Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the distinction between clean and unclean animals, including fish, is primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically within the Mosaic Law. This classification was significant for the Israelites as it dictated dietary laws and practices that were integral to maintaining ritual purity and obedience to God's commandments.Biblical References The primary scriptural reference for the distinction between clean and unclean fish is found in Leviticus 11:9-12 and Deuteronomy 14:9-10. According to these passages, the criteria for determining whether a fish is clean or unclean is based on physical characteristics: Leviticus 11:9-12 states: "These you may eat of all that are in the water: anything with fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers, you may eat. But anything in the seas or rivers that does not have fins and scales, among all the swarming things and all the other living creatures in the water, is detestable to you. They shall be an abomination to you; you must not eat their meat, and you must detest their carcasses. Everything in the water that does not have fins and scales shall be detestable to you." Deuteronomy 14:9-10 reiterates this command: "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." Clean Fish Fish that possess both fins and scales are considered clean and permissible for consumption. This includes a variety of species commonly found in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Examples of clean fish include salmon, trout, and cod, which have been traditionally accepted within the dietary practices of those adhering to biblical dietary laws. Unclean Fish Conversely, fish that lack either fins or scales are deemed unclean and are prohibited for consumption. This category includes a wide range of aquatic life such as catfish, eels, and shellfish like shrimp and lobster. These species, despite their prevalence in various culinary traditions, are considered unclean according to the biblical criteria. Theological Significance The distinction between clean and unclean fish, as with other dietary laws, served multiple purposes within the Israelite community. It was a means of setting the Israelites apart from surrounding nations, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people. Additionally, these laws were a constant reminder of the need for holiness and obedience to God's commands. While the New Testament, particularly in passages such as Acts 10 and Mark 7, presents a shift in the understanding of dietary laws for Christians, the Old Testament distinctions remain a significant aspect of biblical history and theology. They reflect the broader theme of purity and the call to live in accordance with divine instructions. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 11:9-12These shall you eat of all that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall you eat. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 14:9,10 Library The Distinction Between Clean and Unclean Animals in the Law ... Argument. --He First of all Asserts that the Law is Spiritual; and ... Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Against Jovinianus. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire A Canticle of Love Resources Are the miracles in the Bible to be taken literally? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.org Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | 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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