Leviticus 11:23
Leviticus 11:23 in Multiple Translations
All other flying insects that have four legs are detestable to you.
But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you.
But all winged creeping things, which have four feet, are an abomination unto you.
But all other winged four-footed things which go on the earth are disgusting to you.
All other flying insects that crawl are repulsive to you,
But al other foules that creepe and haue foure feete, they shalbe abomination vnto you.
and every teeming thing which is flying, which hath four feet — an abomination it [is] to you.
But all winged creeping things which have four feet are an abomination to you.
But all other flying creeping animals, which have four feet, shall be an abomination to you.
But of dying things whatsoever hath four feet only, shall be an abomination to you:
But you must detest and not eat other insects with wings that have four legs.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 11:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 11:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כֹל֙
שֶׁ֣רֶץ
הָ/ע֔וֹף
אֲשֶׁר
ל֖/וֹ
אַרְבַּ֣ע
רַגְלָ֑יִם
שֶׁ֥קֶץ
ה֖וּא
לָ/כֶֽם
וְ/כֹל֙
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
שֶׁ֣רֶץ
sherets
H8318
swarm
N-ms
הָ/ע֔וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
bird
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אַרְבַּ֣ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Adj
רַגְלָ֑יִם
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd
שֶׁ֥קֶץ
sheqets
H8263
detestation
N-ms
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
לָ/כֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 11:23
וְ/כֹל֙
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שֶׁ֣רֶץ
sherets
H8318
"swarm"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a swarm of small animals like insects or reptiles, often found in the book of Genesis. It describes a large group of tiny creatures moving together. In the Bible, it is used to describe the abundance of God's creation.
Definition: 1) teeming or swarming things, creepers, swarmers 1a) of insects, animals, small reptiles, quadrupeds
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: creep(-ing thing), move(-ing creature). See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 11:29; Deuteronomy 14:19.
הָ/ע֔וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
"bird"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word simply means a bird, like the ones that fly in the sky. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms, often symbolizing freedom.
Definition: 1) flying creatures, fowl, insects, birds 1a) fowl, birds 1b) winged insects Aramaic equivalent: oph (עוֹף "bird" H5776)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: bird, that flieth, flying, fowl. See also: Genesis 1:20; 1 Samuel 17:46; Psalms 50:11.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אַרְבַּ֣ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
רַגְלָ֑יִם
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
שֶׁ֥קֶץ
sheqets
H8263
"detestation"
N-ms
This word means something that is detestable or an abomination, like the idols in Deuteronomy 7:25. It refers to things that are considered filthy or unclean.
Definition: detestable thing or idol, an unclean thing, an abomination, detestation
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: abominable(-tion). See also: Leviticus 7:21; Leviticus 11:20; Isaiah 66:17.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לָ/כֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Leviticus 11:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Leviticus 11:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 11:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:23
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 11:23
Context — Clean and Unclean Animals
21However, you may eat the following kinds of flying insects that walk on all fours: those having jointed legs above their feet for hopping on the ground.
22Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper.
23All other flying insects that have four legs are detestable to you.
24These creatures will make you unclean. Whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean until evening, 25and whoever picks up one of their carcasses must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean until evening.Leviticus 11:23 Summary
[Leviticus 11:23 teaches us that some flying insects are not acceptable for us to eat, and this helps us understand that God has standards for what is clean and what is not. In simple terms, this verse means that we should be careful about what we put into our bodies and what we allow into our lives, because some things can make us 'unclean' (see Leviticus 11:24-25). By following God's guidelines, we can seek to honor Him and live in a way that is pleasing to Him (1 Corinthians 10:31). This principle can also apply to other areas of our lives, such as our relationships and daily choices, as we seek to live in a way that is pure and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1-2).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for flying insects to be 'detestable' to us?
In Leviticus 11:23, 'detestable' refers to something that is offensive or unacceptable to God, and by extension, to us as His people (see Deuteronomy 7:26, Ezekiel 20:30).
Why are some flying insects acceptable to eat, while others are not?
According to Leviticus 11:21-22, certain flying insects like locusts and grasshoppers are acceptable to eat because they have jointed legs above their feet for hopping, but others do not meet this criteria and are therefore considered detestable (Leviticus 11:23).
How does this verse relate to our overall understanding of cleanliness and purity?
This verse is part of a larger discussion in Leviticus about what makes a person or thing clean or unclean (see Leviticus 11:1-47), and it highlights the importance of distinguishing between what is acceptable and what is not according to God's standards (Romans 14:14).
Is this verse still relevant to us today, or was it only for the Israelites?
While the specific dietary laws in Leviticus 11:23 may not directly apply to us today, the underlying principles of seeking to honor God in all aspects of our lives, including our daily choices, remain relevant (1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17).
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tolerating things that are 'detestable' to God, and how can I seek to align myself with His standards?
- How can I cultivate a greater sense of discernment in my daily choices, so that I can distinguish between what is acceptable and what is not?
- What does it mean for me to 'honor God' in my daily life, and how can I apply this principle to my relationships, work, and leisure activities?
- In what ways can I seek to be 'set apart' for God's purposes, and how can I maintain a sense of purity and cleanliness in my heart and mind?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:23
But all [other] flying creeping things,.... Excepting the four sorts before mentioned, wherefore we rightly supply the word "other": which have four feet; or more; the Vulgate Latin version adds,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:23
But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 11:23
i.e. All such except those now mentioned; the word other being here understood out of the former verse, without which there might seem to be a contradiction between this and that verse. But the words may be, and by the vulgar Latin are, thus rendered, But all flying creeping things which have only four feet; which word only is to be gathered out of ,21; i.e. which have not those legs above and besides their feet mentioned . And so all the verses agree well together.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:23
Leviticus 11:23 But all [other] flying creeping things, which have four feet, [shall be] an abomination unto you.Ver. 23. Which have four feet.] See on Leviticus 11:21.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:23
(23) But all other flying creeping things.—Better, but all other winged creeping things. Besides the above-named four species and their kindreds, all other locusts, as well as insects of any kind, are to be abhorred as food.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 11:23
Ch. Leviticus 11:1-23 [51]. The Distinction between Clean and Unclean Food [51] For the sources from which this ch. comes, and its relation from a critical point of view to Deuteronomy 14:3 ff. see App. I (c), pp. 162 f.One principle underlying this distinction appears to have been that animals which were recognised as in any way objects of worship by heathen neighbours, or even supposed by them to be connected with unseen supernatural beings, were to be considered unclean. See Bertholet in KHC., introd. note to this ch. But in other cases the prohibition probably rested on the animal’s repulsive appearance or uncleanly habits, or on sanitary or totemistic grounds. See Driver, Deut. p. 164, and Rob.-Sm. OTJC.2 p. 366. A list of animals which may and may not be eaten is given in Deuteronomy 14:3-20; it has close verbal affinity with Leviticus 11:2-21 of this ch. The two passages are placed side by side in Driver (ICC.) Deut.
P. 157 f. Both lists are divided into classes: (a) Beasts Leviticus 11:2-8. Cp. Deuteronomy 14:3-8 Deut. enumerates three domestic, and seven wild animals, as clean beasts which may be eaten. Lev. does not mention the clean beasts, but both give their two distinguishing marks—‘Whatsoever parteth the hoof … and cheweth the cud,’ and specify the same four beasts which have not both of these marks as unclean. Lev. is more diffuse, but employs the same expressions as Deut. (b) Fishes Leviticus 11:9-12. Cp. Deuteronomy 14:9-10 The same criterion of cleanness, having ‘scales and fins,’ is given both in Lev. and Deut., but Lev. is more diffuse, and introduces a word (Heb. shéḳ ?eẓ ?) detestation, used frequently in this ch., also in Leviticus 7:21, and Isaiah 66:17; Ezekiel 8:10. Another and commoner form (shiḳ ?ḳ ?uẓ ?) occurs in Deuteronomy 29:16.
No fish is mentioned by name, and the distinction between clean and unclean fishes in particular cases was determined by the Jewish rabbis. (c) Birds Leviticus 11:13-19. Cp. Deuteronomy 14:11-18 Deut. begins with ‘Of all clean birds ye may eat’ (Leviticus 11:11), but does not give a list like that of clean beasts. The forbidden birds are almost identical in both. (d) Winged swarming things Leviticus 11:20-23. Cp. Deuteronomy 14:19-20 Lev. adds ‘that go upon all four’ (Leviticus 11:20), and in Leviticus 11:21-22 gives a list of winged swarming things that may be eaten (those that ‘leap’), repeating in Leviticus 11:23 the prohibition of Lev 11:20. Deut. concludes the list with ‘of all clean fowls (the same Heb. word as for ‘winged things’) ye may eat’ (Leviticus 14:20), but gives no list.