Leviticus 11:10
New International Version
But all creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales—whether among all the swarming things or among all the other living creatures in the water—you are to regard as unclean.

New Living Translation
But you must never eat animals from the sea or from rivers that do not have both fins and scales. They are detestable to you. This applies both to little creatures that live in shallow water and to all creatures that live in deep water.

English Standard Version
But anything in the seas or the rivers that does not have fins and scales, of the swarming creatures in the waters and of the living creatures that are in the waters, is detestable to you.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
But all in the seas or in the rivers that do not have fins and scales, all that move in the water or any living thing which is in the water, they are an abomination to you.

New American Standard Bible
But whatever is in the seas and in the rivers that does not have fins and scales among all the teeming life of the water, and among all the living creatures that are in the water, they are detestable things to you,

NASB 1995
‘But whatever is in the seas and in the rivers that does not have fins and scales among all the teeming life of the water, and among all the living creatures that are in the water, they are detestable things to you,

NASB 1977
‘But whatever is in the seas and in the rivers, that do not have fins and scales among all the teeming life of the water, and among all the living creatures that are in the water, they are detestable things to you,

Legacy Standard Bible
But whatever is in the seas and in the rivers that does not have fins and scales among all the swarming life of the water, and among all the living creatures that are in the water, they are detestable things to you,

Amplified Bible
but whatever does not have fins and scales in the seas and in the rivers, of all the teeming life in the waters, and of all the living creatures that are in the waters, they are [to be considered] detestable to you.

Christian Standard Bible
But these are to be abhorrent to you: everything in the seas or streams that does not have fins and scales among all the swarming things and other living creatures in the water.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But these are to be detestable to you: everything in the seas or streams that does not have fins and scales among all the swarming things and other living creatures in the water.

American Standard Version
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,

English Revised Version
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,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, you must consider all swarming creatures living in the seas or the streams that have no fins or scales disgusting.

Good News Translation
but anything living in the water that does not have fins and scales must not be eaten.

International Standard Version
But anything that doesn't have fins or scales—whether from the seas or the rivers—any of the swarming creatures and living creatures in the waters are detestable for you.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
But any creatures that do not have both fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the streams, from all the swarming things of the water and from all the living creatures that are in the water, are detestable to you.

New Heart English Bible
All that do not have 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 to you,

Webster's Bible Translation
And all that have not fins nor scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living animal which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination to you:

World English Bible
All that don’t have fins and scales in the seas and rivers, all that move in the waters, and all the living creatures that are in the waters, they are an abomination to you,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and anything that does not have fins and scales in the seas, and in the brooks, of any teeming creature of the waters, and of any creature which lives, which [is] in the waters—they [are] an abomination to you;

Young's Literal Translation
and any one that hath not fins and scales in the seas, and in the brooks, of any teeming creature of the waters, and of any creature which liveth, which is in the waters -- an abomination they are to you;

Smith's Literal Translation
And every one which to it is not a fin and scale in the seas and in the rivers, from all creeping in the water, and from every living soul which is in the water, they an abomination to you.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But whatsoever hath not fins and scales, of those things that move and live in the waters, shall be an abomination to you,

Catholic Public Domain Version
But whatever does not have fins and scales, of those things that live and move in the waters, shall be abominable to you,

New American Bible
But of the creatures that swarm in the water or of animals that otherwise live in the water, whether in the sea or in the rivers, all those that lack either fins or scales are loathsome for you,

New Revised Standard Version
But anything in the seas or the streams that does not have fins and scales, of the swarming creatures in the waters and among all the other living creatures that are in the waters—they are detestable to you
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But 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 that is in the waters, they are unclean to you;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And everything in the seas and in the rivers, among all creeping things of the waters and among every living soul that is in water, that does not have fins and scales, they are defiled to you:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that swarm in the waters, and of all the living creatures that are in the waters, they are a detestable thing unto you,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And all things which have not fins or scales in the water, or in the seas, and in the brooks, of all which the waters produce, and of every soul living in the water, are an abomination; and they shall be abominations to you.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Clean and Unclean Animals
9Of all the creatures that live in the water, whether in the seas or in the streams, you may eat anything with fins and scales. 10But 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. 11They shall be an abomination to you; you must not eat their meat, and you must detest their carcasses.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 14:9-10
Of all the creatures that live in the water, you may eat anything with fins and scales, / but you may not eat anything that does not have fins and scales; it is unclean for you.

Acts 10:12-15
It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air. / Then a voice said to him: “Get up, Peter, kill and eat!” / “No, Lord!” Peter answered. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” ...

Isaiah 66:17
“Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves—to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats—will perish together,” declares the LORD.

Mark 7:18-19
“Are you still so dull?” He asked. “Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, / because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated.” (Thus all foods are clean.)

Ezekiel 47:10-11
Fishermen will stand by the shore; from En-gedi to En-eglaim they will spread their nets to catch fish of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea. / But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt.

Matthew 15:11
A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”

Genesis 7:2
You are to take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate; a pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate;

Romans 14:14
I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.

1 Timothy 4:4-5
For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, / because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Genesis 1:21
So God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed according to their kinds, and every winged bird after its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Colossians 2:16-17
Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. / These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.

Genesis 9:3-4
Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things. / But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

Hosea 9:3
They will not remain in the land of the LORD; Ephraim will return to Egypt and eat unclean food in Assyria.

Acts 15:28-29
It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements: / You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.


Treasury of Scripture

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 to you:

they shall be

Leviticus 7:18
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
Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.

Psalm 139:21,22
Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? …

Jump to Previous
Abomination Animal Brooks Creature Creatures Detest Detestable Fins Life Move Moving Rivers Scales Sea Seas Streams Swarm Swarming Teeming Water Waters Whatever Whether
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Abomination Animal Brooks Creature Creatures Detest Detestable Fins Life Move Moving Rivers Scales Sea Seas Streams Swarm Swarming Teeming Water Waters Whatever Whether
Leviticus 11
1. What animals may be eaten
4. and what may not be eaten
9. What fishes
13. What fowls
29. The creeping things which are unclean














But anything in the seas or rivers
This phrase sets the geographical and environmental context for the dietary laws being discussed. The "seas" and "rivers" refer to all bodies of water, both saltwater and freshwater. In the ancient Near Eastern context, these bodies of water were sources of sustenance and life. The Hebrew word for "seas" is "yam," which often symbolizes chaos and the unknown in biblical literature. The "rivers," or "nahar" in Hebrew, were vital for agriculture and daily life, representing God's provision and blessing. This phrase indicates that God's laws encompass all aspects of creation, emphasizing His sovereignty over both the chaotic and the life-giving elements of the world.

that does not have fins and scales
The requirement for "fins and scales" is a specific criterion for determining clean and unclean aquatic creatures. The Hebrew words "snapir" (fins) and "qaskeset" (scales) are used here. Fins and scales are physical characteristics that distinguish certain fish, symbolizing discernment and separation. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a call for believers to exercise discernment in their choices, adhering to God's standards. The physical attributes of fins and scales can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual protection and guidance, much like how these features protect and guide fish in their aquatic environment.

among all the swarming things and other living creatures in the water
This phrase broadens the scope of the dietary law to include all "swarming things" and "living creatures" in the water. The Hebrew word "sherets" refers to small, rapidly moving creatures, often associated with impurity due to their chaotic and unpredictable nature. This highlights the importance of order and purity in God's creation. The phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of God's commandments, covering all forms of life in the water. It serves as a reminder of the need for holiness and separation from anything that defiles, reflecting God's call for His people to be distinct and set apart.

is detestable to you
The term "detestable" is translated from the Hebrew word "sheqets," which conveys a strong sense of revulsion and rejection. This word is often used in the context of idolatry and moral impurity, emphasizing the seriousness of adhering to God's standards. The use of "detestable" indicates that these dietary laws are not merely about physical health but are deeply connected to spiritual purity and obedience. It serves as a reminder that God's people are called to reject what is unclean and embrace holiness in all aspects of life. This phrase challenges believers to examine their own lives and ensure that they are not harboring anything that is spiritually detestable, encouraging a life of purity and devotion to God.

(10) Of all that move in the waters.--That is, apart from the fishes exhibiting the above-named signs, all other inhabitants of the water are forbidden. Hence all shell-fish, whether molluscs or crustaceans, and cetaceous animals, are unclean.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But the following
הֵ֖ם (hêm)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

among all
מִכֹּל֙ (mik·kōl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the teeming
שֶׁ֣רֶץ (še·reṣ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8318: A swarm, active mass of minute animals

life
הַחַיָּ֖ה (ha·ḥay·yāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

and creatures
נֶ֥פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

in the water
הַמַּ֔יִם (ham·ma·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

are detestable
שֶׁ֥קֶץ (še·qeṣ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8263: Detestation, detestable thing

to you:
לָכֶֽם׃ (lā·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

everything
וְכֹל֩ (wə·ḵōl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

in the seas
בַּיַּמִּים֙ (bay·yam·mîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

or streams
וּבַנְּחָלִ֔ים (ū·ḇan·nə·ḥā·lîm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5158: A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft

that
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

does not
אֵֽין־ (’ên-)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

have fins
סְנַפִּ֣יר (sə·nap·pîr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5579: A fin

and scales.
וְקַשְׂקֶ֗שֶׂת (wə·qaś·qe·śeṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7193: A scale, a coat of mail


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OT Law: Leviticus 11:10 All that don't have fins and scales (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 11:9
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