that have four legs
The description of insects having four legs is a generalization, as insects typically have six legs. This phrase likely refers to the primary legs used for walking, with the additional two being considered separately, possibly for jumping or other functions. The ancient Hebrew understanding of animal anatomy was based on observation rather than scientific classification, and this description fits within that context. The focus here is on the practical identification of creatures that were to be avoided.

are detestable to you
The term "detestable" indicates a strong prohibition against consuming these creatures. This language underscores the seriousness with which God viewed the dietary laws. The use of "detestable" is consistent with other prohibitions in Leviticus, where certain practices and items are considered abominations. This reflects the holiness code that required the Israelites to maintain purity in their daily lives. The dietary laws served as a constant reminder of their covenant relationship with God and their call to be a holy nation. The concept of detestability is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as in the New Testament, where Peter's vision in Acts 10 challenges the traditional understanding of clean and unclean, pointing to the inclusivity of the Gospel.

- The phrase looks back to the short list of edible species in the previous verse: “Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper” (Leviticus 11:22).

- By saying “all other,” the Lord draws a bright line between the few insects permitted and every remaining variety. The people are taught to notice and judge the difference, echoing the broader call to distinguish clean from unclean in Genesis 7:2 and Leviticus 20:25.

- The wording makes obedience practical: if it isn’t on the approved list, the answer is an automatic “no.” That clarity protects Israel from compromise and mirrors the directness of Deuteronomy 30:19, where God sets life and death before His people and asks them to choose.

- This category focuses on creatures that swarm through the air rather than on the ground. Deuteronomy 14:19 repeats the restriction, showing its importance in the dietary code.

- The flying aspect matters because winged swarms were common in the region (compare Exodus 8:21’s plague of flies). Daily life brought constant exposure, so the command trains Israel to keep holiness front-and-center in ordinary moments.

- The Lord is not condemning the creatures themselves—He declared all His works “very good” in Genesis 1:31—but He is marking certain ones off-limits for His covenant family.

- Observers in Moses’ day spoke of insects as walking “on all fours” because they saw four prominent legs; the two hind legs used for jumping were often viewed separately. Scripture is speaking in normal human description, not giving a scientific taxonomy.

- Leviticus 11:20 sets the same practical identifier: “All flying insects that walk on all fours are detestable to you.”

- By attaching the restriction to a visible trait, God equips every Israelite—young or old, farmer or priest—to recognize what is clean or unclean without consulting an expert.

- “Detestable” labels these insects as ceremonially unclean. Leviticus 11:43 warns, “Do not defile yourselves by any swarming creature.” The heart behind the word is separation, not disgust for its own sake.

- Holiness is always God’s deeper aim: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16 quoting Leviticus 11:44). If the Lord calls something unclean, treating it as clean would blur the picture of His purity.

- The concept later opens the door to gospel revelation. When Peter says, “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean” (Acts 10:14), the Lord uses the vision of animals to show that in Christ the ceremonial barrier is lifted (Mark 7:18-19).

- The words “to you” limit the regulation to the covenant nation. Other peoples were not bound by Israel’s dietary code, but Israel was. This matches Exodus 19:5-6, where the Lord makes them “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

- Even under the new covenant, the principle of belonging still stands. While the food laws are fulfilled in Christ (Colossians 2:16-17), believers remain set apart in heart and conduct (1 Peter 2:9).

- God’s people, then and now, demonstrate loyalty by treating His Word as their final authority.

Leviticus 11:23 draws a clear boundary: any flying insect not on the short approved list of locust varieties is off-limits. By pointing out “all other flying insects that have four legs,” the Lord gives every Israelite an easy-to-see test for obedience. Labeling these creatures “detestable to you” reinforces the larger call to live distinctively holy lives. Though Christ later fulfills the ceremonial aspects, the verse still reminds believers that God defines holiness, and His people show love for Him by gladly honoring His distinctions.

Parallel Commentaries ...