Leviticus 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.
Leviticus 11:43 (KJV)
Context
Leviticus 11 records the dietary laws God gave to Israel through Moses. These rules set Israel apart from other nations and taught the people to obey God in daily life. Verse 43 directly forbids making oneself abominable or unclean by eating any creeping thing that moves on the ground.
Meaning
The Hebrew word for “abominable” (sheqets) means something detestable or ritually repulsive. The word for “unclean” (tamei) refers to a state that disqualifies a person from holy fellowship with God. The verse warns against self-defilement through disobedience. The command is not mainly about health, but about covenant faithfulness and reflecting God’s character.
Biblical connections
The next verses, Leviticus 11:44-45, ground this command in God’s identity: “For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy.” The dietary laws were part of Israel’s calling to be holy as God is holy. In the New Testament, Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), and Acts 10:15 confirms that God has cleansed what was once forbidden. These ceremonial food laws are fulfilled in Christ, so Christians are not bound by them.
Application
Although these food rules no longer apply, the underlying principle remains. Believers are called to avoid what defiles their relationship with God. This includes not only physical practices but also attitudes and actions that contradict holiness. Holiness is not passive; it requires active choices to obey God and to separate from what He calls unclean.
Reflection
This verse reminds readers that God cares about the whole of life, including ordinary habits. Israel’s obedience in daily matters expressed their devotion to Him. For Christians, the same call to holiness continues, now empowered by the Spirit. The command to be holy is not a burden but an invitation to live in close fellowship with a holy God.
