Definition: Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 11:43. It’s a really important warning about how we treat the world around us – specifically, animals and things that live in it. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that we shouldn't be disgusted or contaminated by anything that lives in nature. It’s about maintaining a pure and holy way of life. Let’s break it down word-by-word: “Ye shall not make yourselves abominable…” – This means “you will not become impure” or “you will not be disgraced.” “…with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean…” – "Creeping things" refers to insects, worms, and other tiny creatures. "Unclean" means dirty or spoiled. So, this part is saying we shouldn’t be disgusted by these little critters. "...that ye should be defiled thereby." – “Defiled” means corrupted or stained. This means we shouldn't be contaminated by their presence. Putting it all together: The verse warns us to avoid contact with anything that might make us dirty or impure, even if it’s small and seemingly insignificant. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pure and holy lifestyle – not through our actions, but through how we treat the world around us. Why is this important? This principle is rooted in the idea of holiness – God created everything beautiful and good, but He also wants us to be separate from things that are inherently flawed or offensive. It’s a reminder to respect all life and not to pollute our environment with negativity or disrespect. In short: Don't let anything unclean influence you, even small creatures! --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give an example of how this principle applies in everyday life?