King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:41 Mean?

Leviticus 11:41 in the King James Version says “And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.”

Leviticus 11:41 · KJV

Context

39

And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcase thereof shall be unclean until the even.

40

And he that eateth of the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: he also that beareth the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.

41

And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.

42

Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination. hath: Heb. doth multiply feet

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. yourselves abominable: Heb. your souls, etc

Read Leviticus 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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 sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְכָל1 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַשֶּׁ֖רֶץ2 of 9

“And every creeping”

H8318

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

הַשֹּׁרֵ֣ץ3 of 9

“thing that creepeth”

H8317

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

עַל4 of 9
H5921

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

הָאָ֑רֶץ5 of 9

“upon the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שֶׁ֥קֶץ6 of 9

“shall be an abomination”

H8263

filth, i.e., (figuratively and specifically) an idolatrous object

ה֖וּא7 of 9
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֹ֥א8 of 9
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵֽאָכֵֽל׃9 of 9

“it shall not be eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 11:41 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 11:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 11:29Leviticus 11:23Leviticus 11:20

Test Your Knowledge

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

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