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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 11 - Verse 12

11:12
Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.

Meaning

In the book of Leviticus, Chapter 11, verse 10, the verse "Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you," is part of the dietary laws given to the Israelites by God. This verse specifically addresses which types of sea creatures are considered unclean and unfit for consumption. According to Jewish tradition, fish must have both fins and scales to be considered kosher, or acceptable for consumption. Fish that do not have both of these characteristics are considered unclean. The reasoning behind this dietary law is rooted in the belief that animals that are scavengers or bottom feeders, such as shellfish or catfish, may be more likely to carry disease or toxins. By following these dietary laws, the Israelites were not only obeying God's commandments, but they were also ensuring their own health and well-being. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's laws and the significance of maintaining physical and spiritual purity.

Theological Overview

In the book of Leviticus, this verse is part of the dietary laws given by God to the Israelites. The prohibition against eating fish without fins or scales was a way for God to distinguish clean and unclean animals for the people of Israel. The theological interpretation of this verse is that God wanted His people to be set apart from other nations, to be holy as He is holy. The principle behind this command is to teach obedience and discipline to the Israelites, as well as to remind them of the importance of following God's instructions. Additionally, some word studies reveal that the Hebrew word for "abomination" implies something detestable or loathsome in the sight of God, emphasizing the seriousness of following these dietary laws. While these laws are not binding for Christians today, they serve as a reminder of the importance of obedience and holiness in our relationship with God.

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