The Bible primarily mentions lizards in the context of dietary laws, classifying them among animals considered unclean and therefore forbidden for consumption or certain types of contact.
Lizards as Unclean Animals in Leviticus
In the Old Testament, specifically the Book of Leviticus, lizards are explicitly listed as one of the "creeping things that creep upon the earth" that are ritually unclean. These classifications were part of the Mosaic Law, which established guidelines for the ancient Israelites regarding food, hygiene, and purity to set them apart as a holy nation.
Specific Mentions in Leviticus 11
Lizards are named in Leviticus 11:29-30, which details various creatures that Israelites were prohibited from eating and even from touching if found dead, as such contact would render a person ritually unclean until evening.
Here's a breakdown of the specific "creeping things" mentioned alongside the lizard in these verses:
| Category | Animal | Status in Mosaic Law |
|---|---|---|
| Creeping Thing | Weasel | Unclean (Not to be eaten) |
| Creeping Thing | Mouse | Unclean (Not to be eaten) |
| Creeping Thing | Tortoise | Unclean (Not to be eaten) |
| Creeping Thing | Ferret | Unclean (Not to be eaten) |
| Creeping Thing | Chameleon | Unclean (Not to be eaten) |
| Creeping Thing | Lizard | Unclean (Not to be eaten) |
| Creeping Thing | Snail | Unclean (Not to be eaten) |
| Creeping Thing | Mole | Unclean (Not to be eaten) |
Significance of Uncleanliness
The designation of lizards and other creatures as "unclean" was a foundational aspect of Israelite religious life. It wasn't merely about hygiene but served to teach spiritual lessons about holiness, separation, and obedience to God. For the Israelites, consuming or coming into contact with these animals' dead bodies would impart ritual impurity, requiring specific purification rites before they could participate fully in religious life or community activities. This system distinguished between what was kosher (clean, permissible) and non-kosher (unclean, forbidden).
Broader Context
While lizards are not extensively discussed beyond their inclusion in the dietary laws, their presence in this list underscores a key theme in the Old Testament: the importance of distinction and purity for God's people. This theological framework aimed to guide the Israelites in all aspects of life, emphasizing a lifestyle that reflected their covenant relationship with God.
