Definition: Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon [all] four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they [are] an abomination.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 11:42. It's a really important rule about food and respect for God’s creation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that anything that involves movement – anything that touches the earth, even small things like insects or animals – is considered an abomination to God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Whatever goes upon the belly…” : This refers to all kinds of human activity. Think about everything we do – eating, working, traveling, building, etc. It's about any action that involves moving around. “…and whatsoever goeth upon [all] four…” : This is a bit more specific. It means anything that moves across the earth – animals, plants, insects – all of them. “…or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth…” : This is the key part! It focuses on animals . “More feet” means they have more legs than other creatures. This verse specifically excludes things like: Fish: They are a separate category of life and are not considered an abomination. Birds: Birds don't have four legs, so they aren’t included. "...that [are] an abomination." : This is the warning. It means that eating these things will be seen as a bad thing by God because it's considered disrespectful and unnatural. What does this verse teach us? It teaches us to be mindful of how we treat the earth and its creatures. It’s about: Respect for Creation: God created everything, and we should treat it with respect. Avoidance of Harm: We shouldn't participate in any activity that could cause harm or disrespect to living things. Moral Responsibility: As humans, we have a responsibility to consider the impact our actions have on the world around us. In short, this verse is a reminder to be careful and considerate of how we interact with all life on Earth. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like: A deeper look at the concept of "abomination"? How this verse relates to other biblical teachings (like the Sabbath)?