Leviticus 11:43
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The verse emphasizes that becoming "abominable" or "unclean" isn't just about the food itself, but about a personal transformation: by consuming these creatures, you become detestable in God's eyes, reflecting a defilement that goes beyond mere physical contact.
You shall not make yourselves detestable with any swarming thing that swarms, and you shall not defile yourselves with them, and become unclean through them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is the conclusion of a lengthy section in Leviticus detailing which land animals, birds, and sea creatures Israelites could and could not eat. The preceding verses list specific categories of forbidden creatures, labeling them "abominations," and the verses that follow explain that these dietary laws are part of God's command to be holy, just as He is holy. This verse serves as a strong summary statement, forbidding the Israelites from becoming ritually unclean or detestable in God's sight through contact with these creatures.
Why did God care so much about what the Israelites ate? It wasn't just about a healthy diet.
This passage is a powerful reminder that God's commands are often about more than just the physical act. For the Israelites, dietary laws weren't just about avoiding certain foods; they were a fundamental part of their identity as God's chosen people.
A Visible Separation
By abstaining from 'detestable' or 'abominable' creatures (words that convey disgust and repulsion), they set themselves apart from surrounding nations who ate these things. This wasn't about being 'clean' in a modern, hygienic sense, but about being holy – set apart for God.
Reflecting God's Character
The ultimate reason given is profound: 'For I am the LORD your God. You must sanctify yourselves and be holy, because I am holy' (Leviticus 11:44). Their obedience in these seemingly small matters was a way to reflect the very character of God, who is perfectly holy.
The idea of being 'defiled' by these creatures sounds strange. What did 'unclean' really mean in this context?
The concept of ritual uncleanness in Leviticus is distinct from everyday dirtiness or disease. It's a symbolic state that temporarily barred Israelites from participating in worship or community life.
Not Inherently Evil
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It's crucial to understand that these animals weren't considered evil in themselves, nor was God condemning His own creation. As commentators note, God's command was about their use and how touching or consuming them would affect the Israelite's relationship with God's presence.
Restoring Access
Becoming 'unclean' meant being separated from the community and, more importantly, from God's presence, especially concerning the Tabernacle and sacrifices. The process of purification (often involving washing and waiting) symbolized a return to a state where one could approach a holy God. This system pointed to a deeper reality: true cleansing comes from God.
Understand the original words
tama' · Hebrew Verb
To pollute, stain, or make ceremonially impure. It involves an action that renders a person unfit to enter the presence of God or participate in communal worship.
tame' · Hebrew Adjective
Being in a state of ritual impurity. It describes a condition of separation from the holy sphere, preventing the person from approaching the sanctuary or holy things until proper purification occurs.
Paul echoes this sentiment by declaring that in the Lord Jesus, nothing is inherently unclean, highlighting a spiritual truth that transcends physical dietary laws.
1 Corinthians 10:31This passage broadens the principle, stating that all actions, whether eating or drinking, should be done for God's glory, emphasizing the heart's intent over external rules.
Colossians 2:16-17Paul points to these kinds of regulations as 'shadows of things to come,' suggesting that their deeper meaning is fulfilled in Christ, moving believers beyond strict observance of such laws.
1 Peter 1:15-16Peter calls believers to be holy because God is holy, directly linking the call for physical purity in Leviticus to a broader, spiritual call for holiness in all aspects of life.
Matthew 15:11Jesus states that what defiles a person comes from within, not from what enters the mouth, shifting the focus from external purity laws to the internal state of the heart.
pooleLeviticus 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 text from Poole on this verse.
calvinLeviticus 11:1-47: "And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,"
And upon whatsoever any of them, when they are dead, doth fall, it shall be unclean; whether it be any vessel of wood, or raiment, or skin, or sack, whatsoever vessel it be, wherein any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the even; so it shall be cleansed.
Et omne super quod tetigerit aliquid ex eis postquam mortua fuerint, immudum erit, tam vas lineum quam vestis, aut…
The verse emphasizes that becoming "abominable" or "unclean" isn't just about the food itself, but about a personal transformation: by consuming these creatures, you become detestable in God's eyes, reflecting a defilement that goes beyond mere physical contact.
This passage is the conclusion of a lengthy section in Leviticus detailing which land animals, birds, and sea creatures Israelites could and could not eat. The preceding verses list specific categories of forbidden creatures, labeling them "abominations," and the verses that follow explain that these dietary laws are part of God's command to be holy, just as He is holy. This verse serves as a strong summary statement, forbidding the Israelites from becoming ritually unclean or detestable in God's sight through contact with these creatures.
This passage is the conclusion of a lengthy section in Leviticus detailing which land animals, birds, and sea creatures Israelites could and could not eat. The preceding verses list specific categories of forbidden creatures, labeling them "abominations," and the verses that follow explain that these dietary laws are part of God's command to be holy, just as He is holy. This verse serves as a strong summary statement, forbidding the Israelites from becoming ritually unclean or detestable in God's sight through contact with these creatures.
"You shall not make yourselves detestable with any swarming thing that swarms, and you shall not defile yourselves with them, and become unclean through them." — The verse emphasizes that becoming "abominable" or "unclean" isn't just about the food itself, but about a personal transformation: by consuming these creatures, you become detestable in God's eyes…
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Last reviewed October 2026
