundly repugnant, religiously defiling, and morally offensive to God. It goes beyond mere uncleanness (tame') to signify a severe level of ritual impurity that warrants absolute prohibition and a strong divine displeasure.
• unto you (לָכֶם - lakhem): Explicitly states the audience: the Israelites, indicating that this commandment is specifically for God's covenant people. This emphasizes the covenantal boundary and the unique identity God was establishing for them.
• it shall not be eaten (לֹא יֵאָכֵל - lo ye'akhël): A direct and absolute prohibition. The passive construction ("it shall not be eaten") implies a divine command; this is a declaration of divine will, rendering consumption impermissible. It clearly articulates the practical consequence of the "abominable" status.

• "every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth": This phrase defines a distinct category of animals. The repetition of the root sherets (both noun and verb) underscores the defining characteristic: the specific, low-to-the-ground, swarming motion. This linguistic reinforcement makes the identification clear and the prohibition unambiguous, separating them from other classes of animals like those with cloven hooves or fins and scales.
• "shall be an abomination unto you; it shall not be eaten": This crucial phrase connects the theological status (sheqets, abomination) directly to the practical command (prohibition of eating). It indicates that the reason for not eating is not merely health or cultural preference, but because the creatures themselves are inherently defiling and repulsive in God's eyes, and thus would defile the one who consumes them. This divine classification is absolute for the covenant people.

Leviticus 11 23 Bonus section

• The category of "creeping things" (sherets) in the Bible is remarkably broad, including insects, reptiles, rodents, and even some small mammals, essentially any creature that "swarms" or "teems" with short or no legs, moving close to the ground. This reflects an ancient categorization based on observation rather than modern scientific taxonomy.
• The concepts of "clean" and "unclean" were not always about inherent evil but often about order and separation. Things that "blurred categories" (like bats that fly but are mammals, or insects that crawl but also fly) or seemed "disordered" by their movement (like slithering snakes or scurrying mice) were frequently designated unclean, teaching Israel to value God's divine order and distinctions.
• The enduring lesson of the Levitical dietary laws, even after their ceremonial fulfillment in Christ, is the principle of seeking purity and holiness, understanding that our relationship with a holy God demands intentional separation from defiling influences in various aspects of our lives, as transformed by the New Covenant emphasis on inward purity.

Leviticus 11 23 Commentary

Leviticus 11:23 functions as a critical component of God's purity codes for Israel. The strong declaration that "every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth shall be an abomination" is not simply a dietary guideline but a theological statement. The use of sherets (creeping thing) highlights creatures low to the ground, often seen as repulsive or associated with impurity, while sheqets (abomination) conveys profound detestation, signifying a state utterly incompatible with holiness. This strict prohibition against their consumption served multiple purposes: it fostered physical health by preventing the eating of potentially disease-ridden animals, acted as a social boundary distinguishing Israel from surrounding cultures, and, most significantly, provided a constant, tangible lesson in holiness. By restricting what they could ingest, God was teaching His people about the vital principle of separation and purity required to maintain their covenant relationship with a holy God. These rules, though abrogated in the New Covenant in Christ's fulfillment (Mark 7:19; Acts 10:15), underscored a timeless spiritual truth: God desires a people who live distinctly, embodying His purity in all aspects of life.