Overview
The Bible addresses insects across 5 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Leviticus. Closely related themes include Sanitation, Creeping Things, Animals and Defilement.
Key Bible verses about insects
Old Testament
Leviticus
Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth;
Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.
But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you.
And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.
And whosoever beareth ought of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.
Studying insects for yourself
- Begin with Leviticus 11:21, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Widen the study to related themes: Sanitation, Creeping Things, Animals and Defilement.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about insects?
The Bible addresses insects across 5 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Leviticus. Closely related themes include Sanitation, Creeping Things, Animals and Defilement.
How many Bible verses are about insects?
The Bible references insects in 5 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention insects?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Leviticus 11:21: “Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth;”
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