The New King James Version, like other translations of the Bible, identifies certain sea creatures as "unclean" and therefore not to be eaten. Here's the relevant passage:
* Leviticus 11:9-12 (NKJV): "'These you may eat of all that are in the water: whatever in the water has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers—that you may eat. But all that have not fins and scales in the seas or in the rivers, all that move in the water or any living thing which is in the water, they are an abomination to you. They shall be an abomination to you; you shall not eat their flesh, but you shall regard them as an abomination. Whatever in the water does not have fins or scales—that is an abomination to you."
Crustaceans like shrimp, crab, lobster, and crayfish do not have both fins and scales. Therefore, according to this passage in Leviticus, they are considered an "abomination" and should not be eaten.
Important Considerations:
* Old Testament vs. New Testament: Some Christians believe that the dietary laws in Leviticus were specifically for the nation of Israel under the Old Covenant and are no longer binding on Christians under the New Covenant. They might cite verses such as Mark 7:19, where Jesus declares all foods clean, or Romans 14:14, where Paul states that nothing is unclean of itself.
* Interpretations Vary: Even among Christians who acknowledge the Old Testament's dietary laws, there can be different interpretations of their relevance today. Some may view them as guidelines for health, while others may see them as symbolic or no longer applicable.
* Personal Conviction: Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to eat crustaceans is often a matter of personal conviction and interpretation of scripture.
In conclusion, the New King James Version explicitly prohibits eating creatures without fins and scales, which would include crustaceans. However, the application of this prohibition to modern-day Christians is a matter of ongoing debate and individual interpretation.