Leviticus 11 29

Leviticus 11:29 kjv

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 11:29 nkjv

'These also shall be unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth: the mole, the mouse, and the large lizard after its kind;

Leviticus 11:29 niv

"?'Of the animals that move along the ground, these are unclean for you: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard,

Leviticus 11:29 esv

"And these are unclean to you among the swarming things that swarm on the ground: the mole rat, the mouse, the great lizard of any kind,

Leviticus 11:29 nlt

"Of the small animals that scurry along the ground, these are unclean for you: the mole rat, the rat, large lizards of all kinds,

Leviticus 11 verses

Leviticus 11 29 Meaning

Leviticus 11:29 specifies several small, ground-dwelling creatures that are considered ritually "unclean" for the Israelites. This means they were not to be consumed or touched after death, as doing so would cause ritual impurity, requiring purification. The verse particularly lists the weasel, the mouse, and the tortoise, emphasizing that all species within these categories are likewise prohibited. These injunctions were part of God's instructions for His chosen people to maintain holiness and distinction from surrounding nations.

Leviticus 11 29 Context

Leviticus chapter 11 details comprehensive laws concerning clean and unclean animals, guiding the Israelites on what they could or could not eat, and what would cause ritual defilement through touch. These regulations were not merely about hygiene but primarily served a theological purpose: to define holiness for the nation of Israel as a people set apart for God. By distinguishing between clean and unclean, God ingrained in His people a daily awareness of their covenant relationship with Him and their separation from the practices of pagan nations. The "creeping things" or "swarmers" mentioned in verse 29 represented a category of creatures often perceived as embodying disorder or crossing natural boundaries in God's created order, making them particularly unsuitable for a people dedicated to the holy God. Historically, such animals were also sometimes used in pagan rituals or worshipped, reinforcing the need for Israel to have clear distinctions.

Leviticus 11 29 Word analysis

• And (וְ - wᵉ): A simple conjunction, connecting this verse to the preceding lists of unclean animals.
• these (אֵלֶּה - ʾelleh): Demonstrative pronoun, pointing specifically to the animals about to be listed, drawing them out from the broader category.
• are they which are unclean (הֵם הַטָּמֵא - hēm haṭṭāmēʾ): "Unclean" (טָמֵא - ṭāmēʾ) signifies ritual impurity, rendering something unfit for sacred use, consumption, or association with holy activities. It is a theological distinction, separating something as common or defiling, as opposed to pure or holy.
• unto you (לָכֶם - lāḵem): Emphasizes that these laws are specifically directed at the Israelites, indicating their covenantal and prescriptive nature. It defines purity from God’s perspective for His people.
• among the creeping things (מִן הַשֶּׁרֶץ - min haššereṣ): "Creeping things" (šereṣ) refers to "swarmers" – small, prolific creatures that teem, crawl, or move close to the ground. This category encompasses various small animals, reptiles, and insects that do not fit the ordered classifications of clean land animals (those with split hooves and chewing cud) or clean flying creatures (birds that don't creep). These are typically seen as representing disorder in the created world due to their mode of movement or habitats.
• that creep upon the earth (הַשֹּׁרֵץ עַל הָאָרֶץ - haššōrēṣ ʿal hāʾāreṣ): Reinforces and specifies the "creeping things" as those that move directly on the ground. The verb šōrēṣ is cognate with the noun šereṣ, emphasizing their characteristic motion of swarming or teeming on the earth.
• the weasel (הַחֹלֶד - haḥōled): The exact identification is debated among scholars, potentially referring to a mole, a rat-mole, or indeed a weasel. It generally points to a small, burrowing, nocturnal, or pest-like mammal.
• and the mouse (וְהָעַכְבָּר - wᵉhaʿakhbār): Clearly refers to the mouse, a small, widespread rodent. Often associated with infestation, destruction, and sometimes illness, as seen in biblical narratives like 1 Samuel 6:5.
• and the tortoise (וְהַצָּב - wᵉhaṣṣāb): Another debated term. Possible identifications include a specific type of lizard (like a monitor lizard), a gecko, or a large land tortoise. The context suggests a small reptile that creeps on the earth.
• after his kind (לְמִינֹו - lᵉmînōw): This phrase means "according to its species" or "of its kind." It clarifies that not just the specific example listed, but all variants, types, or sub-species within that animal family or genus are likewise considered unclean. This expands the scope of the prohibition to encompass all similar creatures.

• "unclean unto you": This phrase highlights the covenantal and unique nature of these laws for the Israelites. The impurity designation was a divine mandate for them, central to their identity as a holy nation, separate from the customs of other peoples.
• "creeping things that creep upon the earth": This double emphasis on "creeping" (noun šereṣ and verb šōrēṣ) defines a category of creatures by their distinctive low-to-the-ground, swarming movement. This type of locomotion, especially for creatures prolific in numbers and associated with unsanitary environments or the unknown, made them emblematic of ritual impurity.
• "the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind": This grouping provides specific examples from the larger category of "creeping things." Their common characteristics—small size, low movement, potential for burrowing, and general association with unsanitary conditions or infestation—further solidified their status as unfit for consumption or ritual contact. The inclusion of "after his kind" extends the prohibition to every variation of these named creatures, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Leviticus 11 29 Bonus section

The concept of "unclean" in Leviticus 11 extends beyond simple dirtiness. Many scholars interpret these laws through the lens of 'order and disorder,' 'holiness and defilement,' or 'life and death.' Animals like those listed in Leviticus 11:29 are often perceived as breaking normative boundaries: they are land creatures that creep instead of walking, or they live in transitional spaces (e.g., burrowing underground). These anomalies made them symbolic of disorder from a priestly perspective, hence their designation as unclean. The command to be holy, "for I am holy," encapsulates the ultimate purpose of these regulations, teaching Israel about God's intrinsic nature and their requirement to reflect it in every aspect of life.

Leviticus 11 29 Commentary

Leviticus 11:29 delineates specific creatures from the broader category of "creeping things" that are ritually unclean for Israel. This categorization, rather than being primarily for public health, was fundamental to God's instruction for Israel's holiness and their distinct identity. These "swarmers" (Hebrew sherets)—animals that teem and move low to the ground, like moles, mice, and various lizards/tortoises—were often seen as representing a departure from the established order in creation, contrasting with animals that walked upright or flew clearly. Their forbidden status created a constant tangible reminder for the Israelites to live a life of separation, aspiring to God’s holiness and refraining from any behavior that would defile them or align them with pagan customs which sometimes revered or consumed such creatures. While the strictures of these dietary and contact laws no longer bind New Testament believers, as all foods are declared clean in Christ (Acts 10; Rom 14), the underlying principle of seeking holiness and spiritual purity remains vital, now shifted from external observance to internal righteousness and moral separation from sin (Mk 7; 2 Cor 7:1).