Leviticus 11 9

Leviticus 11:9 kjv

These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.

Leviticus 11:9 nkjv

'These you may eat of all that are in the water: whatever in the water has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers?that you may eat.

Leviticus 11:9 niv

"?'Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams you may eat any that have fins and scales.

Leviticus 11:9 esv

"These you may eat, of all that are in the waters. Everything in the waters that has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers, you may eat.

Leviticus 11:9 nlt

"Of all the marine animals, these are ones you may use for food. You may eat anything from the water if it has both fins and scales, whether taken from salt water or from streams.

Leviticus 11 verses

Leviticus 11 9 Meaning

Leviticus 11:9 delineates which aquatic creatures are permissible for consumption by the Israelites. It specifies that only those living in any body of water—whether seas or rivers—that possess both fins and scales are considered clean and may be eaten. This verse establishes a fundamental distinction within the food laws concerning marine life, setting clear boundaries for ceremonial purity and diet.

Leviticus 11 9 Context

Leviticus chapter 11 lays out extensive regulations regarding clean and unclean animals, insects, and creatures, defining what the Israelites were permitted or forbidden to eat. This entire chapter falls within a larger section of Leviticus (chapters 11-15) detailing laws of ritual purity. The overarching purpose of these laws was to distinguish Israel as a holy people set apart by Yahweh, reflecting His own holiness (Lev 11:44-45). By adhering to these dietary stipulations, Israel was to maintain its distinct identity among the nations and symbolically, practically, and ritually separate itself from defiling influences. Leviticus 11:9 specifically addresses clean creatures in the water, following regulations for clean land animals and preceding those for unclean aquatic creatures, birds, and other animals. This legal framework was part of the covenant established at Mount Sinai, preparing the Israelites for life in the Promised Land.

Leviticus 11 9 Word analysis

• These: Refers to the category of water-dwelling creatures previously introduced. It highlights a specific sub-category for permitted consumption.
• you may eat: Grants permission, indicating a divinely established choice within a set boundary, not an obligation to eat. It reflects the covenant relationship where Yahweh provides specific guidelines.
• of all that are in the waters: Defines the comprehensive scope, covering every type of living thing in all bodies of water (lakes, rivers, seas, ponds, etc.), ensuring no specific water body is excluded.
• whatever has fins: The Hebrew word is snapir (סְנַפִּיר). Fins are essential for a creature's active locomotion, stability, and control in water. This implies the ability to swim freely and navigate effectively within its environment, distinguishing it from creatures that may be bottom-dwellers, parasitic, or lack efficient movement. It signifies an animal that lives according to its proper, orderly design for its environment.
• and scales: The Hebrew word is kaskeset (קַשְׂקֶשֶׂת). Scales are a hard, protective covering over a fish's skin, typically overlapping and enabling streamlining. They distinguish true fish from creatures like eels (which have no visible scales), shellfish (crustaceans/mollusks with shells, not scales), or cartilaginous fish like sharks (whose "scales" are dermal denticles, structurally different from true scales). This criterion emphasizes a "normal," "typical," and healthy form for a fish, suggesting order and protection.
• in the waters, in the seas or in the rivers: This reiterates the comprehensiveness of the aquatic environment previously stated, emphasizing that the rule applies universally across all types of water bodies. The repetition underscores the universality of the clean/unclean distinction.
• them you may eat: A reiteration and confirmation of the permitted dietary choices, reinforcing the directive with clarity. This phrase emphasizes that it is these specific types of aquatic creatures that are deemed clean and thus acceptable.

Leviticus 11 9 Bonus section

The "fins and scales" distinction, when applied to water creatures, implicitly rules out not only known bottom-feeders and scavengers but also those that could be associated with chaos or pagan worship in the ancient Near East. For instance, cultures around Israel worshipped deities sometimes associated with sea monsters or unconventional aquatic forms. By specifying "normal" fish that have fins for movement and scales for covering, the law reinforced the divinely established order and differentiated Israel's dietary practices from syncretistic influences. It's a reminder that true holiness involves an active and visible distinction, both practically and symbolically, demonstrating separation from the world and devotion to God's established order.

Leviticus 11 9 Commentary

Leviticus 11:9 stands as a pivotal verse in defining a subset of clean animals permissible for Israel's diet, specifically those found in water. The twin criteria of "fins and scales" served as distinct identifiers. While a common secondary assumption points to health reasons (e.g., bottom-feeders without fins and scales might be scavengers accumulating toxins), the primary biblical emphasis is not on hygiene or nutrition but on holiness and distinctiveness. God, as the Creator, establishes order and categories within creation. Clean animals often reflected this order—active, properly formed, distinguishable, living according to their "kind" as established in creation. Creatures without fins and scales (like eels, shellfish, octopuses) often appear irregular or ambiguous, not fitting the standard pattern of a "fish" and often dwelling in the depths or acting as scavengers.

The purpose of these laws was fundamentally theological: to cultivate holiness in Israel and set them apart from the surrounding nations whose diets and religious practices were intertwined. By distinguishing between clean and unclean, the Israelites were daily reminded of their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and their calling to be a holy nation. This ritual distinction trained them in discernment and obedience.

In the New Testament, through the ministry of Jesus Christ, particularly His declaration in Mark 7:19, and Peter's vision in Acts 10, the ceremonial food laws are superseded. The focus shifts from external dietary regulations to internal purity of heart and faith. This transition signifies that the physical distinctions once necessary for Old Covenant Israel to be set apart are fulfilled in Christ, making all foods clean for those who are in Him. The distinction now rests on spiritual discernment: distinguishing between truth and error, righteousness and sin, rather than physical foods.