TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 11:9–19.
Here is, 1. A general rule concerning fishes, which were clean and which not. All that had fins and scales they might eat, and only those odd sorts of water-animals that have not were forbidden, Lev 11:9, Lev 11:10. The ancients accounted fish the most delicate food (so far were they from allowing it on fasting-days, or making it an instance of mortification to eat fish); therefore God did not lay much restraint upon his people in them; for he is a Master that allows his servants not only for necessity but for delight. Concerning the prohibited fish it is said, They shall be an abomination to you (Lev 11:10-12), that is, "You shall count them unclean, and not only not eat of them, but keep at a distance from them." Note, Whatever is unclean should be to us an abomination; touch not the unclean thing. But observe, It was to be an abomination only to Jews; the neighbouring nations were under none of these obligations, nor are these things to be an abomination to us Christians. The Jews were honoured with peculiar privileges, and therefore, lest they should be proud of those, Transeunt cum onere - They were likewise laid under peculiar restraints. Thus God's spiritual Israel, as they are dignified above others by the gospel-covenant of adoption and friendship, so they must be mortified more than others by the gospel-commands of self-denial and bearing the cross. 2. Concerning fowls here is no general rule given, but a particular enumeration of those fowls that they must abstain from as unclean, which implies an allowance of all others. The critics here have their hands full to find out what is the true signification of the Hebrew words here used, some of which still remain uncertain, some sorts of fowls being peculiar to some countries. Were the law in force now, we should be concerned to know with certainty what are prohibited by it; and perhaps if we did, and were better acquainted with the nature of the fowls here mentioned, we should admire the knowledge of Adam, in giving them names expressive of their natures, Gen 2:20. But the law being repealed, and the learning in a great measure lost, it is sufficient for us to observe that of the fowls here forbidden, (1.) Some are birds of prey, as the eagle, vulture, etc., and God would have his people to abhor every thing that is barbarous and cruel, and not to live by blood and rapine. Doves that are preyed upon were fit to be food for man and offerings to God; but kites and hawks that prey upon them must be looked upon as an abomination to God and man; for the condition of those that are persecuted for righteousness' sake appears to an eye of faith every way better than that of their persecutors. (2.) Others of them are solitary birds, that abide in dark and desolate places, as the owl and the pelican (Psa 102:6), and the cormorant and raven (Isa 34:11); for God's Israel should not be a melancholy people, nor affect sadness and constant solitude. (3.) Others of them feed upon that which is impure, as the stork on serpents, others of them on worms; and we must not only abstain from all impurity ourselves, but from communion with those that allow themselves in it. (4.) Others of them were used by the Egyptians and other Gentiles in their divinations. Some birds were reckoned fortunate, others ominous; and their soothsayers had great regard to the flights of these birds, all which therefore must be an abomination to God's people, who must not learn the way of the heathen.
Historical interpretation
Four Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
The all-wise Educator, by the lips of Moses, compared association with corrupt men to living with swine when he forbade the ancient people to partake of swine. He made it plain in those words that they who invoke God should not seek the company of the unclean who, like swine, revel in bodily pleasures and filthy habits of life and impure delights, itching for evil-minded pleasures of sex.
He adds too that they are not to eat “kite or mastophage or eagle,” meaning “You shall not go near those who make their livelihood by plundering others.” He says other similar things under some sort of allegory.
It is then proper that the barbarian philosophy, on which it is our business to speak, should prophesy also obscurely and by symbols, as was evinced. Such are the injunctions of Moses: “These common things, the sow, the hawk, the eagle and the raven, are not to be eaten.” For the sow is the emblem of voluptuous and unclean lust of food and lecherous and filthy licentiousness in venery, always prurient, and material, and lying in the mire and fattening for slaughter and destruction.
Fish with rough scales are considered clean, just as persons with austere, rough, unpolished, steadfast and grave traits are commended. Fish without scales are considered unclean, just as loose, fickle, insincere and effeminate traits are censured. What does the law mean when it states, “You shall not eat the camel”? From the example of an animal, it censures an unruly life and one distorted by unpleasantness. What does the law mean when it forbids one to partake of the flesh of swine? It condemns, you can be sure, a foul and filthy life—one that delights in sordid vices by placing its supreme good not in nobility of spirit but in the flesh alone. What does the law want to indicate when it forbids the hare? It denounces nervous, effeminate men. Who would use as food the flesh of the weasel? In it the law condemns theft.Who would dare partake of the skink? The law abhors a capricious and fickle life. Who would eat the newt? The law detests aberrations of the mind. Who would dare partake of the hawk, the kite or the eagle? The law hates marauders and those who live by violence. Who does not loathe the vulture? The law execrates those who look for booty in someone else’s death. Who would eat the crow? The law detests immoral and shady intentions. When the law prohibits ostrich, it disapproves of intemperance. When it condemns the nightjar, it hates those who shun the light of truth. When it bans the swan, it loathes stiff-necked pride. When it excludes the heron, it dislikes a garrulous and undisciplined tongue. When it detests the bat, it condemns those who seek out the darkness of error that is like night. The law execrates these and similar characteristics in animals. Since the animals, however, are born with such characteristics, they are without reproach. Conversely such qualities are reprehensible in humanity, which was not created with them but learns from them by comparison with contrary nature, through the exercise of their own error.
Believing people are forbidden to use fish without its fins for food. Fish with fins and scales even leap up above the water. What do the fish with fins represent if not chosen souls? They alone pass over into the body of the heavenly church.
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Summary
Leviticus 11:12 issues a clear divine directive regarding dietary purity, specifically prohibiting the consumption of any aquatic creature lacking both fins and scales. This verse is an integral part of a broader legal framework within the Mosaic Law designed to distinguish between ritually clean and unclean animals, thereby establishing and reinforcing Israel's unique identity as a holy nation set apart by God for His sacred purposes. It underscores the Lord's absolute authority in defining purity and the profound significance of obedience for His covenant people.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 11:12 is meticulously placed within a comprehensive chapter that systematically delineates dietary laws for the Israelites, moving from land animals in Leviticus 11:2-8, to aquatic creatures in Leviticus 11:9-12, then to birds in Leviticus 11:13-19, and finally to insects and creeping things in Leviticus 11:20-43. This detailed categorization is not arbitrary but underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over creation and His desire for order, distinction, and holiness among His chosen people. The chapter culminates with a profound theological declaration, linking strict adherence to these laws directly to the call for holiness, as God commands, "For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy" in Leviticus 11:44.
Historical & Cultural Context
The dietary laws, including the prohibition in Leviticus 11:12, were foundational to ancient Israel's identity as God's covenant people, serving as a tangible and constant differentiator from the surrounding pagan nations. These regulations were not primarily for public health (though incidental benefits may have occurred) but functioned as a visible marker of their unique relationship with a holy God. In a polytheistic world where other cultures consumed all manner of creatures, Israel's adherence to these divine decrees visibly marked them as distinct, reinforcing their separation for divine purposes. This framework cultivated a mindset of ritual purity and obedience to divine authority, teaching the Israelites to discern between what was acceptable and detestable in God's eyes, thereby preventing assimilation into idolatrous practices and reinforcing their covenant obligations to be "a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation" as declared in Exodus 19:6.
Key Themes
Leviticus 11:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of Holiness and Separation, emphasizing that God's people are to be set apart from the nations, reflecting His holy character in their daily lives. The distinction between clean and unclean, meticulously detailed in this chapter, reinforces the theme of Divine Sovereignty, demonstrating God's absolute authority to define what is pure and acceptable. Furthermore, these laws underscore the theme of Obedience as a Path to Blessing, as adherence to these commands was a demonstration of faithfulness to the covenant. Finally, the chapter highlights Order and Distinction, providing clear, observable criteria that helped Israel navigate a world often characterized by chaos and syncretism, reinforcing their unique identity and purpose.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H5579) refers collectively to the anatomical appendages that enable aquatic creatures to propel themselves and maintain direction in water. In the context of Leviticus 11:12, the absence of fins is one of the two primary criteria rendering an aquatic animal unclean for consumption. This criterion likely distinguished true fish from other water-dwelling creatures that might resemble fish but lack these defining features, such as eels or certain amphibians.
Derived from a root meaning "to shale off as bark," this word (H7193) denotes the protective dermal coverings found on the skin of many fish. The presence of scales, along with fins, was the second essential characteristic for an aquatic creature to be considered clean. Its absence, as highlighted in the verse, immediately disqualifies creatures like shellfish (e.g., clams, oysters), crustaceans (e.g., crabs, lobsters, shrimp), and certain types of fish (e.g., catfish, sturgeon) from the Israelite diet.
This powerful term (H8263) signifies something that is utterly detestable, filthy, or abhorrent, particularly in a ritual or religious sense. Unlike the broader term to'evah (which can also mean abomination), sheqets is specifically used in Leviticus and Deuteronomy to describe things that are ritually unclean or detestable, often related to forbidden foods or idolatrous practices. Its use here elevates the prohibition beyond a mere dietary preference to a matter of grave spiritual significance, implying that consuming such creatures would defile the Israelite and be an offense against God's holiness.
Verse Breakdown
"Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters"
This initial clause precisely defines the category of aquatic animals that are forbidden for consumption. The emphasis is on the absence of both fins (essential for locomotion and stability) and scales (protective dermal coverings). This immediately excludes a vast array of marine and freshwater life, including various shellfish (clams, oysters, mussels), crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimp), and fish that do not possess these features (e.g., eels, catfish). The concluding phrase "in the waters" clearly specifies their habitat, reinforcing the focus on aquatic life and leaving no ambiguity about the scope of the prohibition.
"that [shall be] an abomination unto you"
This declarative statement pronounces the divine verdict upon any creature falling into the previously defined unclean category. Such an animal is deemed an "abomination" (sheqets) to the Israelite people. This signifies that it is not merely unappetizing or potentially unhealthy, but ritually impure, detestable in God's sight, and therefore strictly forbidden for consumption. The phrase "unto you" personalizes the command, emphasizing that this prohibition is specifically for the covenant people of Israel, serving to distinguish their practices and identity from those of other nations.
Literary Devices
The language of Leviticus 11:12 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity, authority, and theological weight. Primarily, it utilizes Legal Language, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, presenting a direct and unambiguous prohibition with a clear consequence. The verse functions as a precise Categorization or Classification, providing specific, observable criteria ("fins nor scales") to distinguish between permissible and forbidden aquatic life. This binary definition leaves no room for ambiguity, ensuring practical adherence. Furthermore, there is an inherent Contrast established between what is implicitly "clean" (possessing fins and scales) and what is explicitly "unclean" (lacking them), a foundational binary distinction that underpins the entire purity system in Leviticus. The term "abomination" itself carries significant Symbolism, representing not just a physical detestation but a profound spiritual and moral offense against God's holiness and the established divine order.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 11:12, while dealing with specific ancient dietary laws, powerfully communicates enduring theological principles that transcend its immediate context. At its core, it speaks to God's absolute sovereignty in defining holiness and purity. The distinction between clean and unclean was not based on human reasoning, health benefits, or cultural preferences, but solely on divine decree, emphasizing that true holiness is found in unquestioning obedience to God's revealed will. These laws served as a constant, tangible reminder to set Israel apart, fostering a keen awareness of God's distinct and holy nature and their reciprocal call to reflect His character in every aspect of their lives. This external discipline was designed to cultivate internal discernment and a deep reverence for the Lord, underscoring the profound theological theme of separation for sacred purposes.
Reflection and Application
While the specific dietary prohibitions of Leviticus 11:12 are not binding on New Covenant believers, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for contemporary application. This verse challenges us to consider what truly constitutes "abomination" in God's sight today, shifting our focus from external dietary rules to internal spiritual purity and moral integrity. As believers, we are called to exercise spiritual discernment in all areas of our lives—our thoughts, words, actions, entertainment choices, and relationships—to ensure that we are not partaking in anything that defiles us, compromises our witness, or dishonors God. The enduring call to holiness, to be set apart for God's purposes, continues to shape our walk with Christ. Our lives should reflect God's character, not through adherence to Old Testament food laws, but through moral purity, Christ-like love, and unwavering obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading. We are reminded that God's wisdom, even when seemingly arbitrary to human understanding, is always perfect, and our trust in His commands builds and deepens our relationship with Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Are Christians required to follow the dietary laws of Leviticus 11, including the prohibition against eating seafood without fins and scales?
No, Christians are generally not bound by the specific Old Testament dietary laws. The New Testament clarifies that all foods are declared clean through Christ. In Mark 7:19, Jesus "declared all foods clean" by stating that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out. Peter's vision in Acts 10:9-16 explicitly reveals God's abolition of these distinctions for believers, as God tells Peter, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." Paul further emphasizes in Romans 14:17 that "the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." While the ceremonial laws served a crucial purpose for ancient Israel in establishing their unique identity and ritual purity, the New Covenant shifts the focus from external dietary regulations to internal spiritual purity and moral righteousness, all fulfilled in Christ.
What was the primary purpose of these dietary laws for ancient Israel?
The primary purpose of these dietary laws was multifaceted, extending far beyond mere health benefits. Firstly, they served to establish and reinforce Israel's identity as a holy nation, unequivocally set apart by God from the surrounding pagan cultures. By adhering to God's specific commands, they visibly demonstrated their obedience and unique covenant relationship with Him. Secondly, these laws instilled a deep sense of ritual purity, teaching the Israelites to distinguish between the clean and the unclean, thereby reflecting God's own holy nature and their call to live in accordance with His divine standards, as articulated in Leviticus 11:44-45. They were a constant, tangible reminder of their covenant obligations and a practical means of preventing assimilation into the idolatrous and morally compromising practices common among their neighbors.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 11:12, with its declaration of certain aquatic creatures as an "abomination," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament dietary laws, including this specific prohibition, served as a "shadow of the good things to come" as described in Hebrews 10:1, pointing to a deeper spiritual reality. Jesus, through His revolutionary ministry and ultimate sacrificial death, fundamentally redefines purity and uncleanness. He boldly declares all foods clean in Mark 7:19, shifting the focus from external dietary restrictions to the internal state of the heart. The true "abomination" that defiles a person is not what they consume, but sin, which originates from within, as Jesus powerfully taught in Matthew 15:11. Christ, the spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, became the ultimate "clean" offering, taking upon Himself the uncleanness of humanity's sin. Through His atoning work on the cross, He cleanses us not with ritual washings or dietary adherence, but by His precious blood, which purifies our consciences from dead works to enable us to serve the living God, as explained in Hebrews 9:14. Thus, the prohibition of Leviticus 11:12, once a barrier of ritual separation, is transcended by Christ, who breaks down all such barriers, making us truly clean and holy through faith in Him, fulfilling His promise to be our peace and reconciliation, as celebrated in Ephesians 2:14.