Clean Animals and Unclean Animals in the Bible

In the Bible, God gives clear rules about which animals His people could eat and which ones they should avoid. These rules about clean animals and unclean animals in the Bible are found mainly in the Old Testament, especially in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. They were important for the Israelites, showing them how to live holy lives and stay close to God. Today, these teachings still matter to many Christians who want to understand God’s Word and apply its lessons. This article will explain what clean and unclean animals are, why God made these rules, and how they connect to our spiritual lives. Whether you’re new to the Bible or seeking deeper understanding, let’s look at this topic with a heart open to God’s guidance.

What Are Clean and Unclean Animals in the Bible?

The Bible uses the terms “clean” and “unclean” to describe animals that God allowed or forbade His people to eat. These rules are part of the laws given to Moses for the Israelites, found in Leviticus 11:1-47 (NIV) and Deuteronomy 14:3-21 (ESV). Clean animals were those God said were good for food or for sacrifices, while unclean animals were not to be eaten or used in worship. This was not just about diet but about living in a way that honored God’s holiness.

For example, Leviticus 11:3 (NIV) says, “You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud.” This includes animals like cows, sheep, and goats. Unclean animals, like pigs or camels, did not meet these standards. God’s rules helped the Israelites stay set apart as His chosen people. The spiritual meaning was to teach them to choose what is pure and avoid what is not pleasing to God.

Why Did God Make Rules About Clean and Unclean Animals?

God’s rules about clean and unclean animals were not random. They had a purpose: to guide the Israelites in holiness and obedience. In Leviticus 11:44-45 (ESV), God says, “Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy… I am the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God.” These laws reminded the Israelites that God is holy, and they should reflect His purity in their daily lives, including what they ate.

Scholars like Matthew Henry, in his Bible commentary, explain that these dietary laws were a way to teach discipline and trust in God. By following these rules, the Israelites showed their faith in God’s wisdom, even when they didn’t fully understand it. The laws also set them apart from other nations, who often ate anything without restriction. For us today, these rules can remind us to make choices that honor God in every part of our lives.

Clean Animals in the Bible and Their Characteristics

Clean animals in the Bible were those God approved for eating or for use in sacrifices. Leviticus 11 gives clear guidelines for identifying them. Here are the main types of clean animals:

• Land animals: They must have a split hoof and chew the cud. Examples include cows, sheep, goats, and deer (Leviticus 11:3, KJV).
• Sea creatures: They must have fins and scales. Fish like salmon or tuna are clean, but shellfish like shrimp or crabs are unclean (Leviticus 11:9-12, NIV).
• Birds: Most birds were clean, except for those listed as unclean, like eagles, vultures, or owls (Leviticus 11:13-19, ESV).
• Insects: Certain insects, like locusts or grasshoppers, were clean, but most creeping things were not (Leviticus 11:21-22, NIV).

These rules helped the Israelites know exactly what God allowed. For example, a cow was clean because it chews its cud and has split hooves, but a pig was unclean because it doesn’t chew cud, even though it has split hooves. These guidelines were practical but also carried spiritual meaning, encouraging God’s people to choose purity.

Unclean Animals in the Bible and Their Significance

Unclean animals were those God told His people not to eat or touch. Leviticus 11:7-8 (NIV) says, “And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses.” Other unclean animals included camels, rabbits, eagles, and shellfish. Touching their dead bodies could make a person ritually unclean, requiring cleansing rituals (Leviticus 11:24-28, ESV).

Why were these animals unclean? Some scholars, like John Gill in his commentary, suggest that unclean animals often represented habits or traits God wanted His people to avoid. For example, pigs were seen as dirty because they ate anything, even garbage. By avoiding unclean animals, the Israelites learned to stay away from spiritual impurity. Today, these laws can teach us to be careful about what we allow into our hearts and minds.

How Clean and Unclean Animals Relate to Spiritual Purity

The rules about clean and unclean animals were not just about food—they pointed to a deeper spiritual truth. God wanted His people to be holy, set apart for Him. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV), we read, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” The dietary laws were a daily reminder to choose what aligns with God’s will.

For example, think of a shepherd choosing only the best lambs for sacrifice. This act showed care and devotion to God. In the same way, choosing clean animals was a way to show love and obedience. For Christians today, this can mean choosing thoughts, actions, and habits that honor God. Just as the Israelites avoided unclean animals, we can avoid things like gossip, anger, or dishonesty that pull us away from God.

Clean Animals	Unclean Animals	Spiritual Lesson
Cow, sheep, goat	Pig, camel, rabbit	Choose purity and obedience to God.
Fish with scales	Shellfish, eel	Stay aligned with God’s standards.
Dove, quail	Eagle, vulture	Avoid what harms your spiritual walk.

The Role of Clean and Unclean Animals in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the rules about clean and unclean animals change. In Acts 10:9-16 (ESV), Peter has a vision where God shows him a sheet full of animals, both clean and unclean, and says, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This vision was about more than food—it showed that God’s salvation was for all people, not just the Jews.

Jesus also spoke about purity in Mark 7:18-19 (NIV), saying, “Nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them… because it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach.” Many Christians believe this means the Old Testament food laws no longer apply, as faith in Jesus fulfills the law. However, some Christians still follow these rules as a way to honor God’s original design. The key lesson is that true purity comes from a heart devoted to God.

Practical Applications of Clean and Unclean Animals Today

How can we apply the idea of clean and unclean animals to our lives today? While many Christians don’t follow the Old Testament food laws, the principles behind them are timeless. Here are some ways to live out these lessons:

• Choose what honors God: Just as the Israelites chose clean animals, we can choose habits, media, and relationships that reflect God’s values.
• Guard your heart: Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Avoid things that make your heart impure, like harmful entertainment or negative influences.
• Trust God’s wisdom: Even if we don’t understand all of God’s rules, we can trust that His ways are best, just as the Israelites trusted His food laws.

For example, imagine you’re choosing what to watch on TV. Picking a show that uplifts your spirit is like choosing a “clean” animal, while a show full of negativity might be “unclean” for your soul. These choices help us grow closer to God.

Common Questions About Clean and Unclean Animals

Readers often have questions about this topic. Here are some common ones with simple answers:

• Why did God call some animals unclean? God used these rules to teach His people about holiness and to set them apart from other nations. Unclean animals might also have been less healthy to eat in ancient times.
• Do Christians have to follow these rules today? Many Christians believe Jesus fulfilled these laws, as seen in Acts 10:15 (NIV). However, some choose to follow them for health or spiritual reasons.
• What can we learn from these laws? They remind us to make choices that keep us close to God and to trust His guidance in every part of life.

These answers address the needs of readers seeking clarity and show how the Bible’s teachings apply today.

Conclusion

The Bible’s rules about clean animals and unclean animals were more than just dietary guidelines—they were a way for God’s people to live holy lives. By following these laws, the Israelites showed their trust in God and their desire to be set apart for Him. Today, while many Christians no longer follow these food rules, the lessons of purity, obedience, and trust still apply. We can honor God by choosing what is good and pure in our thoughts, actions, and habits. Take a moment to reflect: Are there “unclean” things in your life that you need to let go of? Pray and ask God to guide you in making choices that bring you closer to Him.

References:

• Bible Gateway: www.biblegateway.com
• Matthew Henry Commentary: www.biblestudytools.com
• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible: www.biblestudytools.com