Leviticus 11:43
Leviticus 11:43 in Multiple Translations
Do not defile yourselves by any crawling creature; do not become unclean or defiled by them.
Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby.
Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby.
You are not to make yourselves disgusting with anything which goes about flat on the earth; you may not make yourselves unclean with them, in such a way that you are not holy to me.
Don't defile yourselves by any such crawling animal. Don't make yourselves unclean or defiled by them,
Ye shall not pollute your selues with any thing that creepeth, neither make your selues vncleane with them, neither defile your selues thereby: ye shall not, I say, be defiled by them,
ye do not make yourselves abominable with any teeming thing which is teeming, nor do ye make yourselves unclean with them, so that ye have been unclean thereby.
You shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creeps. You shall not make yourselves unclean with them, that you should be defiled by them.
Ye shall not make your selves abominable with any creeping animal that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled by them.
Do not defile your souls, nor touch aught thereof, lest you be unclean,
Do not ◄defile yourselves/cause you to become unacceptable to me► by eating any of those creatures [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 11:43
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 11:43 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תְּשַׁקְּצוּ֙
אֶת
נַפְשֹׁ֣תֵי/כֶ֔ם
בְּ/כָל
הַ/שֶּׁ֖רֶץ
הַ/שֹּׁרֵ֑ץ
וְ/לֹ֤א
תִֽטַּמְּאוּ֙
בָּ/הֶ֔ם
וְ/נִטְמֵתֶ֖ם
בָּֽ/ם
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תְּשַׁקְּצוּ֙
shâqats
H8262
to detest
V-Piel-Juss-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נַפְשֹׁ֣תֵי/כֶ֔ם
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cp | Suff
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הַ/שֶּׁ֖רֶץ
sherets
H8318
swarm
Art | N-ms
הַ/שֹּׁרֵ֑ץ
shârats
H8317
to swarm
Art | V-Qal
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תִֽטַּמְּאוּ֙
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Hithpael-Imperf-2mp
בָּ/הֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
וְ/נִטְמֵתֶ֖ם
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Conj | V-Niphal-2mp
בָּֽ/ם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 11:43
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תְּשַׁקְּצוּ֙
shâqats
H8262
"to detest"
V-Piel-Juss-2mp
To detest or loathe something is the meaning of this word, as seen in Psalm 119:163 where the writer hates falsehood. It involves strong feelings of dislike or disgust.
Definition: 1) (Piel) to detest, make abominable, count filthy, make detestable 1a) to detest 1b) to make detestable
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: abhor, make abominable, have in abomination, detest, [idiom] utterly. See also: Leviticus 11:11; Leviticus 20:25; Psalms 22:25.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נַפְשֹׁ֣תֵי/כֶ֔ם
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cp | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
הַ/שֶּׁ֖רֶץ
sherets
H8318
"swarm"
Art | 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.
הַ/שֹּׁרֵ֑ץ
shârats
H8317
"to swarm"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to swarm or abound, and is used in the Bible to describe the multiplication of living things, like in Genesis 8:17. It can also mean to breed or increase, and is often associated with the abundance of God's creation. The word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to teem, swarm, multiply 1a) to swarm, teem 1b2) to swarm
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: breed (bring forth, increase) abundantly (in abundance), creep, move. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 11:29; Psalms 105:30.
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִֽטַּמְּאוּ֙
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
בָּ/הֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/נִטְמֵתֶ֖ם
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
Conj | V-Niphal-2mp
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
בָּֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Leviticus 11:43
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 11:43 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:43
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:43
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:43
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:43
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 11:43
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 11:43
Context — Clean and Unclean Animals
41Every creature that moves along the ground is detestable; it must not be eaten.
42Do not eat any creature that moves along the ground, whether it crawls on its belly or walks on four or more feet; for such creatures are detestable.
43Do not defile yourselves by any crawling creature; do not become unclean or defiled by them.
44For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any creature that crawls along the ground. 45For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt so that I would be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 20:25 | You are therefore to distinguish between clean and unclean animals and birds. Do not become contaminated by any animal or bird, or by anything that crawls on the ground; I have set these apart as unclean for you. |
| 2 | Leviticus 11:41–42 | Every creature that moves along the ground is detestable; it must not be eaten. Do not eat any creature that moves along the ground, whether it crawls on its belly or walks on four or more feet; for such creatures are detestable. |
Leviticus 11:43 Summary
[This verse is telling us to stay away from things that God says are unclean or detestable, like certain crawling creatures. This is because God is holy and wants us to be holy too, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45. By avoiding things that God considers unclean, we can remain in a right relationship with Him and live a life that is pleasing to Him (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to defile ourselves by a crawling creature?
In Leviticus 11:43, defiling ourselves by a crawling creature means to become unclean or contaminated by coming into contact with something God has declared detestable, as seen in Leviticus 11:41-42. This can apply spiritually by associating with things that God considers unclean (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
Is this verse still applicable to us today?
While the specific laws about eating creatures in Leviticus 11 are part of the Old Covenant, the principle of separating ourselves from things that God considers unclean is still relevant today, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
How can we become unclean or defiled by crawling creatures?
According to Leviticus 11:43-44, we can become unclean by touching or eating creatures that God has declared detestable. This can also apply spiritually by embracing sinful behaviors or attitudes that God considers unclean (Romans 1:21-25, Ephesians 4:17-19).
What is the main point of this verse?
The main point of Leviticus 11:43 is to remind the Israelites, and by extension us, that God is holy and we are to be holy as well, avoiding things that He considers unclean or detestable, as stated in Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I consider 'detestable' or 'unclean' that I need to avoid in order to remain holy?
- How can I apply the principle of separation from unclean things in my daily life, in areas such as media, relationships, or habits?
- What does it mean for me to 'consecrate' myself and be holy, as God is holy, in my thoughts, words, and actions?
- In what ways can I 'defile' myself spiritually, and how can I avoid those things to remain in a right relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 11:43
Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth,.... With any creeping thing that flies in the air, excepting the four sorts of locusts, Leviticus 11:22 and with any
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 11:43
Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 11:43
Leviticus 11:43 Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby.Ver. 43. Ye shall not make yourselves.] Heb., Your souls. See on Leviticus 11:32.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 11:43
(43) Ye shall not make your selves abominable.—By eating the unclean creatures which are constantly characterised in this book as “abominable” (see Leviticus 7:21; Leviticus 11:10-13; Leviticus 11:20; Leviticus 11:23; Leviticus 11:41-42)—a term which only occurs twice more in the Hebrew Scriptures (Isaiah 66:17; Ezekiel 8:10)—those who do so render themselves abominable and repulsive; hence the admonition. The phrase only occurs once more, viz., Leviticus 20:25, where it is translated in the Authorised Version, “Ye shall not make your souls abominable.” This is the reason why “soul” is put here in the margin on the word “selves.” Neither shall ye make yourselves unclean.—But not only is it disgusting to eat these abominable creatures, but their carcases defile and debar him who comes in contact with them from entering into the sanctuary and from partaking of the sacrificial meal.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 11:43
41–44. This would come appropriately as a conclusion to the rules about eating, after Leviticus 11:23. Cp. Ezekiel 8:10 f.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 11:43
43. Ye shall not make yourselves abominable — Hebrew, your souls.See Leviticus 4:2.