Keraia
Leviticus 11

Leviticus 11:12

Clean and Unclean Animals · Leviticus 11:1–47
Read Leviticus 11

Translations

Modern
Everything in the water that does not have fins and scales shall be detestable to you.
Traditional
Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.
Literal
All that does not have fin and scale in the waters—it is an abomination to you.
Latin
Cuncta quæ non habent pinnulas et squamas in aquis, polluta erunt.

Original

Hebrew
English
Everything in the water that does not have fins and scales shall be detestable to you.

Notes

Leviticus 11:1–15:33

These chapters explain the rules about purity. Mixing different types of animals was forbidden (see Deuteronomy 22:9–11). This is because it opposed God's natural order. Creatures like fish without fins and scales, meat-eating animals, crawling insects, and animals without split hooves were considered "abnormal." They crossed the boundaries between "normal" types and were not suitable for food or offerings (see also Deuteronomy 14:1–21). The dietary laws intended to set Israel apart as a holy people from other nations (Leviticus 11:44–45).

Parallels

Deuteronomy 14:1–21 Acts 10:9–16

Glossary

Abomination Animals Biblical Concept of Law Buzzard Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Deuteronomy, Book of Dietary Laws Fish Food and Food Preparation Gospel of Matthew History of Israel Law of Moses Leviticus, Book of Lizard Medicine and Medical Practice

Topics

Fish: Clean and Unclean Fishes: Distinction Between Clean and Unclean Food: Things Prohibited As Food Sanitation: Food