Leviticus 11:43 - 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 thereby.
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What does "Leviticus 11:43" mean?
Leviticus 11:43, "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 thereby," is part of a larger section (Leviticus 11) that deals with dietary laws and purity. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Creeping thing that creeps": This refers to various small animals, insects, reptiles, and other creatures that move close to the ground. The earlier verses in Leviticus 11 have already outlined which creatures are considered clean and unclean. This verse focuses on reinforcing the prohibition against those that are unclean.
"You shall not make yourselves abominable": The word "abominable" (Hebrew: sheqets) suggests something detestable, disgusting, and morally offensive to God. This goes beyond just being physically unclean. It implies a level of revulsion.
"You shall not make yourselves unclean with them": Touching or consuming these unclean animals would render a person ritually impure.
"That you should be defiled thereby": Defilement is a state of impurity that separates a person from God and the holy community. It might require a purification ritual to be restored.
In essence, the verse means:
The Israelites are commanded not to eat or interact with unclean "creeping things" in a way that makes them detestable or impure in God's eyes. This contact would defile them and potentially separate them from the sacred community and God's presence.
Context and Significance:
Holiness Code: Leviticus contains the "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26), which emphasizes the importance of being holy as God is holy. These dietary laws are part of that effort to maintain a state of ritual purity.
Symbolism: While the reasons for these specific dietary laws are debated, they likely had both practical (hygienic) and symbolic significance. They served as a way for the Israelites to distinguish themselves from other nations and to reinforce their commitment to God's covenant.
Separation: These laws created a separation between the Israelites and other peoples, both in terms of their dietary practices and their understanding of what was clean and unclean.
New Testament Interpretation: In the New Testament, Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), and Peter's vision in Acts 10 led him to understand that God was now offering salvation to Gentiles, who were previously considered "unclean." This shifted the focus from ritual purity to a purity of heart and faith.
In summary, Leviticus 11:43 is a command for the Israelites to avoid contact with unclean "creeping things" to maintain their ritual purity and distinguish themselves as a holy people set apart for God.
Leviticus 11:43 - 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 thereby.
What does "Leviticus 11:43" mean?
Leviticus 11:43, "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 thereby," is part of a larger section (Leviticus 11) that deals with dietary laws and purity. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Creeping thing that creeps": This refers to various small animals, insects, reptiles, and other creatures that move close to the ground. The earlier verses in Leviticus 11 have already outlined which creatures are considered clean and unclean. This verse focuses on reinforcing the prohibition against those that are unclean.
"You shall not make yourselves abominable": The word "abominable" (Hebrew: sheqets) suggests something detestable, disgusting, and morally offensive to God. This goes beyond just being physically unclean. It implies a level of revulsion.
"You shall not make yourselves unclean with them": Touching or consuming these unclean animals would render a person ritually impure.
"That you should be defiled thereby": Defilement is a state of impurity that separates a person from God and the holy community. It might require a purification ritual to be restored.
In essence, the verse means:
The Israelites are commanded not to eat or interact with unclean "creeping things" in a way that makes them detestable or impure in God's eyes. This contact would defile them and potentially separate them from the sacred community and God's presence.
Context and Significance:
Holiness Code: Leviticus contains the "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26), which emphasizes the importance of being holy as God is holy. These dietary laws are part of that effort to maintain a state of ritual purity.
Symbolism: While the reasons for these specific dietary laws are debated, they likely had both practical (hygienic) and symbolic significance. They served as a way for the Israelites to distinguish themselves from other nations and to reinforce their commitment to God's covenant.
Separation: These laws created a separation between the Israelites and other peoples, both in terms of their dietary practices and their understanding of what was clean and unclean.
New Testament Interpretation: In the New Testament, Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), and Peter's vision in Acts 10 led him to understand that God was now offering salvation to Gentiles, who were previously considered "unclean." This shifted the focus from ritual purity to a purity of heart and faith.
In summary, Leviticus 11:43 is a command for the Israelites to avoid contact with unclean "creeping things" to maintain their ritual purity and distinguish themselves as a holy people set apart for God.