Leviticus 11:10

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:

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:

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.

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.

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

Context of Leviticus 11:10

The book of Leviticus is largely a manual for holiness, detailing the laws and rituals by which the Israelites were to live as God's chosen people. Leviticus chapter 11 introduces the comprehensive dietary laws, distinguishing between "clean" and "unclean" animals, birds, and aquatic creatures. These regulations were not merely about health, but primarily about setting Israel apart as a holy nation, a foundational aspect of their calling as a holy nation and priests to the world. Verse 10 specifically addresses aquatic life, defining what was forbidden for consumption.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Holiness and Separation: The primary purpose of these dietary laws was to teach the Israelites about holiness and to visibly distinguish them from the surrounding pagan nations. By adhering to these specific commands, they cultivated a unique identity as God's people, set apart for His purposes. This concept of holiness is further expounded upon in verses like Leviticus 19:2.
  • Obedience to Divine Authority: God, as the Creator, has the sovereign right to define what is clean and unclean for His people. Obedience to these seemingly arbitrary rules was an act of faith and submission to His authority, demonstrating their trust in His wisdom and love.
  • Discernment: These laws trained the Israelites in discernment, teaching them to make careful distinctions in their daily lives, which extended beyond food to moral and spiritual purity. The physical act of choosing "clean" foods reinforced a mindset of choosing righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "abomination" in this verse translates the Hebrew term sheqets (ืฉึถืืงึถืฅ). This word carries a strong connotation of something detestable, abhorrent, or ritually impure. It signifies not just something unfit for food, but something that is religiously defiling and should be avoided entirely. It's a powerful word indicating God's strong disapproval and the severe ritual impurity associated with such creatures.

Practical Application

For believers today, under the New Covenant, the literal dietary laws of Leviticus are no longer binding. In the New Testament, the dietary laws are superseded, as articulated by Jesus in Mark 7:19 (declaring all foods clean) and confirmed by Peter's vision in Acts 10:15. Paul reinforces this in 1 Timothy 4:4, stating that "every creature of God is good."

However, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and obedience remain profoundly relevant. While we are not bound by physical dietary restrictions, Christians are called to a spiritual form of separation, discerning what is truly beneficial and avoiding what defiles our hearts and minds. We are to be separate from the world's defilements and pursue holiness in our thoughts, words, and actions, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 6:17: "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord." This verse ultimately teaches us that God cares about the purity of His people and that obedience to His revealed will is fundamental to our relationship with Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 29:27 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

  • Proverbs 13:20 (2 votes)

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

  • Psalms 139:21 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Revelation 21:8 (1 votes)

    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.