Keraia
Leviticus 11

Leviticus 11:41

Clean and Unclean Animals · Leviticus 11:1–47
Read Leviticus 11

Translations

Modern
Every creature that moves along the ground is detestable; it must not be eaten.
Traditional
And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.
Literal
And every swarming thing that swarms upon the earth it is an abomination; it shall not be eaten.
Latin
Omne quod reptat super terram, abominabile erit, nec assumetur in cibum.

Original

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

Notes

Leviticus 11:1–15:33

These chapters explain the rules about purity. Mixing different types of animals was forbidden (see Deuteronomy 22:9–11). This is because it opposed God's natural order. Creatures like fish without fins and scales, meat-eating animals, crawling insects, and animals without split hooves were considered "abnormal." They crossed the boundaries between "normal" types and were not suitable for food or offerings (see also Deuteronomy 14:1–21). The dietary laws intended to set Israel apart as a holy people from other nations (Leviticus 11:44–45).

Parallels

Deuteronomy 14:1–21 Acts 10:9–16

Glossary

Animals Biblical Concept of Law Buzzard Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Deuteronomy, Book of Dietary Laws Gospel of Matthew History of Israel Law of Moses Leviticus, Book of Lizard Medicine and Medical Practice

Topics

Creeping Things: Unclean Food: Things Prohibited As Food Reptiles: Unclean and not Eaten Sanitation: Food