King James Version

What Does Leviticus 11:9 Mean?

Leviticus 11:9 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 11:9 · KJV


Context

7

And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted , yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אֶת1 of 16
H853

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

זֶה֙2 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃3 of 16

These shall ye eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מִכֹּ֖ל4 of 16
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 16
H834

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

בַּמַּ֗יִם6 of 16

in the waters

H4325

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

כֹּ֣ל7 of 16
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר8 of 16
H834

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

לוֹ֩9 of 16
H0
סְנַפִּ֨יר10 of 16

whatsoever hath fins

H5579

a fin (collectively)

וְקַשְׂקֶ֜שֶׂת11 of 16

and scales

H7193

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

בַּמַּ֗יִם12 of 16

in the waters

H4325

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

בַּיַּמִּ֛ים13 of 16

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

וּבַנְּחָלִ֖ים14 of 16

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)

אֹתָ֥ם15 of 16
H853

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

תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃16 of 16

These shall ye eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)


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 11:9 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 Leviticus 11:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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