Leviticus 11:9

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
זֶה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#3
תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃
These shall ye eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#4
מִכֹּ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
בַּמַּ֗יִם
in the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#7
כֹּ֣ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
לוֹ֩
H0
#10
סְנַפִּ֨יר
whatsoever hath fins
a fin (collectively)
#11
וְקַשְׂקֶ֜שֶׂת
and scales
a scale (of a fish); hence a coat of mail (as composed of or covered with jointed plates of metal)
#12
בַּמַּ֗יִם
in the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#13
בַּיַּמִּ֛ים
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
#14
וּבַנְּחָלִ֖ים
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)
#15
אֹתָ֥ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃
These shall ye eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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