Topical Bible: Insects: Divided Into: Clean and Fit for Food

◄ Insects: Divided Into: Clean and Fit for Food ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, insects are mentioned primarily in the dietary laws given to the Israelites. These laws, found in the Old Testament, specifically categorize certain insects as clean and permissible for consumption, while others are deemed unclean and thus prohibited. The classification of insects is part of the broader Levitical dietary code, which outlines the types of animals that the Israelites were allowed to eat.

Clean Insects:

The primary biblical reference to clean insects is found in the book of Leviticus. According to Leviticus 11:21-22 , certain types of locusts, katydids, crickets, and grasshoppers are considered clean and fit for consumption:

"Yet these you may eat from any of the winged insects that walk on all fours: those having jointed legs above their feet for hopping on the ground. Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper."

These insects are distinguished by their ability to hop, which is facilitated by their jointed legs. The permissibility of these insects is significant, as they were a readily available source of protein in the ancient Near East. The consumption of locusts, in particular, is noted in the New Testament, where John the Baptist is described as eating locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4).

Unclean Insects:

In contrast, the majority of insects are classified as unclean and are not to be consumed. Leviticus 11:20 states:

"All flying insects that walk on all fours are detestable to you."

This broad category includes most insects, which are not specified as clean in the subsequent verses. The prohibition against eating unclean insects is part of the larger Levitical code that emphasizes holiness and separation from practices considered impure or defiling.

Symbolic and Practical Considerations:

The distinction between clean and unclean insects, like other dietary laws, served both symbolic and practical purposes. Symbolically, these laws reinforced the Israelites' identity as a people set apart for God, emphasizing purity and obedience. Practically, the dietary restrictions may have had health implications, as certain unclean animals could carry diseases or parasites.

Insects also appear in various biblical narratives and prophecies, often symbolizing destruction or divine judgment. For example, locusts are famously depicted as agents of devastation in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 10:12-15) and in the prophetic visions of Joel (Joel 1:4) and Revelation (Revelation 9:3).

Overall, the biblical treatment of insects reflects a complex interplay of dietary regulation, symbolic meaning, and practical considerations, all of which contribute to the broader theological and cultural framework of the Scriptures.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 11:21,22
Yet these may you eat of every flying creeping thing that goes on all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap with on the earth;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Reaction against Egypt
... by the monarch he replied always in fit terms, in ... court of honour, where he would
find food in abundance ... growth to their hair, which they divided into two or ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

part i
... do not do God's work with your heart divided in two ... dost not transubstantiate a lump
of earth into Thy most ... pure Body, but white bread, soft, clean, pleasant to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

part ii
... will fall away from life, and will cast yourself into sorrow and ... serve for yourself,
gladly, heartily, not with a divided heart and ... "Make me a clean heart, O ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm