Mia 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Leviticus 11:33 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Leviticus 11:33 is part of the detailed dietary and cleanliness laws given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. These laws, which governed what the Israelites could and could not eat, were integral to their way of life and their relationship with God. While the specific laws about food may not directly apply to Christians today, the principles of purity, obedience, and separation from impurity are still relevant for believers.
In this article, we will delve into the context of Leviticus 11:33, examine its meaning, and discuss how its message can be applied to our lives in modern times.
The Context of Leviticus 11:33 (KJV)
Leviticus 11 contains the laws regarding clean and unclean animals, which were vital for the Israelites’ physical and spiritual purity. These laws served several purposes: they kept the Israelites distinct from other nations, ensured that they followed God’s commands, and promoted health and holiness. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for God, and their obedience to these laws was an expression of their reverence for Him.
Leviticus 11:33 is part of a section that explains how to deal with various animals that are considered unclean, even if they are dead. The verse specifically addresses the handling of certain animals that, once they are dead, may cause a person to become ceremonially unclean. This section of Leviticus outlines the consequences of coming into contact with unclean animals and provides instructions for purification.
The overall goal of these laws was to preserve the holiness of the people of Israel, ensuring that they remained in right standing with God and separated from impurity. Leviticus 11:33 is one of the verses that illustrates the seriousness of maintaining purity by emphasizing the necessity of avoiding contamination through contact with dead unclean creatures.
Leviticus 11:33 (KJV)
Leviticus 11:33 (KJV) states:
“And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, which they shall not eat, are an abomination; they shall not be eaten.”
This verse lists certain creeping things that are considered unclean for consumption. These creatures are categorized as abominations—things that are detestable or spiritually defiling. The verse does not just say that these creatures should be avoided for dietary reasons, but that they are seen as spiritually offensive.
This concept of “creeping things” includes various insects, reptiles, and other creatures that did not meet the criteria for being clean. The law was clear: these creatures were not to be eaten under any circumstances.
Additionally, while this verse primarily refers to dietary laws, it reflects a broader spiritual theme: the need to remain separate from impurity, especially in matters related to one’s relationship with God.
Leviticus 11:33 Meaning
Leviticus 11:33 is part of a broader set of instructions regarding clean and unclean animals. To understand its meaning, we need to consider several key concepts that this verse addresses:
1. The Concept of Clean and Unclean Animals
The idea of clean and unclean animals is central to Leviticus 11. Clean animals were those that the Israelites could eat, and unclean animals were forbidden. These laws were part of a broader system designed to help the Israelites remain holy and separate from the surrounding nations.
The term “creeping things” refers to various creatures, including insects and other small animals, that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. These creatures were considered impure, and touching or eating them would make a person ceremonially unclean.
The law about clean and unclean animals was not just a matter of physical health; it was also symbolic of spiritual purity. By following these laws, the Israelites demonstrated their obedience to God and their desire to remain holy in His sight.
2. The Abomination of Unclean Creatures
Leviticus 11:33 calls these creeping creatures “an abomination.” In biblical terms, an abomination is something that is detestable to God, something that goes against His holiness. By categorizing these creatures as an abomination, the law emphasizes the seriousness with which the Israelites were to treat the distinction between clean and unclean.
An abomination is not just an undesirable thing; it is something that is deeply offensive to God. By forbidding the Israelites from eating or even touching these creatures, God was helping them maintain purity and holiness. The abomination is a symbol of sin and impurity that must be avoided in order to remain in right relationship with God.
3. Separation from Impurity
Leviticus 11:33 also reflects the broader theme of separation from impurity. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites were called to be a holy people, distinct from the nations around them. They were to avoid the practices and behaviors of other nations, which often included the consumption of impure foods.
In the New Testament, Christians are called to be separate from sin and the corrupt practices of the world (2 Corinthians 6:17). Just as the Israelites were to avoid contact with unclean animals, Christians today are called to avoid the things that defile our spiritual lives and hinder our relationship with God.
4. Obedience to God’s Commands
Leviticus 11:33 is a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The Israelites were not given the option to choose which laws they would follow; they were required to obey all of God’s instructions, even when they may not have fully understood the reasons behind them.
For Christians today, obedience remains a fundamental aspect of our faith. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Our obedience to God is a reflection of our love and reverence for Him. While we may not be bound by the dietary laws of Leviticus, the principle of obedience to God’s commands still applies.
Leviticus 11:33 Application in Life
Although the dietary laws of Leviticus do not apply to Christians in the same way they did to the Israelites, the underlying principles in Leviticus 11:33 offer important lessons for us today. Here are a few ways we can apply the message of this verse to our lives:
1. Pursue Spiritual Purity
Leviticus 11:33 teaches the importance of maintaining purity. While the Old Testament laws were specifically about ritual purity, the New Testament calls Christians to pursue spiritual purity. This involves avoiding sin and anything that would defile our relationship with God.
In 1 Peter 1:16, God commands, “Be holy, because I am holy.” Pursuing spiritual purity means striving to live a life that reflects God’s holiness in every aspect of our lives, from our thoughts and attitudes to our actions.
2. Separate from Sin and Impurity
Just as the Israelites were called to separate themselves from unclean animals, we are called to separate ourselves from sin. This means avoiding sinful habits, attitudes, and relationships that lead us away from God. We are to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:16), meaning that we live in this world but do not adopt its sinful ways.
Romans 12:2 tells us not to be conformed to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Separating from sin involves making conscious choices to live in a way that honors God and reflects His holiness.
3. Obey God’s Commands
Leviticus 11:33 reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Although Christians are not required to follow the dietary laws of the Old Testament, we are still called to obey God’s word in every area of our lives. Obedience is a sign of our love for God and our desire to live according to His will.
Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Our obedience is not a matter of legalism but of loving God and desiring to follow Him. This includes obeying God’s moral commands, living in purity, and following the teachings of Jesus.
4. Honor God with Our Bodies
The dietary laws in Leviticus were part of a broader call to honor God with every aspect of life, including what the Israelites consumed. For Christians, this means honoring God with our bodies by taking care of our health, avoiding things that harm our bodies, and living in a way that reflects God’s holiness.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This includes making choices that promote physical and spiritual well-being.
Conclusion
Leviticus 11:33 may seem like an ancient law regarding dietary restrictions, but its underlying principles are still relevant for Christians today. The call to maintain purity, separate from sin, and obey God’s commands is just as important for believers now as it was for the Israelites in ancient times. While we are not bound by the specific dietary laws of the Old Testament, we are still called to live lives that honor God, reflect His holiness, and separate ourselves from sin. By applying these principles, we can grow closer to God and live in a way that brings glory to His name.
Related topics: