Q&A: The "Proof" of Fins and Scales
The "Proof" of Fins and Scales
Question
Hello,
I wanted to ask what you think about one of the proofs that people who bring others to repentance often cite for the reliability of the Torah (including the Oral Torah): namely, that the Sages' knowledge that there is no fish anywhere in the world with scales but without fins points to non-human knowledge that was passed down by tradition, and shows that He gave us the Torah, since of course no person could have said such things—especially in those times…
I understand that this is not perfect and cannot demonstrate the entire reliability of the Torah scroll, but it is definitely impressive! And it is a point that strengthens the reliability of the Torah…
I would be happy to hear your opinion on the matter.
Thanks in advance.
Answer
I haven’t looked into the matter, but I know there are several challenges to this claim.
Discussion on Answer
What is illogical about a fish with scales but no fins?
It’s not a proof in any way, shape, or form.
It’s like if I were to write, "There does not exist in the world a species of animal that breathes through its hooves, and I’m willing to bet all my property on it"—would that make everything I say true?
Based on the observation and zoological knowledge of that period, the author of the Torah (according to their approach, of course; I believe with all my heart that the Torah is true) simply wrote according to what his eyes saw: there is no fish with scales and without fins.
Also, this is not something written explicitly in the Written Torah, but rather in the Oral Torah.