Leviticus 11:9

Shilluk DC Bible © Bible Society in South Sudan, 2011

“Cɑmu rëny-ɑ ree di ótùn, o köme dɑ kwɑ́j kì kelli rijji nɑm.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Leviticus tells us that we can eat fish that have fins and scales, whether they come from the sea, rivers, or other bodies of water. God is giving instructions to the Israelites about what kinds of fish are clean and acceptable to eat. The key message is about dietary laws and cleanliness.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're at a fish market, and you want to know which fish are safe to eat. The rule is simple: if a fish has fins and scales, it's okay to eat. It's like a game where you check if the fish has these two things, and if it does, you can enjoy it!

Historical Background

The book of Leviticus was written by Moses around 1400 BC. It contains God's instructions to the Israelites, particularly about cleanliness and what is acceptable to eat. The dietary laws were part of a broader set of laws meant to keep the Israelites distinct and holy.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse can remind us of the importance of following guidelines and standards. For instance, if you're on a special diet or trying to eat healthily, you might have your own rules about what to eat, similar to the rules about fish here.

Topics

• dietary laws
• holiness
• Israelites
• fish
• cleanliness
• guidelines

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 14:9
• Genesis 9:3
• Mark 7:19
• Acts 10:13
• Romans 14:14

Recommended Reading

Commentary Leviticus Commentaries → Get This Bible Shilluk DC Bible © Bible Society in South Sudan, Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Bible specify fins and scales for fish?

The Bible specifies fins and scales as a way to distinguish between clean and unclean fish. This was part of the broader set of dietary laws given to the Israelites to maintain their holiness and cleanliness.

Do Christians today still follow these dietary laws?

Many Christians today do not strictly follow these dietary laws, as the New Testament emphasizes that all foods are clean. However, understanding these laws can provide insight into the cultural and religious practices of the time.

What other animals are considered clean according to the Bible?

The Bible specifies other clean animals in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, including certain mammals and birds that meet specific criteria, such as having a split hoof and chewing the cud.

How do these dietary laws relate to cleanliness?

These laws were part of a broader set of rules designed to maintain physical and spiritual cleanliness. Eating only certain types of animals was seen as a way to keep the community healthy and distinct from other cultures.