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Leviticus 11:42 - Unclean creeping creatures forbidden.

Leviticus 11:42 - ויקרא 11:42

Hebrew Text

כֹּל הוֹלֵךְ עַל־גָּחוֹן וְכֹל הוֹלֵךְ עַל־אַרְבַּע עַד כָּל־מַרְבֵּה רַגְלַיִם לְכָל־הַשֶּׁרֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵץ עַל־הָאָרֶץ לֹא תֹאכְלוּם כִּי־שֶׁקֶץ הֵם׃

English Translation

Whatever goes on its belly, and whatever goes upon four, or whatever has many feet among all creeping things that creep on the earth, them you shall not eat; for they are an abomination.

Transliteration

Kol holekh al-gakhon ve'khol holekh al-arba ad kol-marbeh raglayim le'khol-hasheretz hashoretz al-ha'aretz lo tokhlum ki-sheketz hem.

Hebrew Leining Text

כֹּל֩ הוֹלֵ֨ךְ עַל־גָּח֜<big>וֹ</big>ן וְכֹ֣ל <b>׀</b> הוֹלֵ֣ךְ עַל־אַרְבַּ֗ע עַ֚ד כׇּל־מַרְבֵּ֣ה רַגְלַ֔יִם לְכׇל־הַשֶּׁ֖רֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵ֣ץ עַל־הָאָ֑רֶץ לֹ֥א תֹאכְל֖וּם כִּי־שֶׁ֥קֶץ הֵֽם׃
כֹּל֩ הוֹלֵ֨ךְ עַל־גָּח֜וֹן וְכֹ֣ל ׀ הוֹלֵ֣ךְ עַל־אַרְבַּ֗ע עַ֚ד כׇּל־מַרְבֵּ֣ה רַגְלַ֔יִם לְכׇל־הַשֶּׁ֖רֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵ֣ץ עַל־הָאָ֑רֶץ לֹ֥א תֹאכְל֖וּם כִּי־שֶׁ֥קֶץ הֵֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Source and Context

The verse (Vayikra 11:42) appears in the Torah's discussion of forbidden animals, specifically those classified as sheratzim (creeping creatures). This section delineates the laws of kashrut, emphasizing the prohibition against consuming certain creatures that crawl on the ground.

Explanation of the Prohibition

Rashi explains that this verse refers to creatures that move close to the ground, whether slithering on their bellies (like snakes), walking on four legs (like certain insects), or having numerous legs (like centipedes). The Torah categorizes them as sheketz (an abomination), rendering them unfit for consumption.

  • On its belly: Ramban notes that this refers to creatures lacking legs entirely, such as snakes, which symbolize cunning and deceit (based on Bereishit 3:14).
  • On four legs: The Talmud (Chullin 59a) discusses how this includes certain insects and small creeping animals that do not have the kosher signs of split hooves and chewing cud.
  • Many feet: The Sifra (a halachic Midrash) specifies that this includes creatures like scorpions and centipedes, which have numerous appendages but still fall under the prohibition.

Spiritual and Moral Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 163) explains that consuming such creatures dulls the soul, as their physical characteristics symbolize negative traits—such as lowliness (crawling on the ground) or excessive aggression (many legs). The Torah elevates the Jewish people by distancing them from these spiritually harmful influences.

Halachic Application

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 84) codifies these laws, emphasizing that any creature fitting these descriptions is forbidden unless explicitly permitted elsewhere in the Torah (e.g., certain locusts). The Rema adds that even touching such creatures may impart ritual impurity, reinforcing their spiritually harmful nature.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 67b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding forbidden creeping creatures, particularly focusing on the definition of creatures that 'go on their belly' and those with 'many feet'.
📖 Niddah 51b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the characteristics of creeping creatures that render them unclean and forbidden for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 11:42 mean?
A: Leviticus 11:42 lists certain types of creeping creatures that are forbidden to eat according to Jewish law. These include creatures that crawl on their bellies, walk on four legs, or have many legs. The Torah calls them 'sheketz' (an abomination), meaning they are spiritually impure and unfit for consumption.
Q: Why does the Torah forbid eating these creeping creatures?
A: The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in the 'Guide for the Perplexed' (3:48) that these creatures were deemed spiritually harmful or associated with impurity. Rashi also notes that these creatures often thrive in unclean environments, making them unfit for the Jewish people, who are commanded to maintain holiness in their diet.
Q: How do we identify which creatures are forbidden based on this verse?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 59a) discusses the criteria for identifying forbidden creeping creatures. For example, insects must have both jumping legs and wings to be permitted (like certain locusts). Otherwise, most small crawling creatures (like worms, centipedes, or snails) are forbidden based on this verse.
Q: Does this law still apply today?
A: Yes, Orthodox Jews strictly observe these dietary laws (kashrut) today. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 84) codifies the prohibitions, and kosher certification ensures that food is free from forbidden insects or creeping creatures, especially in vegetables and grains where they might hide.
Q: What can we learn from this commandment?
A: This teaches the importance of discipline in what we consume, elevating eating from a physical act to a spiritual one. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 163) explains that avoiding impure creatures helps refine a person’s character and connects them to holiness, as the Torah says, 'You shall be holy' (Leviticus 11:45).