King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:9 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:9 in the King James Version says “These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat:” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat:”

Deuteronomy 14:9 · KJV

Context

7

Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you.

8

And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.

9

These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat:

10

And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it is unclean unto you.

11

Of all clean birds ye shall eat.

Read Deuteronomy 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat. The aquatic creatures follow different criteria than land animals. Clean fish must have both fins and scales - again, both features required, not one or the other.

Fins enable directed movement through water; scales provide protective covering. Spiritually, these might represent ability to navigate life's currents while maintaining protective boundaries. The dual requirement reinforces the principle that external protection and internal navigation must work together.

This simple classification made field identification straightforward. Israelite fishermen could quickly determine which catch was permissible without requiring detailed species knowledge. God's practical wisdom shines through - laws designed for actual implementation in daily life.

The marine dietary laws, like land animal laws, distinguished Israel from coastal and riverside peoples who ate shellfish, eels, and other non-scaled creatures. Every meal reinforced covenant identity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Galilee, and Jordan River provided abundant fish for Israel. The fin-and-scale requirement permitted most common fish while excluding shellfish, crustaceans, eels, and other creatures.

Fishing formed important industry in first-century Galilee. Jesus called fishermen as disciples, and fish became symbolic in early Christianity, though dietary restrictions had been removed.

Reflection Questions

  1. What might fins and scales symbolize spiritually about navigating life while maintaining boundaries?
  2. How did marine dietary laws practically affect Israel's fishing economy?
  3. Why is it significant that God's laws were designed for practical daily implementation?
  4. What does the inclusion of fish in the clean category reveal about God's generous provision?
  5. How did removal of these restrictions in the New Covenant affect gospel expansion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אֶת1 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

זֶה֙2 of 12
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃3 of 12

“These ye shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מִכֹּ֖ל4 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בַּמָּ֑יִם6 of 12

“of all that are in the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

כֹּ֧ל7 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר8 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ל֛וֹ9 of 12
H0
סְנַפִּ֥יר10 of 12

“all that have fins”

H5579

a fin (collectively)

וְקַשְׂקֶ֖שֶׂת11 of 12

“and scales”

H7193

a scale (of a fish); hence a coat of mail (as composed of or covered with jointed plates of metal)

תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃12 of 12

“These ye shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 14:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 14:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 11:9-12

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 14 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes