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Leviticus 11:21 - Which insects are kosher?

Leviticus 11:21 - ויקרא 11:21

Hebrew Text

אַךְ אֶת־זֶה תֹּאכְלוּ מִכֹּל שֶׁרֶץ הָעוֹף הַהֹלֵךְ עַל־אַרְבַּע אֲשֶׁר־לא [לוֹ] כְרָעַיִם מִמַּעַל לְרַגְלָיו לְנַתֵּר בָּהֵן עַל־הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

Yet these may you eat of every flying creeping thing that goes upon four, which have legs above their feet, to leap with upon the earth;

Transliteration

Akh et-zeh tokhelu mikol sheretz ha'of haholekh al-arba asher-lo kera'ayim mimma'al l'raglav l'nater bahen al-ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַ֤ךְ אֶת־זֶה֙ תֹּֽאכְל֔וּ מִכֹּל֙ שֶׁ֣רֶץ הָע֔וֹף הַהֹלֵ֖ךְ עַל־אַרְבַּ֑ע אֲשֶׁר־<span class="mam-kq"><span class="mam-kq-q">[ל֤וֹ]</span> <span class="mam-kq-k">(לא)</span></span> כְרָעַ֙יִם֙ מִמַּ֣עַל לְרַגְלָ֔יו לְנַתֵּ֥ר בָּהֵ֖ן עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃
אַ֤ךְ אֶת־זֶה֙ תֹּֽאכְל֔וּ מִכֹּל֙ שֶׁ֣רֶץ הָע֔וֹף הַהֹלֵ֖ךְ עַל־אַרְבַּ֑ע אֲשֶׁר־[ל֤וֹ] (לא) כְרָעַ֙יִם֙ מִמַּ֣עַל לְרַגְלָ֔יו לְנַתֵּ֥ר בָּהֵ֖ן עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Context: Permitted and Forbidden Insects

The verse (Vayikra 11:21) discusses the specific types of flying insects that are permitted for consumption according to the Torah's dietary laws. Unlike most creeping or swarming creatures, which are forbidden, this verse identifies an exception for certain locust-like insects that meet specific criteria.

Key Interpretations from Classical Commentators

  • Rashi: Explains that the phrase "הַהֹלֵךְ עַל־אַרְבַּע" ("that goes upon four") refers to insects that walk on four legs, with an additional pair of legs for leaping. He clarifies that the permitted insects must have "כְרָעַיִם מִמַּעַל לְרַגְלָיו" ("legs above their feet")—meaning they possess extended hind legs used for jumping.
  • Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 1:21-22): Codifies that only locusts with these identifiable signs are permitted, emphasizing the necessity of a clear tradition (mesorah) to identify kosher species, as many similar-looking insects are forbidden.
  • Talmud (Chullin 65b-66a): Delves into the physical characteristics of permitted locusts, stating they must have four walking legs and two additional leaping legs, and their name must be preserved in a reliable tradition (e.g., the "arbeh" locust mentioned in the next verse).

Halachic and Symbolic Significance

The Gemara (Chullin 59a) notes that the Torah's detailed criteria teach the importance of discernment in both physical and spiritual matters. The permitted insects are those that "leap upon the earth," symbolizing elevation—a reminder that even permissible physical pleasures must be approached with intentionality and restraint.

Midrashic Insight

Torat Kohanim (Sifra, Shemini 3) connects this law to the broader theme of kedushah (holiness), teaching that the Jewish people are commanded to distinguish between pure and impure as part of their covenantal mission. The exception for certain locusts underscores that holiness does not require complete separation from the world but rather mindful engagement with it.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 65b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding which creeping flying creatures are permitted for consumption, focusing on the specific characteristics mentioned in the verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 11:21 mean about which insects are kosher?
A: Leviticus 11:21 specifies that certain flying insects with four legs and an additional pair of jointed legs for hopping (like certain locusts) are permitted to eat according to kosher laws. The Talmud (Chullin 59a) lists the exact species that fit these criteria, based on tradition.
Q: Why does the Torah allow eating some insects but not others?
A: The Torah's dietary laws teach us to elevate our physical acts by following Hashem's commandments. Rambam (Guide for the Perplexed 3:48) explains that permitted insects were considered cleaner and more fit for consumption. The distinction also trains us in self-discipline and obedience to divine will.
Q: How do we identify kosher locusts today?
A: Since we've lost the exact tradition for identifying permitted locust species (as noted in Rambam's Mishneh Torah, Maachalos Asuros 1:21), Ashkenazi communities generally avoid all insects. Some Yemenite and North African Jewish communities maintain traditions about specific kosher locust varieties based on their mesorah (oral tradition).
Q: What's the significance of the legs mentioned in Leviticus 11:21?
A: Rashi explains that the verse describes insects with four walking legs plus additional jointed legs used for hopping. This specific anatomical feature helps identify permitted species. The Torah's precise physical requirements show how divine wisdom encompasses even details of natural creation (Midrash Tanchuma, Shemini 12).
Q: Do Jews still eat locusts today?
A: Most Jewish communities today do not eat locusts due to uncertainty in identifying the exact permitted species. As the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 85:1) rules, we only consume foods with an unbroken tradition of being kosher. Some communities with clear traditions, like certain Yemenite Jews, may still eat specific types of locusts.