Leviticus 11:10

Authorized King 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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכֹל֩
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
אֵֽין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#4
ל֜וֹ
H0
#5
סְנַפִּ֣יר
And all that have not fins
a fin (collectively)
#6
וְקַשְׂקֶ֗שֶׂת
and scales
a scale (of a fish); hence a coat of mail (as composed of or covered with jointed plates of metal)
#7
בַּיַּמִּים֙
in the seas
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
#8
וּבַנְּחָלִ֔ים
and in the rivers
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#9
מִכֹּל֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
שֶׁ֣רֶץ
of all that move
a swarm, i.e., active mass of minute animals
#11
בַּמָּ֑יִם
in the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#12
וּמִכֹּ֛ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
thing
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#14
הַֽחַיָּ֖ה
and of any living
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#15
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
בַּמָּ֑יִם
in the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#17
שֶׁ֥קֶץ
they shall be an abomination
filth, i.e., (figuratively and specifically) an idolatrous object
#18
הֵ֖ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#19
לָכֶֽם׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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