Leviticus 11:20-30

Bible Text

[20] "'All flying insects that walk on all fours are an abomination to you. [21] Yet you may eat these: of all winged creeping things that go on all fours, which have legs above their feet, with which to hop on the earth. [22] Even of these you may eat: any kind of locust, any kind of katydid, any kind of cricket, and any kind of grasshopper. [23] But all winged creeping things which have four feet, are an abomination to you. [24] "'By these you will become unclean: whoever touches the carcass of them shall be unclean until the evening. [25] Whoever carries any part of their carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening. [26] "'Every animal which parts the hoof, and is not cloven-footed, nor chews the cud, is unclean to you. Everyone who touches them shall be unclean. [27] Whatever goes on its paws, among all animals that go on all fours, they are unclean to you. Whoever touches their carcass shall be unclean until the evening. [28] He who carries their carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening. They are unclean to you. [29] "'These are they which are unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard, [30] the gecko, and the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon.

Egypt was the land from which the Lord delivered Israel, establishing their identity as a holy people under his covenant. In this passage’s food laws, Israel’s distinct practices—including avoiding specified creatures—reinforce separation from the customs and uncleanness associated with the nations around them.

Places in this passage

Leviticus 11:20-30 mentions Egypt.

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