Leviticus 11:12
New International Version
Anything living in the water that does not have fins and scales is to be regarded as unclean by you.

New Living Translation
Any marine animal that does not have both fins and scales is detestable to you.

English Standard Version
Everything in the waters that does not have fins and scales is detestable to you.

Berean Standard Bible
Everything in the water that does not have fins and scales shall be detestable to you.

King James Bible
Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.

New King James Version
Whatever in the water does not have fins or scales—that shall be an abomination to you.

New American Standard Bible
Whatever in the water does not have fins and scales is detestable to you.

NASB 1995
‘Whatever in the water does not have fins and scales is abhorrent to you.

NASB 1977
‘Whatever in the water does not have fins and scales is abhorrent to you.

Legacy Standard Bible
Whatever in the water does not have fins and scales is detestable to you.

Amplified Bible
Everything in the water that does not have fins and scales is detestable to you.

Christian Standard Bible
Everything in the water that does not have fins and scales will be abhorrent to you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Everything in the water that does not have fins and scales will be detestable to you.”

American Standard Version
Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that is an abomination unto you.

English Revised Version
Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that is an abomination unto you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Every creature in the water without fins or scales is disgusting to you.

Good News Translation
You must not eat anything that lives in the water and does not have fins and scales.

International Standard Version
Anything that doesn't have fins or scales in the waters is a detestable thing for you."

Majority Standard Bible
Everything in the water that does not have fins and scales shall be detestable to you.

NET Bible
Any creature in the water that does not have both fins and scales is detestable to you.

New Heart English Bible
Whatever has no fins nor scales in the waters, that is an abomination to you.

Webster's Bible Translation
Whatever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination to you.

World English Bible
Whatever has no fins nor scales in the waters is an abomination to you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Anything that does not have fins and scales in the waters—it [is] an abomination to you.

Young's Literal Translation
Any one that hath not fins and scales in the waters -- an abomination it is to you.

Smith's Literal Translation
Every one which is not to it a fin and scale in the water, this is abomination to you.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
All that have not fins and scales, in the waters, shall be unclean.

Catholic Public Domain Version
All that does not have fins and scales in the waters shall be polluted.

New American Bible
Every water creature that lacks fins or scales is loathsome for you.

New Revised Standard Version
Everything in the waters that does not have fins and scales is detestable to you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Whatever has no fins nor scales in the waters is unclean to you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And everything in water that does not have fins or scales is defiled to you.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that is a detestable thing unto you.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And all things that have not fins or scales of those that are in the waters, these are an abomination to you.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Clean and Unclean Animals
11They shall be an abomination to you; you must not eat their meat, and you must detest their carcasses. 12Everything in the water that does not have fins and scales shall be detestable to you. 13Additionally, you are to detest the following birds, and they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture,…

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.” ...

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.)

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.

Ezekiel 4:14
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”

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.

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

1 Corinthians 10:25-26
Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, / for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”

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.

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.

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.

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

Daniel 1:8
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself.


Treasury of Scripture

Whatever has no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination to you.

no references listed for this verse.

Jump to Previous
Abhorrent Abomination Detestable Disgusting Fins Parts Plates Scales Skin Special Swimming Thin Water Waters Whatever Whatsoever
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Abhorrent Abomination Detestable Disgusting Fins Parts Plates Scales Skin Special Swimming Thin Water Waters Whatever Whatsoever
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














Everything in the water
This phrase refers to all aquatic life, encompassing both freshwater and saltwater environments. In the ancient Near East, water bodies were abundant, and the Israelites would have been familiar with a variety of aquatic creatures. The waters were seen as a source of life and sustenance, but also as places of chaos and danger, reflecting the dual nature of water in biblical symbolism.

that does not have fins and scales
Fins and scales are specific characteristics that define clean fish according to Levitical law. This distinction is part of the broader dietary laws given to the Israelites, which served to set them apart from other nations. The requirement for fins and scales may symbolize the need for discernment and separation from unclean influences. In a spiritual sense, it can be seen as a call to purity and holiness, aligning with the broader biblical theme of being set apart for God.

shall be detestable to you
The term "detestable" indicates a strong aversion, suggesting that consuming such creatures was not merely discouraged but was an abomination. This reflects the seriousness with which God viewed the observance of His laws. The dietary restrictions served as a daily reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. In the New Testament, Peter's vision in Acts 10 challenges these dietary laws, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith and the breaking down of barriers between clean and unclean.

This verse, like many in Leviticus, underscores the importance of obedience and the call to holiness. It also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of the law in Jesus Christ, who declared all foods clean (Mark 7:18-19) and emphasized the purity of the heart over ritualistic observance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the dietary laws were given as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where Moses received the Law from God, including the dietary laws found in Leviticus.

4. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites were journeying when these laws were given, emphasizing their need for guidance and distinction from other nations.

5. The Promised Land
The ultimate destination for the Israelites, where these laws would help them maintain holiness and separation from pagan practices.
Teaching Points
Holiness and Distinction
The dietary laws were given to set the Israelites apart as God's holy people. Today, believers are called to live distinct lives that reflect God's holiness.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were to obey these laws as an act of faith and trust in God's wisdom. Similarly, Christians are called to obey God's Word, trusting in His perfect plan.

Symbolism of Purity
The distinction between clean and unclean animals symbolizes the need for spiritual purity. Believers are encouraged to pursue purity in their thoughts, actions, and relationships.

Cultural and Spiritual Identity
The dietary laws helped shape the cultural and spiritual identity of the Israelites. Christians are to find their identity in Christ, living in a way that honors Him.

Freedom in Christ
While the Old Testament laws served a purpose, believers now have freedom in Christ. This freedom should be exercised responsibly, always considering the impact on others and the glory of God.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Everything
כֹּ֣ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

in the water
בַּמָּ֑יִם (bam·mā·yim)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

that
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’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
סְנַפִּ֥יר (sə·nap·pîr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5579: A fin

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

shall be 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


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OT Law: Leviticus 11:12 Whatever has no fins nor scales (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 11:11
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