Leviticus 11:43

Do not defile yourselves by any crawling creature; do not become unclean or defiled by them.

Study Bible

Do not defile yourselves
The Hebrew root for "defile" is "טָמֵא" (tamei), which means to become unclean or impure. In the context of Leviticus, this term is often associated with ritual impurity, which could prevent individuals from participating in communal worship and other religious activities. The command here is a call to holiness, urging the Israelites to maintain purity in their daily lives. This reflects the broader biblical theme of separation from sin and dedication to God, emphasizing the importance of living a life that is set apart for divine purposes.

by any crawling creature
The phrase "crawling creature" refers to small animals that move close to the ground, often translated as "swarming things" in other versions. The Hebrew word used here is "שֶׁרֶץ" (sheretz), which encompasses a variety of creatures, including insects and reptiles. In the ancient Near Eastern context, these creatures were often associated with decay and death, symbolizing chaos and impurity. By avoiding these creatures, the Israelites were reminded of their call to order and life, contrasting with the disorder and death represented by these animals.

do not become unclean
The concept of becoming "unclean" is central to Levitical law. The Hebrew word "טָמֵא" (tamei) is again used here, emphasizing the state of ritual impurity that separates individuals from the community and from God. This separation underscores the need for purification and atonement, pointing to the broader biblical narrative of redemption and reconciliation with God. The call to avoid uncleanness is a reminder of the holiness required to approach God, foreshadowing the ultimate purification through Christ.

or defiled by them
The repetition of the idea of defilement highlights the seriousness of maintaining purity. The Hebrew word "נִטְמֵאתֶם" (nitme'tem) is used, which is a form of "טָמֵא" (tamei), reinforcing the concept of becoming ritually impure. This phrase serves as a warning against the spiritual and communal consequences of defilement. In a broader theological sense, it reflects the need for vigilance in avoiding sin and maintaining a life that honors God. The emphasis on defilement and purity in Leviticus points to the ultimate cleansing and sanctification available through faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and offers a path to true holiness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The primary human author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws of cleanliness and dietary restrictions were given.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God delivered the laws to Moses, including the dietary laws found in Leviticus.

4. Crawling Creatures
Refers to various small animals and insects considered unclean under the Mosaic Law.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites received these laws during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
The command to avoid defilement by unclean creatures underscores the call for God's people to be distinct and holy. This separation is not just physical but spiritual, reflecting God's holiness.

Obedience to God's Commands
The dietary laws were a test of obedience for the Israelites. Today, believers are called to obey God's commands as a demonstration of their faith and commitment.

Symbolism of Purity
The avoidance of unclean animals symbolizes the broader principle of spiritual purity. Believers are to guard their hearts and minds against anything that defiles.

New Covenant Understanding
While the specific dietary laws are not binding under the New Covenant, the principle of living a life set apart for God remains. Believers are called to discernment in their choices and actions.

Practical Holiness
The call to avoid defilement is a reminder to pursue practical holiness in everyday life, making choices that honor God and reflect His character.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of holiness in Leviticus 11:43 relate to the call for believers to be holy in 1 Peter 1:15-16?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of avoiding defilement in our modern context, even though the specific dietary laws are not applicable?

3. How does Peter's vision in Acts 10 challenge or change the understanding of clean and unclean in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that we are living lives that are set apart and pleasing to God, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2?

5. How can understanding the original Hebrew context of "defile" and "unclean" enhance our interpretation and application of this verse in our lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:24-25
Discusses the creation of animals, including those that crawl, highlighting God's sovereignty over all creatures.

Acts 10:9-16
Peter's vision of the sheet with unclean animals, which signifies the removal of dietary restrictions in the New Covenant.

1 Peter 1:15-16
Calls believers to be holy as God is holy, echoing the call to purity found in Leviticus.

Romans 12:1-2
Encourages believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which aligns with the call to avoid defilement.