Topical Bible: Reptiles: Unclean and not Eaten

◄ Reptiles: Unclean and not Eaten ►

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In the biblical context, reptiles are often associated with uncleanness and are explicitly mentioned in the dietary laws given to the Israelites. These laws are primarily found in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where God provides specific instructions on what animals are considered clean and unclean for consumption.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 11:29-30 : "Of the creatures that move along the ground, these are unclean for you: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard, the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon." This passage lists various reptiles and small creatures that are deemed unclean. The term "creatures that move along the ground" is often understood to include a variety of reptiles and amphibians.

2. Leviticus 11:41-42 : "Every creature that moves along the ground is detestable; it must not be eaten. Whatever moves on its belly, or walks on all fours, or has many feet—any creature that moves along the ground—you are not to eat, for they are detestable." This broader prohibition includes all creatures that move on their bellies, such as snakes, and those with multiple legs, reinforcing the idea that these animals are not to be consumed.

3. Deuteronomy 14:7-8 : While this passage primarily focuses on land animals with split hooves and chewing cud, it reiterates the importance of distinguishing between clean and unclean animals, a principle that extends to reptiles as well.

Theological Significance:

The classification of reptiles as unclean is part of the larger Levitical code, which served to set the Israelites apart from other nations. The dietary laws were not only about health or hygiene but were deeply symbolic, representing the holiness and distinctiveness required of God's chosen people. By abstaining from unclean animals, including reptiles, the Israelites demonstrated obedience and reverence for God's commandments.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, many surrounding cultures did not have similar dietary restrictions, which made the Israelite practices unique. The prohibition against eating reptiles and other unclean animals served as a daily reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It also reinforced the concept of purity, which was central to the worship and community life of the Israelites.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

Reptiles, often associated with the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), carry symbolic weight in biblical literature. The serpent's role in the Fall of Man may contribute to the perception of reptiles as unclean. This symbolism extends to the New Testament, where serpents are sometimes used metaphorically to represent evil or deceit (e.g., Matthew 23:33).

Practical Implications:

For the Israelites, adherence to these dietary laws was a tangible expression of their faith and commitment to God's law. While Christians today are not bound by the Old Testament dietary restrictions (Acts 10:9-16), understanding these laws provides insight into the historical and spiritual context of the Bible. The distinction between clean and unclean animals underscores the broader biblical themes of holiness, obedience, and separation from sin.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 11:31,40-43
These are unclean to you among all that creep: whoever does touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 10:11-14
And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending on him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Leviticus
... clean and the unclean. Laws concerning the animals which may or may not be
eaten"quadrupeds, fish, birds, flying insects, creeping insects, reptiles"and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/leviticus.htm

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... sorts of quadrupeds, tame and wild, and reptiles and birds. ... eaten any thing that
is common or unclean." He probably considered it, not as authorising ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

Give us Today Our Needful Bread
... in which were all manner of quadrupeds and reptiles and beasts ... commanded to call
no man common or unclean because what God had made clean ought not to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter xvii give us today.htm

Acts X
... all kinds of four-footed animals and wild beasts and reptiles of the ... (14) But Peter
said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing common or unclean. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts x.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Noah
... clean thou shalt take seven, and of unclean beasts but ... beasts and fowls living, and
all the reptiles, every each ... the earth was weaker and brought not forth so ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of.htm

Oration on the Holy Lights.
... pass over the honours they pay to reptiles, and their ... prepared, who have driven out
the unclean and worldly ... out, and restored him to life; not, however, before ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxix oration on the.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... to all comers potent formulas against reptiles and beasts ... which were henceforth regarded
as unclean and Typhonian. ... many times, saying: 'Wilt thou not have pity ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

part ii
... the heart is unclean, the whole man is unclean: "For out ... I myself the first), if
we do not repent and ... ourselves, will be condemned for having eaten and drunk ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm