Leviticus 11:9

¶ 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.

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}.

"'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.

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.

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

Leviticus 11:9 is part of an extensive section in the Old Testament detailing the dietary laws given by God to the Israelites, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals. This particular verse specifies which aquatic creatures were permissible for consumption, laying down a clear criterion for what could be eaten from "the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers."

Context

This verse is situated within Leviticus chapter 11, which outlines a comprehensive set of regulations concerning which animals, birds, insects, and aquatic life were considered "clean" (kosher) and "unclean" for the Israelites. These laws were given to Moses and Aaron by God on Mount Sinai after the Exodus from Egypt. The purpose was not merely hygienic, but primarily theological and ritualistic, serving to set the nation of Israel apart as a holy people dedicated to the Lord. The surrounding verses detail similar distinctions for land animals (Leviticus 11:2-8) and explicitly forbid creatures without these features (Leviticus 11:10-12).

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Separation: The primary message of these dietary laws was to establish a distinct identity for Israel. By adhering to God's specific commands regarding food, the Israelites were continually reminded of their unique covenant relationship with God and their call to be a holy nation (Leviticus 11:44-45).
  • Obedience to Divine Command: The detailed nature of these laws underscored the importance of absolute obedience to God's revealed will. Following these rules was an act of faith and submission to His authority.
  • Divine Provision and Guidance: God, as the Creator, provided clear instructions for how His people were to live, including what they should eat. This demonstrated His care and desire to guide them in all aspects of life.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms for "fins" (snapir, סְנַפִּיר) and "scales" (kaskeset, קַשְׂקֶשֶׂת) are straightforward and refer to the physical characteristics of fish. The emphasis is on these two specific features as the exclusive criteria for an aquatic creature to be considered clean and edible. Any creature from the water lacking either one of these was deemed unclean.

Practical Application

For ancient Israel, these dietary laws were a daily tangible expression of their covenant with God and their distinctiveness from surrounding pagan cultures. For Christians today, the specific dietary restrictions of the Old Covenant are generally understood to have been fulfilled and superseded by the New Covenant, as illustrated by Peter's vision in Acts 10:9-16, where God declares all foods clean. Paul further clarifies this in Colossians 2:16-17 and Romans 14:17, emphasizing that the kingdom of God is not about food and drink. However, the underlying principles of holiness, obedience to God's current revealed will, and living a life set apart for Him remain eternally relevant for believers.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 20:21 (2 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 14:9 (2 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 14:10 (2 votes)

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

  • Galatians 5:6 (2 votes)

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

  • James 2:18 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 John 5:5 (2 votes)

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