סְנַפִּיר (se.nap.pir)
se.nap.pir
fin
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word sēnap̄îr refers to the fin of a fish, appearing five times in the Old Testament. It is used almost exclusively within the dietary laws found in Leviticus and Deuterosis, where it helps define which aquatic creatures are considered clean for consumption.
In these legal texts, the presence or absence of fins is paired with scales to distinguish permitted fish from prohibited ones. The term describes a specific anatomical part essential for movement in water, serving as a clear, observable marker for Israelite communities to identify acceptable food sources according to the covenantal statutes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sēnapîr points to the fin of a fish, a small but vital part that allows water creatures to move through their environment. In the Old Testament, this term appears in the dietary laws given to Israel, where it helps distinguish clean animals from those that are not permitted for food. While these rules may seem distant from modern life, they reflect a broader principle of order and discernment.
For believers today, sēnapîr reminds us that God cares about the details of daily living, including what we eat. These laws were not just about health or hygiene but also about setting Israel apart as a holy people. By observing such distinctions, the Israelites practiced obedience in tangible ways, showing their trust in God’s wisdom even in ordinary matters.
Though Christians are no longer bound by these specific dietary restrictions, the underlying lesson remains: God invites us to live thoughtfully and intentionally. Whether in food choices or other areas of life, we can seek to honor Him with our decisions, trusting that He guides us toward what is good and right.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fin5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סְנַפִּ֥יר3×
- סְנַפִּ֨יר1×
- סְנַפִּ֣יר1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 11:9
“‘You may eat of all these that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, that you may eat.
This verse introduces the requirement for fins alongside scales as a marker of clean fish, establishing the standard for permissible seafood.
-
Leviticus 11:10
All that don’t have fins and scales in the seas and rivers, all that move in the waters, and all the living creatures that are in the waters, they are an abomination to you,
Here, the absence of fins and scales marks creatures as an abomination, highlighting the seriousness of adhering to God’s dietary laws.
-
Deuteronomy 14:9
These you may eat of all that are in the waters: you may eat whatever has fins and scales.
Reiterating the law, this verse emphasizes that only fish with both fins and scales are acceptable, reinforcing the importance of clear guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sēnapîr mean in the Bible?
Why are fins mentioned in Leviticus 11?
Do Christians need to follow these dietary laws today?
How does sēnapîr relate to other biblical words?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Leviticus 3 verses
“‘You may eat of all these that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the…
Leviticus 11:10All that don’t have fins and scales in the seas and rivers, all that move in the waters, and all the living creatures…
Leviticus 11:12Whatever has no fins nor scales in the waters is an abomination to you.