King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:10 Mean?

Leviticus 11:10 in the King James Version says “And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living ... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:

Leviticus 11:10 · KJV


Context

8

Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.

9

These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.

10

And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:

11

They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.

12

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:

This verse falls within the section on Clean and Unclean Animals. Dietary laws distinguishing clean from unclean animals, teaching Israel holiness and separation from pagan practices.


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Dietary laws distinguishing clean from unclean animals, teaching Israel holiness and separation from pagan practices. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְכֹל֩1 of 19
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר2 of 19
H834

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

אֵֽין3 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

ל֜וֹ4 of 19
H0
סְנַפִּ֣יר5 of 19

And all that have not fins

H5579

a fin (collectively)

וְקַשְׂקֶ֗שֶׂת6 of 19

and scales

H7193

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

בַּיַּמִּים֙7 of 19

in the seas

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וּבַנְּחָלִ֔ים8 of 19

and in the rivers

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

מִכֹּל֙9 of 19
H3605

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

שֶׁ֣רֶץ10 of 19

of all that move

H8318

a swarm, i.e., active mass of minute animals

בַּמָּ֑יִם11 of 19

in the waters

H4325

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

וּמִכֹּ֛ל12 of 19
H3605

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

נֶ֥פֶשׁ13 of 19

thing

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הַֽחַיָּ֖ה14 of 19

and of any living

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

אֲשֶׁ֣ר15 of 19
H834

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

בַּמָּ֑יִם16 of 19

in the waters

H4325

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

שֶׁ֥קֶץ17 of 19

they shall be an abomination

H8263

filth, i.e., (figuratively and specifically) an idolatrous object

הֵ֖ם18 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לָכֶֽם׃19 of 19
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Leviticus 11:10 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 Leviticus 11:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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