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 11:9KJV
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Leviticus 11:9 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 11:9 mean?

Leviticus 11:9 sets out a rule for the Israelites about which water creatures they are allowed to eat: only those that have both fins and scales, whether they live in the sea or in rivers, are permitted as food. This verse is part of a larger section where God gives Moses and Aaron instructions about clean and unclean animals.

In this verse, God is speaking to the people of Israel through Moses and Aaron, giving them guidelines for what is considered acceptable to eat from the waters. The focus is on clear, physical features—fins and scales—as the deciding factors. This instruction is part of the broader laws about ritual purity and daily living for the Israelites as they form their identity as a distinct people.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 11:9

  • "eat" (אָכַל, akhal): This word means to consume or eat, and its repetition in the verse emphasizes that the instruction is specifically about what is permitted for food, not just contact.
  • "waters" (מַיִם, mayim): Used twice in the verse, this word covers all bodies of water—seas, rivers, and by extension, lakes and streams—broadening the scope of the rule.
  • "fins" (סְנַפִּיר, snapir) and "scales" (קַשְׂקֶשֶׂת, qasqeset): These are concrete, visible features. The verse does not leave room for interpretation based on habitat or behavior; only physical traits matter.

Why Leviticus 11:9 matters

  • Leviticus 11:9 clarifies that not all water creatures are considered clean—only those with both fins and scales—so creatures like shellfish or eels are excluded.
  • The verse connects to the surrounding passage, which lays out a detailed system of dietary laws that set Israel apart from neighboring peoples.
  • By focusing on visible characteristics, the law is made practical and easy to follow, reducing confusion about what is allowed.

Where else these words appear

“fins” Hebrew H5579 · used in 5 verses

  • Leviticus 11:10 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:
  • Leviticus 11:12 Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.
  • Deuteronomy 14:9 These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat:

“scales” Hebrew H7193 · used in 7 verses

  • Leviticus 11:10 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:
  • Deuteronomy 14:9 These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat:
  • 1 Samuel 17:5 And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.

“rivers” Hebrew H5158 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Judges 5:21 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
  • Job 28:4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.