Topical Encyclopedia In the Holy Scriptures, the consumption of fish is addressed within the broader context of dietary laws and permissions granted by God to humanity. The Bible provides specific guidance on which types of fish are permissible for consumption, particularly in the Old Testament, where dietary laws are outlined for the Israelites.Biblical Foundation The initial permission for mankind to consume animal flesh, including fish, is found in Genesis 9:3, where God speaks to Noah after the flood: "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things." . This verse marks a significant moment where God expands the dietary options for humanity beyond the plant-based diet initially prescribed in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:29). Levitical Dietary Laws The most detailed instructions regarding the consumption of fish are found in the Levitical dietary laws. Leviticus 11:9-12 provides specific criteria for which aquatic creatures are considered clean and thus permissible to eat: "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 passage clearly delineates that only fish with both fins and scales are deemed clean and suitable for consumption. Deuteronomy's Reinforcement The book of Deuteronomy reiterates these dietary laws, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's commandments regarding clean and unclean foods. Deuteronomy 14:9-10 states: "Of all the creatures that live in the water, you may eat anything that has fins and scales, but you may not eat anything that does not have fins and scales; it is unclean for you." . This repetition underscores the significance of these dietary distinctions for the Israelites. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the dietary laws are revisited in light of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. While the specific laws regarding clean and unclean foods are not emphasized in the same way, the New Testament does not explicitly revoke the permission to eat fish. In fact, fish play a notable role in the ministry of Jesus. For instance, Jesus performs the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes to feed the multitudes (Matthew 14:17-21, Mark 6:38-44, Luke 9:13-17, John 6:9-13), and after His resurrection, He eats fish with His disciples (Luke 24:42-43, John 21:9-13). Symbolism and Tradition Fish also hold symbolic significance in Christian tradition, often representing Christ Himself. The Greek word for fish, "ichthys," is an acronym for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior." This symbol became an early Christian identifier, especially during times of persecution. In summary, the Bible provides clear guidelines regarding the consumption of fish, rooted in the Old Testament laws and carried through to the New Testament narrative. The permission to eat fish with fins and scales is a part of the broader dietary permissions granted by God, reflecting His provision and care for humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 9:2,3And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, and on every fowl of the air, on all that moves on the earth, and on all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of ... On Eating. On Clothes. The Food of the World Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... The Lad's Loaves in the Lord's Hands Out of St. Luke's Fifth ChapterAre Found Proofs of Christ's ... Christ Teaching Liberality The Power and Works of Christ are Proved from the Scriptures. St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles. 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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