Whatever goes on its belly: this same expression is used in Genesis 3.14; it refers to creatures without legs, such as snakes and other reptiles which are not mentioned elsewhere in this chapter.

Whatever goes on all fours: this is probably intended to correspond with the list given in verses 29-30.

Whatever has many feet: this includes insects without wings which are not mentioned elsewhere in this chapter, as well as the millipedes and centipedes.

In translating these three categories, it is probably best to try to use general terms, since too much would be left out if the translator tried to list the types of creatures intended. One may say something like “those that slide along the ground, those that run on four legs, and those that go along on many legs.” One may possibly want to add “… like snakes … like lizards … like centipedes” in some languages.

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René and Ellington, John. A Handbook on Leviticus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1990. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .