Lexical Summary senappir: Fin Original Word: סְנַפִּיר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fins Of uncertain derivation; a fin (collectively) -- fins. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a fin NASB Translation fins (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs סְנַמִּיר noun [masculine] fin (Late Hebrew id.; quadriliteral according to Sta§ 243; Fl in LevyNHWB iii. 725 a compare Aramaic סִמְמּוֺרִין points, nails, and derive this from סַמֵּר verb nail, with infixed פ (LevyChWB ii. 507 b)); — Leviticus 11:9,10,12 = Deuteronomy 14:9,10. Topical Lexicon Definition and Function in Scripture The term סְנַפִּיר (Strong’s 5579) denotes the fin of aquatic creatures. In Scripture the word serves a regulatory purpose, appearing exclusively in passages that delineate which water-dwelling animals Israelites were permitted to eat. A fin, together with the presence of scales, marks a fish as “clean.” Canonical Occurrences • Leviticus 11:9 – “You may eat of all that live in the water: any creature that has fins and scales…” Historical and Cultural Background In the Ancient Near Eastern diet, fish were a staple for coastal and inland communities alike. The Mosaic restriction placed clear boundaries on Israel’s consumption, distinguishing them from surrounding nations that ate shellfish and scaleless species such as catfish, eel, or shark. Archaeological fishbones from Israelite sites show an overwhelming predominance of species like tilapia, carp, and barbel—fish that possess both fins and scales—underscoring faithful adherence to the law. Purpose within the Holiness Code 1. Moral Separation: The clean–unclean demarcation externalized Israel’s call to holiness. By eating only fin-and-scale fish, the covenant people enacted a daily reminder that they belonged to the LORD. Theological Significance The requirement for fins and scales typifies discernment. Just as Israelites learned to identify permissible fish, believers are called to “test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The dual features also present a two-fold image: fins for movement through life’s waters and scales for protective covering—echoes of both spiritual direction and divine safeguarding. Foreshadowing in Redemptive History While the dietary laws set Israel apart, they were provisional. Jesus declared, “Nothing outside a man that enters him can defile him” (Mark 7:15), signalling an era when ceremonial distinctions give way to inner purity. Peter’s rooftop vision of the sheet containing “all kinds of four-footed animals…and creatures of the earth” (Acts 10:12) further affirmed the gospel’s reach to the Gentiles. The fin-and-scale test, therefore, becomes an historical tutor pointing to the greater cleansing effected by Christ (Hebrews 9:10). Ministry and Discipleship Connections 1. Evangelistic Imagery: Jesus’ call, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19), resonates with the fin image. Clean fish symbolize those gathered into the kingdom through the gospel net (Matthew 13:47–48). Rabbinic and Early Christian Reception Rabbinic literature elaborated on the biblical test, asserting that “all fish with scales have fins,” making scales the decisive factor. Early Christian writers, while recognizing the abrogation of ceremonial food laws, often preserved the moral symbolism; for example, Clement of Alexandria likened scales to virtues that guard the soul. Modern Relevance Messianic congregations and some Jewish believers in Jesus still follow the fin-and-scale guideline as a matter of cultural identity, while affirming its fulfillment in Messiah. For the wider church, the passages encourage gratitude for Christ’s cleansing work and foster reflection on visible markers of holiness in daily life. Key Biblical Themes Highlighted by סְנַפִּיר • Holiness expressed through everyday obedience. Forms and Transliterations סְנַפִּ֣יר סְנַפִּ֥יר סְנַפִּ֨יר סנפיר sə·nap·pîr senapPir sənappîrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 11:9 HEB: אֲשֶׁר־ לוֹ֩ סְנַפִּ֨יר וְקַשְׂקֶ֜שֶׂת בַּמַּ֗יִם NAS: all that have fins and scales, KJV: of all that [are] in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales INT: all after have fins and scales the water Leviticus 11:10 Leviticus 11:12 Deuteronomy 14:9 Deuteronomy 14:10 5 Occurrences |
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