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.

KJV (with Strong's)

These shall ye eat {H398} of all that are in the waters {H4325}: whatsoever hath fins {H5579} and scales {H7193} in the waters {H4325}, in the seas {H3220}, and in the rivers {H5158}, them shall ye eat {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Of all the things that live in the water, you may eat these: anything in the water that has fins and scales, whether in seas or in rivers -these you may eat.

Berean Standard Bible

Of all the creatures that live in the water, whether in the seas or in the streams, you may eat anything with fins and scales.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:9 establishes a foundational dietary law for the Israelite nation concerning aquatic life, specifying that only creatures possessing both fins and scales were permissible for consumption. This divine directive, part of a broader set of clean and unclean distinctions, served not merely as a hygienic guideline but primarily as a theological demarcation, reinforcing Israel's unique identity as a holy people set apart by God within their covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11:9 is situated within a comprehensive chapter dedicated to the dietary laws given by God to Moses and Aaron for the Israelites. The chapter begins with a general declaration of clean and unclean animals in [Leviticus 11:1-2](/leviticus/11-1-2 "Leviticus 11:1-2 - Introduction to Dietary Laws"), then details land animals in [Leviticus 11:3-8](/leviticus/11-3-8 "Leviticus 11:3-8 - Clean and Unclean Land Animals") before focusing on aquatic creatures in verses 9-12. Following this, the text addresses birds in [Leviticus 11:13-19](/leviticus/11-13-19 "Leviticus 11:13-19 - Unclean Birds"), winged insects in [Leviticus 11:20-23](/leviticus/11-20-23 "Leviticus 11:20-23 - Unclean Insects"), and laws concerning contact with carcasses in [Leviticus 11:24-40](/leviticus/11-24-40 "Leviticus 11:24-40 - Laws Concerning Carcasses"). The chapter concludes with a powerful reiteration of God's call to holiness, directly linking adherence to these laws with the Israelites' consecrated status as God's people, as seen in [Leviticus 11:44-47](/leviticus/11-44-47 "Leviticus 11:44-47 - Call to Holiness and Distinction"). This verse, therefore, is a specific application of the broader principle of separation and holiness that permeates the entire book of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dietary laws in Leviticus were given to Israel shortly after their exodus from Egypt and during their wilderness wanderings, as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This period was crucial for establishing their national and religious identity. Surrounding nations often engaged in pagan worship that included consuming animals considered unclean by Yahweh's standards, sometimes even in ritualistic meals. By mandating specific dietary restrictions, God provided a tangible, daily reminder of Israel's unique covenant relationship with Him and their distinctiveness from the idolatrous practices of their neighbors. These laws were not merely arbitrary rules but served to instill discipline, promote a sense of purity, and constantly remind the people of their call to be a "holy nation" and a "kingdom of priests," as articulated in [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel, a Holy Nation"). The distinction between clean and unclean was fundamental to the Israelite worldview, extending beyond food to encompass all aspects of life, symbolizing order, life, and separation unto God.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 11:9 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's own character and His desire for His people to reflect that character in their daily lives. This verse, along with the entire chapter, underscores the theme of **Separation and Distinction**, setting Israel apart from the surrounding nations and their practices. The dietary laws served as a tangible manifestation of their unique covenant identity. Furthermore, the meticulous nature of these commands highlights the theme of **Obedience to Divine Revelation**, demonstrating that God's will extends to all areas of life, not just the cultic. Finally, these regulations also subtly touch upon the theme of **Order in Creation**, as the criteria for clean animals often align with creatures that appear "normal" or "complete" within their natural environment, reinforcing God's design. This aligns with the broader message of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus") that God's people are to live in an ordered, pure manner, reflecting His own perfect order.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root signifies the act of consuming food, literally or figuratively. In this context, it denotes the permissible act of ingesting specific aquatic creatures. The repetition of this verb in the verse ("These shall ye eat... them shall ye eat") underscores the divine authorization and command for consumption, making it a central action in the dietary regulation.
* **fins (Hebrew, _çᵉnappîyr'_):** This term refers to the appendages that allow fish to propel themselves through water and maintain balance. In the context of ancient Israelite understanding, fins were associated with creatures that actively and freely moved through the water, suggesting a natural, ordered existence within their environment, indicative of a creature fully adapted to its aquatic habitat.
* **scales (Hebrew, _qasqeseth'_):** This word denotes the protective dermal coverings found on most fish. Like fins, scales were seen as a natural and characteristic feature of what was considered a "proper" or "typical" fish. Their presence indicated a creature that was fully developed and naturally equipped for its aquatic habitat. The absence of either fins or scales often characterized bottom-dwellers, scavengers, or creatures perceived as less "pure" or "orderly" within the natural world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These shall ye eat of all that [are] in the waters:"** This opening clause introduces the category of aquatic creatures and immediately establishes a divine permission to consume certain types. It implies a preceding discussion or a general understanding that not all creatures "in the waters" are permissible, setting the stage for the specific criteria that follow. The introductory phrase points forward to the precise qualifications.
* **"whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers,"** This is the core prescriptive element of the verse. It provides the dual, non-negotiable criteria for edibility: the presence of both fins and scales. The repetition of "in the waters" and the specific mention of "seas, and in the rivers" emphasizes the comprehensive scope of this law, covering all bodies of water, ensuring no ambiguity regarding the habitat of the creatures in question. This specificity highlights the meticulous nature of God's commands and leaves no room for misinterpretation.
* **"them shall ye eat."** This concluding phrase serves as a direct, authoritative command, reinforcing the permissibility of eating such creatures. It completes the legal statement, clearly delineating what is allowed, in stark contrast to the implicit prohibition of what lacks these features (explicitly stated in [Leviticus 11:10-12](/leviticus/11-10-12 "Leviticus 11:10-12 - Unclean Aquatic Creatures")). The repetition of "shall ye eat" forms an inclusio with the opening, reinforcing the divine mandate.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:9 employs several literary devices to convey its divine instruction with clarity and authority. Primarily, it uses **Legal Formulation**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, presenting a clear, concise, and unambiguous directive regarding permissible food. The language is prescriptive, using imperative verbs and definitive statements ("shall ye eat," "whatsoever hath"), leaving no room for doubt about the divine command. There is also an element of **Repetition**, particularly with the phrase "in the waters," which appears multiple times within this short verse and the broader context of [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), emphasizing the universal application of the rule to all aquatic environments. Furthermore, the selection of fins and scales as criteria can be seen as **Symbolism**. These physical characteristics represent order, natural design, and perhaps even vitality, contrasting with creatures that might be perceived as less "complete" or "orderly" (like eels, shellfish, or bottom-feeders). The distinction reinforces the broader theological theme of God's desire for His people to embody purity and order in their lives, mirroring His own holy character and setting them apart from the chaotic or impure elements of the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 11:9, as part of the broader dietary laws, underscores profound theological principles. It primarily emphasizes God's **holiness** and His desire for His people to reflect that holiness through **separation** from the common and the unclean. These laws were not merely about hygiene but served as a constant, tangible reminder of Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. By adhering to these specific, divinely ordained distinctions, the Israelites were continually reminded of their identity as a set-apart nation, called to live in **obedience** to God's revealed will in all aspects of life, from the sacred to the mundane. This meticulous attention to detail in the law also highlights God's **sovereignty** and His right to define what is pure and impure, clean and unclean, for His people, thereby shaping their identity and worldview.

* [Leviticus 20:25-26](/leviticus/20-25-26 "Leviticus 20:25-26 - Be Holy as I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 14:3-21](/deuteronomy/14-3-21 "Deuteronomy 14:3-21 - Clean and Unclean Animals")
* [Ezekiel 44:23](/ezekiel/44-23 "Ezekiel 44:23 - Distinguishing Between Holy and Common")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary restrictions of the Old Covenant are generally understood by Christians to have been fulfilled and superseded in the New Covenant, the underlying principles of Leviticus 11:9 remain profoundly relevant. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, who cares about the details of our lives, and desires our wholehearted obedience. For believers today, the call to holiness is no less stringent, though its expression has shifted from external dietary codes to internal transformation and ethical living. We are called to be set apart, not by what we eat, but by our devotion to Christ, our pursuit of righteousness, and our love for others. Our lives should reflect God's character, distinguishing us from the patterns of the world. This means discerning what is spiritually nourishing versus what is "unclean" or detrimental to our walk with God, whether it be in our choices of entertainment, relationships, or values. It calls us to intentional living, where every decision, even seemingly minor ones, can become an act of worship and a testament to our consecrated status as God's redeemed people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "holiness" in Leviticus 11:9 translate into practical living for a New Covenant believer today?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to greater "separation" from worldly patterns, even if they are not explicitly forbidden?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of obedience to God's revealed will in my daily choices, mirroring the Israelites' adherence to the dietary laws?**
* **What does it mean for me to be "in the world but not of the world" in light of this passage's emphasis on distinction?**

### FAQ

**Why did God specify "fins and scales" as the criteria for clean fish?**

Answer: The criteria of "fins and scales" for aquatic creatures likely served multiple purposes. From a practical standpoint, fish with fins and scales are generally active swimmers and are less likely to be bottom-dwellers or scavengers, which might carry more disease or be considered less "pure." Theologically, these characteristics represented a natural, ordered, and complete form of aquatic life. Creatures lacking these features (like eels, shellfish, or crustaceans) often dwell in the murky depths or are scavengers, which may have been symbolically associated with disorder, impurity, or death. The distinction reinforced the broader theme of holiness and separation, guiding Israel to consume creatures that were perceived as "clean" and "orderly" within God's creation, thus reflecting God's own character of order and purity. This also served as a daily, tangible reminder of their covenant identity and their distinctiveness from other nations, as seen in the broader context of [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals").

**Are these Old Testament dietary laws still binding for Christians today?**

Answer: No, the specific dietary laws of the Old Covenant, including those in Leviticus 11:9, are generally not considered binding for Christians today. The New Testament teaches that these ceremonial laws were fulfilled in Christ and superseded by the New Covenant. Jesus declared all foods clean in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), and Peter's vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of Clean and Unclean Animals") explicitly revealed that God no longer distinguishes between clean and unclean foods. The Apostle Paul further clarified that the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking in [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy") and warned against those who would judge believers based on food and drink regulations in [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom from Regulations"). While the specific rules are no longer in effect, the underlying principles of holiness, obedience, and living a life set apart for God remain eternally relevant for believers, now expressed through faith in Christ and ethical living.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 11:9, with its meticulous dietary distinctions, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant laws, including those concerning clean and unclean foods, served as a "shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities," as articulated in [Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law is a Shadow"). Christ, as the perfect Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the requirements of the law, becoming the ultimate "clean" offering that purifies not just the body, but the conscience and the soul through His own blood, as underscored in [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience"). Through His atoning work, the external distinctions of clean and unclean were transcended, as He declared all foods clean in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean") and broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself, as beautifully described in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall"). The focus shifted from outward adherence to ritual purity to an inward transformation of the heart, where true holiness is found in righteous living, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, which is the essence of the kingdom of God, as taught in [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy"). Thus, Christ is the embodiment of ultimate purity, and through Him, believers are made truly clean, set apart for God not by what they consume, but by their union with Him and the indwelling of His Spirit.

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

Acts 20:21

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Deuteronomy 14:9

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

Deuteronomy 14:10

And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it [is] unclean unto you.

Galatians 5:6

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

James 2:18

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

1 John 5:2

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

1 John 5:5

Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?