King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:29 Mean?

Leviticus 11:29 in the King James Version says “These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,”

Leviticus 11:29 · KJV

Context

27

And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcase shall be unclean until the even.

28

And he that beareth the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: they are unclean unto you.

29

These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,

30

And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole.

31

These are unclean to you among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even.

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise 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.

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְזֶ֤ה1 of 11
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לָכֶם֙2 of 11
H0
הַטָּמֵ֔א3 of 11

“These also shall be unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

בַּשֶּׁ֖רֶץ4 of 11

“unto you among the creeping”

H8318

a swarm, i.e., active mass of minute animals

הַשֹּׁרֵ֣ץ5 of 11

“things that creep”

H8317

to wriggle, i.e., (by implication) swarm or abound

עַל6 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָ֑רֶץ7 of 11

“upon the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַחֹ֥לֶד8 of 11

“the weasel”

H2467

a weasel (from its gliding motion)

וְהָֽעַכְבָּ֖ר9 of 11

“and the mouse”

H5909

a mouse (as nibbling)

וְהַצָּ֥ב10 of 11

“and the tortoise”

H6632

a species of lizard (probably as clinging fast)

לְמִינֵֽהוּ׃11 of 11

“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 11:29 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 11:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 11:41-42John 6:66Psalms 17:13-142 Timothy 3:2-5Psalms 10:3Luke 16:14

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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