Topical Encyclopedia In the Holy Scriptures, the distinction between fishes and other forms of life is clearly articulated, particularly in the context of creation and dietary laws. The Bible recognizes fishes as a unique category of living creatures, distinct in their flesh from that of beasts and birds.Creation Account The Book of Genesis provides the foundational account of the creation of fishes. On the fifth day, God commanded the waters to teem with living creatures: "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 according to its kind. And God saw that it was good" (Genesis 1:21). This passage highlights the divine origin and the distinctiveness of aquatic life, including fishes, as part of God's orderly creation. Distinctive Flesh The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes the diversity of flesh among different creatures: "Not all flesh is the same: Men have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another, and fish another" (1 Corinthians 15:39). This verse underscores the unique nature of fish flesh, setting it apart from that of terrestrial animals and birds. The distinction serves as a metaphor for the resurrection body, illustrating the variety and specificity of God's creative work. Dietary Laws In the Mosaic Law, specific guidelines were given regarding the consumption of fish. Leviticus 11:9-12 outlines the criteria for clean and unclean aquatic creatures: "Of all the creatures that live in the water, whether in the seas or the streams, you may eat any that have fins and scales. But anything in the seas or streams that does not have fins and scales, among all the swarming things and other living creatures in the water, you are to regard as unclean" . This distinction between clean and unclean fish reflects the broader Levitical concern for holiness and separation, as well as the practical health considerations of the Israelite community. Symbolism and Miracles Fishes also hold symbolic significance in the New Testament, particularly in the ministry of Jesus Christ. The miraculous feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed a multitude (Matthew 14:17-21), demonstrates His divine authority and compassion. Additionally, the calling of the first disciples, many of whom were fishermen, is marked by the miraculous catch of fish, symbolizing their future role as "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). Conclusion Throughout the Bible, fishes are recognized as a distinct and significant part of God's creation. Their unique nature, as different in flesh from beasts, is acknowledged in both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a testament to the diversity and intentionality of God's creative work. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 15:39All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Even Unburied Bodies Will be Raised Again Whatever Befalls them ... From St. Paul's Analogy of the Seed we Learn that the Body which ... 1 Cor. xv. 35, 36 Prayers and Praise from a Pure Mind, Ceaselessly Offered, Far ... 1 Thessalonians iv. 13 Man's Place in the World. On the Words, and in one Holy Catholic Church, and in the ... Having Heard Faustus, the Most Learned Bishop of the Manich??ans ... John iii. 5 Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Resources How does the geologic timescale fit with the view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the key events in the life of Jesus Christ? (Part 2) | GotQuestions.org In what ways was Moses like Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Fishes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fishes of Men Ignorant of Future Events Fishes of the Whole Population of Egypt Fishes of Those Ensnared by the Wicked Fishes used As Food by the Egyptians Fishes used As Food by the Jews Fishes: (Bad) of Mere Professors Fishes: Cannot Live Without Water Fishes: Different in Flesh from Beasts Fishes: Distinction Between Clean and Unclean Fishes: Man Given Dominion Over Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Dressed on the Shore Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Immense Draughts of Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Multiplying a Few Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Procuring Tribute Money From Fishes: Mode of Cooking Alluded To Fishes: No Likeness of, to be Made for Worship Fishes: Sold Near the Fish Gate at Jerusalem Fishes: Solomon Wrote the History of Fishes: Taken With: Often Suffered for Man's Sin Fishes: The People of Tyre Traded In Related Terms |
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