Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "fin" does not appear directly in the text. However, fins are indirectly referenced in the dietary laws given to the Israelites, particularly in the context of distinguishing clean and unclean animals. The concept of fins is primarily associated with aquatic creatures and is significant in understanding the dietary restrictions outlined in the Mosaic Law.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 11:9-12 : The passage in Leviticus provides specific instructions regarding which aquatic animals are considered clean and permissible to eat. It states: "Of all the creatures that live in the water, whether in the seas or the streams, you may eat any that have fins and scales. But anything in the seas or streams that does not have fins and scales, among all the swarming things and other living creatures in the water, you are to regard as unclean. They shall be an abomination to you; you must not eat their meat, and you must detest their carcasses. Everything in the water that does not have fins and scales shall be detestable to you." 2. Deuteronomy 14:9-10 : This passage reiterates the dietary laws concerning aquatic life: "Of all the creatures that live in the water, you may eat anything with fins and scales, but you may not eat anything that does not have fins and scales; it is unclean for you." Theological Significance: The requirement for aquatic creatures to have both fins and scales to be considered clean is part of the broader Levitical code, which aimed to set the Israelites apart as a holy people. The distinction between clean and unclean animals served not only dietary purposes but also symbolized spiritual and moral purity. The emphasis on fins and scales can be seen as a call to discernment and obedience to God's commandments. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, dietary laws were a significant aspect of daily life and religious practice. The distinction between clean and unclean animals was a constant reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God. The requirement for fins and scales likely had practical health benefits, as fish with these characteristics are generally less likely to carry parasites and other health risks compared to other aquatic creatures. Symbolic Interpretation: From a symbolic perspective, fins and scales can represent the need for spiritual protection and guidance. Just as fins help fish navigate through water, believers are called to navigate through life with the guidance of God's Word. Scales, providing protection, can symbolize the armor of faith that guards against spiritual dangers. Application for Believers: While the specific dietary laws of the Old Testament are not binding on Christians under the New Covenant, the principles of discernment, holiness, and obedience remain relevant. Believers are encouraged to seek spiritual purity and to live lives that reflect their commitment to God, drawing from the lessons of the Old Testament to inform their faith journey. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To carve or cut up, as a chub.2. (n.) End; conclusion; object. 3. (n.) An organ of a fish, consisting of a membrane supported by rays, or little bony or cartilaginous ossicles, and serving to balance and propel it in the water. 4. (n.) A membranous, finlike, swimming organ, as in pteropod and heteropod mollusks. 5. (n.) A finlike organ or attachment; a part of an object or product which protrudes like a fin 6. (n.) The hand. 7. (n.) A blade of whalebone. 8. (n.) A mark or ridge left on a casting at the junction of the parts of a mold. 9. (n.) The thin sheet of metal squeezed out between the collars of the rolls in the process of rolling. 10. (n.) A feather; a spline. 11. (n.) A finlike appendage, as to submarine boats. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FINSee FISH. Strong's Hebrew 5579. senappir -- a fin... a fin. Transliteration: senappir Phonetic Spelling: (sen-ap-peer') Short Definition: fins. ... fins. Of uncertain derivation; a fin (collectively) -- fins. ... /hebrew/5579.htm - 5k Library Derivative Doctrines. Grace and the Means of Grace; the Christian ... Conduct of the Arians Towards the Nicene Council. Ignorant as Well ... Preface. Introduction to the Treatise De Decretis or Defence of the Nicene Definition Four Discourses against the Arians. Subject Continued. Objection, that the Son's Eternity Makes Him ... Fundamental Ideas of Man and his Redemption. The Historia Acephala. Council of Nic??a. Thesaurus Fin... 5. (n.) A finlike organ or attachment; a part of an object or product which protrudes like a fin. 6. (n.) The hand. 7. (n.) A blade of whalebone. ...FIN. See FISH. ... /f/fin.htm - 7k Fining (2 Occurrences) Phinehas (24 Occurrences) Infinitude Infinite (8 Occurrences) Finer (1 Occurrence) Finger (35 Occurrences) Refining (8 Occurrences) Refiner (10 Occurrences) Final (16 Occurrences) Resources Are mermaids mentioned in the Bible? Do mermaids exist? | GotQuestions.orgFin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |