Definition: 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:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 11:10. It's a really important part of understanding how God sees us and our relationship with the natural world. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that anything living in water – whether it’s fish, birds, insects, or even seaweed – is considered an abomination to us. Let's unpack that a bit more: “And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers…” This part focuses on things in water. It's talking about creatures that don’t have fins or scales – like fish, ducks, frogs, insects, etc. These are things that live in water. “…of all that move in the waters…” This continues to emphasize the focus on living things in water. It’s not just any moving thing; it's anything that lives or travels within water. “And of any living thing which [is] in the waters…” This is a crucial part – it’s saying anything that is in water – regardless of its kind – is considered an abomination. This includes things like: Sea creatures: Fish, whales, dolphins, etc. River creatures: Alligators, turtles, snakes, frogs, insects, etc. Wet plants and vegetation: Kelp, seaweed, water lilies, etc. “[is] an abomination unto you” This is the key part! "Abomination" means something that is offensive or repulsive to us. It’s a strong word – it signifies something we don't want to come into contact with. What does this verse mean practically? It’s a direct message from God about our relationship with the world around us. God wants to keep humans separate from these creatures because they are seen as inherently dangerous or polluting. It reflects a sense of reverence and protection for life – recognizing that all living things have value and deserve respect. Why is this important in the Bible? It’s about God's holiness: The verse illustrates God’s perfect, unwavering standard of how we should treat creation. It's a boundary: It establishes a clear boundary between humans and the natural world – a reminder that we are not meant to dominate or exploit the earth. In short, Leviticus 11:10 is a powerful statement about God’s judgment and his desire to protect us from things that are inherently dangerous. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give examples of creatures that might be considered an abomination? Discuss the historical context of this passage?