Old Testament

Leviticus 11:10

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Leviticus 11:10, God provides dietary laws for the Israelites, specifically regarding what types of seafood are permissible to eat.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

But anything in the seas or rivers that does not have fins and scales — every creature that swarms or lives in the water — you must treat as disgusting and forbidden.

KJVKing James Version

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:

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Leviticus 11:10, God provides dietary laws for the Israelites, specifically regarding what types of seafood are permissible to eat. The verse states that any aquatic creature without fins and scales is considered unclean and should not be consumed. This includes various types of fish and other sea creatures that do not meet these criteria. The distinction between clean and unclean animals serves to set the Israelites apart from other nations and emphasizes the importance of holiness and obedience to God's commands. The dietary laws reflect a broader theme of purity and the need for the Israelites to maintain a lifestyle that honors God. By adhering to these regulations, the Israelites demonstrate their commitment to following God's will and living in a way that is distinct from surrounding cultures.

How to apply Leviticus 11:10 to your life

Understanding these dietary laws can help us reflect on our own choices and the importance of living a life that honors our values. While we may not follow these specific rules today, the principle of making thoughtful and respectful choices about what we consume remains relevant.

Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Leviticus 11:10 say about seafood?

Leviticus 11:10 states that any aquatic creature that does not have fins and scales is considered unclean and should not be eaten. This includes various sea creatures like shellfish and certain types of fish that do not meet these criteria. The verse emphasizes dietary laws that set the Israelites apart and highlight the importance of holiness in their lifestyle.

Why are fins and scales important in Leviticus 11:10?

Fins and scales are significant in Leviticus 11:10 because they serve as criteria for determining which seafood is clean and permissible for the Israelites to eat. This distinction reflects God's desire for His people to maintain purity and obedience to His commands, reinforcing their cultural identity and commitment to holiness.

How do the dietary laws in Leviticus apply today?

While many Christians do not follow the specific dietary laws outlined in Leviticus, the underlying principle of making thoughtful and respectful choices about what we consume remains relevant. These laws encourage reflection on our values and the importance of living a life that honors our beliefs, promoting a lifestyle of intentionality and respect.

What is the cultural significance of the dietary laws in Leviticus?

The dietary laws in Leviticus, including those in 11:10, serve to distinguish the Israelites from surrounding nations. By adhering to these regulations, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to God's commands and their unique identity as His chosen people. This cultural distinction emphasized the importance of holiness and obedience in their relationship with God.

The Book of Leviticus
Book Summary

The Book of Leviticus

Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering

The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.

Premium

Unlock the full Leviticus summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Leviticus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 27 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Leviticus summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.