Leviticus 11:23

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

All other flying insects that have four legs are detestable to you.

American Standard Version (1901)

But all winged creeping things, which have four feet, are an abomination unto you.

Bible in Basic English

But all other winged four-footed things which go on the earth are disgusting to you.

Douay-Rheims 1899

But of dying things whatsoever hath four feet only, shall be an abomination to you:

Free Bible Version

All other flying insects that crawl are repulsive to you,

Geneva Bible 1599

But al other foules that creepe and haue foure feete, they shalbe abomination vnto you.

King James (Authorized) Version

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

One Unity Resource Bible

But all winged creeping things which have four feet, are detestable to you.

Translation for Translators

But you must detest and not eat other insects with wings that have four legs.

Unlocked Literal Bible

But all the flying insects that have four feet must be detested by you.

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

But all winged creeping things which have four feet are an abomination to you.

Young's Literal Translation

and every teeming thing which is flying, which hath four feet — an abomination it [is] to you.

Context

Clean and Unclean Animals

²²Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper.²³All other flying insects that have four legs are detestable to you.

Summary

This verse lists specific types of locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers that are considered clean or unclean for consumption according to the dietary laws given to the Israelites. It reflects the meticulous attention to detail in God's instructions to His people, emphasizing the importance of obedience and holiness in their daily lives. The distinction between clean and unclean animals served to set the Israelites apart from other nations and to teach them about purity and reverence for God. This verse underscores the significance of following God's commands, even in matters as seemingly insignificant as dietary restrictions.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

But all other flying creeping things,.... Excepting the four sorts before mentioned, wherefore we rightly supply the word "other": which have four feet; or more; the Vulgate Latin version adds, "only", but wrongly; for those that have more are unclean, and forbidden to be eaten, excepting those in the preceding verse; and most creeping things that fly have six feet, as the locusts themselves, reckoning their leaping legs into the number; though it may be observed, that those creatures that have six feet have but four equal ones, on which they walk or creep; and the two foremost, which are longer, are as hands to them to wipe their eyes with, and protect them from anything that may fall into them and hurt them; they not being able to see clearly because of the hardness of their eyes, as Aristotle (a) observes, and particularly it may be remarked of the fly, as it is by Lucian (b), that though it has six feet it only goes on four, using the other two foremost as hands; and therefore you may see it walking on four feet, with something eatable in its hands, lifting them up on high, just after the manner of men: now all such creatures that have four feet or more, excepting the above: shall be an abomination unto you; abhorred as food, and abstained from. (a) Ut supra. (Hist. Animal. l. 9. c. 6.) (b) De Musca.