King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:22 Mean?

Leviticus 11:22 in the King James Version says “Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his k...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.”

Leviticus 11:22 · KJV

Context

20

All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you.

21

Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth;

22

Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.

23

But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you.

24

And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.

This verse falls within the section on Clean and Unclean Animals. Dietary laws distinguishing clean from unclean animals, teaching Israel holiness and separation from pagan practices.


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Dietary laws distinguishing clean from unclean animals, teaching Israel holiness and separation from pagan practices. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אֶת1 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֵ֤לֶּה2 of 16
H428

these or those

מֵהֶם֙3 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

תֹּאכֵ֔לוּ4 of 16

“Even these of them ye may eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת5 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽאַרְבֶּ֣ה6 of 16

“the locust”

H697

a locust (from its rapid increase)

לְמִינֵֽהוּ׃7 of 16

“after his kind”

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

וְאֶת8 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַסָּלְעָ֖ם9 of 16

“and the bald locust”

H5556

a kind of locust (from its destructiveness)

לְמִינֵֽהוּ׃10 of 16

“after his kind”

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

וְאֶת11 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַֽחַרְגֹּ֣ל12 of 16

“and the beetle”

H2728

the leaping insect, i.e., a locust

לְמִינֵֽהוּ׃13 of 16

“after his kind”

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

וְאֶת14 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הֶֽחָגָ֖ב15 of 16

“and the grasshopper”

H2284

a locust

לְמִינֵֽהוּ׃16 of 16

“after his kind”

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 11:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 11:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 3:4Mark 1:6Exodus 10:4-5Romans 14:1Hebrews 5:11Isaiah 35:3

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