Leviticus 11:10

KJV

And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which [is] in the waters, they [shall be] an abomination unto you:

KJV (with Strong's)

And all that have not fins {H5579} and scales {H7193} in the seas {H3220}, and in the rivers {H5158}, of all that move {H8318} in the waters {H4325}, and of any living {H2416} thing {H5315} which is in the waters {H4325}, they shall be an abomination {H8263} unto you:

Complete Jewish Bible

But everything in the seas and rivers without both fins and scales, of all the small water-creatures and of all the living creatures in the water, is a detestable thing for you.

Berean Standard Bible

But the following among all the teeming life and creatures in the water are detestable to you: everything in the seas or streams that does not have fins and scales.

American Standard Version

And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of all the living creatures that are in the waters, they are an abomination unto you,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:10 precisely defines a category of aquatic creatures forbidden for consumption by ancient Israel, specifically those lacking both fins and scales, declaring them an "abomination." This prohibition is an integral part of the extensive dietary laws given by God, designed not merely for hygiene but primarily to establish and reinforce Israel's unique identity as a holy nation, set apart from the defiling practices of surrounding cultures. By distinguishing between clean and unclean, these laws served as a constant, tangible reminder of God's sovereign authority, His demand for purity, and His covenant people's call to reflect His holiness in every aspect of their daily lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11 marks a significant transition within the book, moving from the detailed instructions for sacrificial worship and the consecration of the priesthood (Leviticus 1-10) to the practical application of holiness in daily life. This chapter initiates a comprehensive exposition of dietary laws, demonstrating that God's demand for purity extends beyond the tabernacle into the mundane activities of eating and living. The preceding verses ([Leviticus 11:1-9](/leviticus/11-1-9 "Leviticus 11:1-9 - Clean and Unclean Animals")) meticulously outline the criteria for permissible land animals and aquatic creatures, specifically identifying "fins and scales" as the defining characteristics of clean sea life. Therefore, [Leviticus 11:10](/leviticus/11-10 "Leviticus 11:10 - Unclean Aquatic Animals") functions as a direct and emphatic counterpoint, explicitly prohibiting any aquatic creature that fails to meet *both* of these criteria. This meticulous classification underscores the comprehensive and non-negotiable nature of God's law, leaving no ambiguity regarding what was considered clean or unclean for His covenant people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dietary laws were promulgated at Mount Sinai, a pivotal moment following Israel's miraculous exodus from Egypt and the establishment of their covenant with Yahweh. These regulations were instrumental in shaping Israel's unique national and religious identity, distinguishing them sharply from the pagan societies prevalent in the ancient Near East. Many surrounding cultures consumed a wide variety of animals, including shellfish, eels, and other aquatic creatures that would be explicitly forbidden by the criteria of [Leviticus 11:10](/leviticus/11-10 "Leviticus 11:10 - Unclean Aquatic Animals"). The Hebrew term for "abomination" (*sheqets*) carried profound theological weight, signifying not merely something undesirable but something ritually detestable and defiling in God's eyes. While practical benefits like hygiene might have been incidental, the primary purpose was theological: to visibly demonstrate Israel's allegiance to God and their separation from idolatrous practices and defiling customs. By adhering to these strict guidelines, Israel was to embody their calling as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation," as articulated in [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel as a Holy Nation"), showcasing their distinct covenant relationship with the one true God.

* **Key Themes:** [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals") and specifically [Leviticus 11:10](/leviticus/11-10 "Leviticus 11:10 - Unclean Aquatic Animals") contribute significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. The most prominent theme is **Holiness**, emphasizing God's intrinsic purity and His expectation that His people reflect His character in all areas of life. The dietary laws serve as a tangible means of achieving this holiness, teaching the Israelites about **Separation**—that they are to be distinct from the world around them, both ritually and morally. This leads to the theme of **Obedience**, as adherence to these detailed commands demonstrates their submission to God's sovereign authority. Furthermore, the meticulous classifications highlight **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's prerogative to define what is clean and unclean, pure and impure. Finally, the laws foster **Discernment**, training the Israelites to make careful distinctions in their daily lives, a principle that extends beyond food to moral and spiritual choices, as seen in the broader call to distinguish between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean ([Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Between Holy and Common")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fins (Hebrew, _çᵉnappîyr'_):** From an uncertain derivation, this term refers collectively to the anatomical appendages that aquatic creatures use for propulsion and steering. In the context of [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), the presence of fins is one of two non-negotiable criteria for an aquatic animal to be considered clean and permissible for consumption. Their absence, as highlighted in [Leviticus 11:10](/leviticus/11-10 "Leviticus 11:10 - Unclean Aquatic Animals"), immediately disqualifies the creature from the Israelite diet, marking it as unclean.
* **Scales (Hebrew, _qasqeseth'_):** Derived by reduplication from a root meaning "to shale off as bark," this word denotes the protective, overlapping plates covering the skin of many fish. Like fins, the presence of scales is an essential criterion for an aquatic creature to be deemed clean. The absence of scales, whether alone or in conjunction with the absence of fins, renders the creature an "abomination" and therefore forbidden. Together, fins and scales signify a particular type of free-swimming, typically bottom-feeding fish, distinguishing them from creatures like shellfish, eels, or crustaceans.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _sheqets'_):** From the root _shāqaṣ_ (to be abhorrent), this term carries significant theological weight, signifying something utterly detestable, abhorrent, or ritually impure in the eyes of God. It is not merely something disliked or undesirable but something that actively defiles and pollutes. In the context of Leviticus, _sheqets_ denotes a severe ritual impurity that renders an object, animal, or practice utterly unfit for consumption, contact, or participation in the sacred life of Israel. Its use here emphasizes the strong divine disapproval and the absolute prohibition against consuming such aquatic creatures, marking them as profoundly defiling and a source of ritual pollution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers":** This opening clause precisely defines the forbidden category of aquatic creatures. The crucial disqualifying factor is the *simultaneous absence* of both fins (for movement) and scales (for protection). The scope is comprehensive, applying equally to creatures found in saltwater environments ("seas") and freshwater bodies ("rivers"), indicating that the prohibition is universal across all aquatic habitats. This specificity eliminates ambiguity and underscores the meticulous nature of God's commands.
* **"of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which [is] in the waters":** This phrase further broadens the scope to encompass *any* form of aquatic locomotion or life. It ensures that the prohibition applies to every creature that lives and moves in water, regardless of its specific biological classification beyond the "fins and scales" criterion. This expansive language serves to close any potential loopholes, making the divine command exhaustive and leaving no room for interpretation that might permit consumption of otherwise unclassified aquatic life lacking the specified characteristics.
* **"they [shall be] an abomination unto you":** This concluding declaration is the divine verdict, delivering the ultimate pronouncement of impurity. The term "abomination" signifies that these creatures are not merely "unfit" or "undesirable" but are ritually defiling. Their consumption or even contact would render an Israelite impure, necessitating purification rituals. This strong designation underscores the profound theological significance of the dietary laws, linking physical consumption directly to spiritual purity and separation from defilement, emphasizing God's absolute authority to define what is clean and unclean for His covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:10 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity, authority, and theological weight. The most prominent is **Categorization**, as the verse meticulously defines a specific class of creatures based on the absence of two key physical attributes ("fins and scales"). This precise categorization creates a clear binary distinction between "clean" and "unclean" within the aquatic realm, leaving no room for ambiguity and reinforcing the divine ordering of creation. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast** by implicitly setting the forbidden creatures (lacking fins and scales) against the previously permitted ones (possessing both, as detailed in [Leviticus 11:9](/leviticus/11-9 "Leviticus 11:9 - Clean Aquatic Animals")). This stark contrast reinforces the divine standards of purity and the clear boundaries God establishes for His people. Finally, the declaration "they shall be an **abomination** unto you" serves as a powerful **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme detestability of these creatures in God's sight, moving beyond mere dietary preference to a profound theological statement of impurity and separation. This strong language aims to instill a deep sense of aversion and strict adherence to the divine command, highlighting the severe consequences of ritual defilement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 11:10, situated within the broader framework of the Mosaic Law, profoundly articulates God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering desire for a holy people. The dietary laws, far from being arbitrary regulations, served as a tangible and daily expression of Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. They taught the Israelites that God is the ultimate categorizer of reality, possessing the sole authority to define what is pure and impure, holy and common. By observing these laws, Israel was continually reminded of their distinct identity as a nation set apart for God's purposes, called to be separate from the defiling practices and idolatrous customs of surrounding pagan cultures. This physical separation through diet was a profound pedagogical tool, training them in the principles of discernment, obedience, and the pervasive nature of holiness. Ultimately, these regulations pointed beyond mere external compliance to the deeper need for spiritual purity and separation from all forms of sin and idolatry. The overarching principle is that God's people are to reflect His holiness in every aspect of their lives, from what they consume to how they worship and conduct themselves.

* [Leviticus 20:25](/leviticus/20-25 "Leviticus 20:25 - Distinction Between Clean and Unclean")
* [Deuteronomy 14:3](/deuteronomy/14-3 "Deuteronomy 14:3 - Do Not Eat Abominable Things")
* [Ezekiel 22:26](/ezekiel/22-26 "Ezekiel 22:26 - Priests Not Distinguishing Between Holy and Common")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary prohibitions of [Leviticus 11:10](/leviticus/11-10 "Leviticus 11:10 - Unclean Aquatic Animals") are not literally binding for New Covenant believers, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and obedience remain profoundly relevant and eternally true. For the ancient Israelite, abstaining from certain foods was a daily, tangible act of remembering their identity as God's chosen people, distinct from the world's defilements. For Christians today, our call to holiness is not about external dietary restrictions but about an internal purity of heart and a spiritual separation from the values and practices of a fallen world. We are called to exercise spiritual discernment, carefully evaluating what truly nourishes our souls and what defiles our hearts and minds, choosing righteousness and truth over the "abominations" of worldly influences. This means being intentional about what we consume spiritually—the media we engage with, the thoughts we entertain, the relationships we cultivate, and the ideologies we embrace. Our obedience is expressed not in avoiding certain foods, but in pursuing Christ-likeness and living lives that honor God in every sphere, reflecting His character and values in a world that desperately needs to see His light and experience His transformative power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "abomination" in [Leviticus 11:10](/leviticus/11-10 "Leviticus 11:10 - Unclean Aquatic Animals") challenge my understanding of God's uncompromising standards for purity and holiness?**
* **In what practical ways am I called to exercise spiritual discernment and "separate" myself from the defiling influences of the world today, even if not through dietary laws?**
* **What "unclean" habits, attitudes, or spiritual influences might I be consuming or tolerating in my life that hinder my pursuit of holiness and deeper obedience to God?**

### FAQ
**Why were these dietary laws given to Israel in the first place?**

Answer: The dietary laws, including the prohibition in [Leviticus 11:10](/leviticus/11-10 "Leviticus 11:10 - Unclean Aquatic Animals"), were given primarily for profound theological and pedagogical reasons, not merely for health or hygiene. Their foremost purpose was to distinguish Israel as a holy nation, set apart for God's unique purposes and covenant relationship. By adhering to these unique regulations, the Israelites visibly demonstrated their allegiance to Yahweh and their separation from the idolatrous and often defiling practices of the surrounding pagan cultures. These laws served as a constant, tangible reminder of God's sovereignty, the importance of obedience, and the pervasive nature of holiness, which was to permeate all aspects of their lives, from the sacred to the mundane. They were a daily lesson in their identity as God's chosen people, called to reflect His purity and character to the world.

**Are Christians today still bound by the dietary laws of Leviticus?**

Answer: No, Christians under the New Covenant are not bound by the literal dietary laws of Leviticus. The New Testament clearly teaches that these ceremonial laws, which served as a "shadow" of things to come, have been fulfilled and superseded in Christ. Jesus Himself declared all foods clean in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), emphasizing that true defilement comes not from what enters a person, but from the sin that originates in the heart. This radical shift was further underscored by Peter's vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals"), where God explicitly declared what was once considered unclean to be cleansed, signifying the inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God without requiring adherence to Mosaic dietary codes. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul teaches in [Romans 14:1-23](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Principles of Christian Liberty") and [1 Timothy 4:4-5](/1_timothy/4-4 "1 Timothy 4:4-5 - All Food is Good") that "every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving." While the literal laws are no longer binding, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and seeking God's will in all areas of life remain vitally important for believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prohibition in [Leviticus 11:10](/leviticus/11-10 "Leviticus 11:10 - Unclean Aquatic Animals"), like all the Mosaic dietary laws, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. These laws served as a "shadow of the good things to come" ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law is a Shadow")), pointing forward to a greater spiritual reality that Christ inaugurated. Through His perfect life of obedience, His atoning death on the cross, and His triumphant resurrection, Jesus abolished the ceremonial distinctions that separated Jew from Gentile and clean from unclean. He authoritatively declared all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")), revealing that true defilement comes not from external consumption but from the sin that originates in the human heart ([Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Defiles a Person")). The groundbreaking vision given to Peter in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals") powerfully underscored this radical shift, signifying that God's grace and salvation extend to all people, breaking down the barriers of ritual purity and welcoming both Jew and Gentile into the one family of God through faith in Christ. In the New Covenant, the focus shifts from outward conformity to dietary codes to an inward transformation of the heart, where purity is achieved not by avoiding certain foods, but by being cleansed by the precious blood of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and living by the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to pursue true holiness and righteousness ([Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")) in every aspect of their lives.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 29:27

¶ An unjust man [is] an abomination to the just: and [he that is] upright in the way [is] abomination to the wicked.

Leviticus 7:18

And if [any] of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed unto him that offereth it: it shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear his iniquity.

Deuteronomy 14:3

Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

Proverbs 13:20

¶ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Psalms 139:21

Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

Psalms 139:22

I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.