Deuteronomy 14:9

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

These ye shall eat of all that [are] in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat:

Complete Jewish Bible:

"Of all that lives in the water, you may eat these: anything in the water that has fins and scales, these you may eat.

Berean Standard Bible:

Of all the creatures that live in the water, you may eat anything with fins and scales,

American Standard Version:

These ye may eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales may ye eat;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

These ye shall eat^{H398} of all that are in the waters^{H4325}: all that have fins^{H5579} and scales^{H7193} shall ye eat^{H398}:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 14:9

1. **Themes:**
- **Dietary Laws:** Deuteronomy 14:9 is part of a larger section outlining dietary regulations for the Israelites. The verse specifically addresses which sea creatures are permissible to eat according to Mosaic Law.
- **Holiness and Distinctiveness:** These dietary laws served to set the Israelites apart from other nations, reinforcing their identity as a people holy to God.
- **Obedience to God's Commands:** Observing these dietary laws was a tangible expression of the Israelites' obedience and loyalty to God's covenant.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **Mosaic Covenant:** Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Pentateuch, traditionally attributed to Moses. It contains speeches that Moses delivered to the Israelites as they were poised to enter the Promised Land.
- **Wandering in the Wilderness:** The book is set during the last weeks of the 40-year wilderness period following the Exodus from Egypt.
- **Preparation for Settlement:** As the Israelites prepared to settle in Canaan, Deuteronomy provided them with instructions on how to live according to God's laws in this new context.
- **Canaanite Influence:** The dietary laws may have also served to distinguish the Israelites from the Canaanite population, whose religious practices and dietary customs they were to avoid.

In summary, Deuteronomy 14:9 reflects the theme of holiness and obedience to God through specific dietary restrictions concerning seafood, which was particularly relevant as the Israelites transitioned from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle in the land of Canaan. These laws were part of the broader Mosaic covenant that shaped the religious and cultural identity of ancient Israel.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H398
   There are 825 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָכַל
   Transliteration: ʼâkal
   Pronunciation: aw-kal'
   Description: a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4325
   There are 525 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַיִם
   Transliteration: mayim
   Pronunciation: mah'-yim
   Description: dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen; [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)).
   
3. Strong's Number: H5579
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סְנַפִּיר
   Transliteration: çᵉnappîyr
   Pronunciation: sen-ap-peer'
   Description: of uncertain derivation; a fin (collectively); fins.
   
4. Strong's Number: H7193
   There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קַשְׂקֶשֶׂת
   Transliteration: qasqeseth
   Pronunciation: kas-keh'-seth
   Description: by reduplication from an unused root meaning to shale off as bark; a scale (of a fish); hence a coat of mail (as composed of or covered with jointed plates of metal); mail, scale.