creeping things

A general term for various forms of reptile, insect, or worm life. (Gen 1:24-26) uses it as a generic term. It is similarly used in the Flood story (Gen 6:7; Gen 6:20; Gen 7:14; Gen 7:23; Gen 8:17; Gen 8:19). Such creatures are considered unclean (Lev 22:5), but they join in praise of God (Ps 148:10). They are associated with corruption and evil (Ezek 8:10) and express awe at God’s wrath (Ezek 38:20), but they will participate in God’s promised covenant (Hos 2:18). It appears to be a general term for creatures that are neither birds, fish, nor wild or domesticated animals.