Leviticus 11:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that [shall be] an abomination unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Whatever lacks fins and scales in the water is a detestable thing for you.

Berean Standard Bible:

Everything in the water that does not have fins and scales shall be detestable to you.

American Standard Version:

Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that is an abomination unto you.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Whatsoever hath no fins{H5579} nor scales{H7193} in the waters{H4325}, that shall be an abomination{H8263} unto you.

Cross-References (KJV):


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Commentary for Leviticus 11:12

1. **Themes:**
- **Ritual Purity and Holiness:** Leviticus 11:12 is part of a larger section in the book that deals with dietary laws, which were meant to distinguish the Israelites from other nations and emphasize their holiness before God.
- **Classification of Clean and Unclean Animals:** The verse reflects the biblical categorization of animals into "clean" and "unclean" for consumption, which was a significant aspect of the Mosaic Law.
- **Observance of God's Commandments:** This verse underscores the importance of adhering to God's laws as a demonstration of faith and obedience.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **Post-Exodus Period:** The book of Leviticus is set after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land, during the time they were encamped at Mount Sinai.
- **Mosaic Legislation:** The verse is part of the Mosaic Law, given to Moses by God. These laws were designed to shape the religious and social life of the Israelite community.
- **Cultural Distinction:** The dietary laws served to separate the Israelites from surrounding nations, reinforcing their unique identity and relationship with God.
- **Health and Hygiene:** Some scholars suggest that these dietary restrictions may have had health benefits, as many of the forbidden animals could be carriers of disease or parasites.

In summary, Leviticus 11:12 encapsulates the theme of maintaining ritual purity and holiness as a set-apart people through the observance of specific dietary laws regarding aquatic creatures, which was integral to the religious identity and practice 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: 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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)).
  4. Strong's Number: H8263
    There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שֶׁקֶץ
    Transliteration: sheqets
    Pronunciation: sheh'-kets
    Description: from שָׁקַץ; filth, i.e. (figuratively and specifically) an idolatrous object; abominable(-tion).