dietary laws: Clean - Unclean

The concept of clean and unclean foods in the Bible originates in the Old Testament, first appearing in Genesis 7:2, when Noah is instructed to take both clean and unclean animals onto the ark—long before the laws of Moses. It is later detailed in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, where God outlines which animals are considered clean (permissible to eat) and unclean (not to be eaten). These dietary laws were given to the Israelites not only as a test of obedience, but also for their health and well-being, even if they didn’t fully understand the biological reasons at the time. Today, modern science confirms that many of the animals labeled "unclean"—such as pork, shellfish, and scavengers—are more likely to carry diseases, toxins, or parasites, especially in ancient or unsanitary conditions, validating the wisdom of these dietary instructions.

Beyond physical health, the clean/unclean food laws also train us to discern what is truly food. Just because something is edible doesn't mean it's beneficial or intended for us to consume. Cultural perceptions of food vary—what one society considers a delicacy, another sees as inedible or even offensive. For example, while some cultures eat cats or insects, others do not even recognize them as food. The biblical food laws help reframe our thinking: food is not just what can go into our mouths, but what God has defined as good for us. These laws remind us that not everything that’s consumable is meant for consumption, and that learning to see food the way God defines it trains both our bodies and our hearts toward wisdom, self-control, and reverence for His design.

Instruction: Leviticus 3:17 (CJB)

It is to be a permanent regulation through all your generations wherever you live that you will eat neither fat nor blood.’” 

Additional verses:

•  Leviticus 11:1–4
• Deuteronomy 14:3–21 7 

Land animals: (must chew the cud, must have split hoof

• Ox / Cattle
• Sheep
• Goat
• Deer
• Antelope
• Gazelle
• Ibex
• Mountain goat
• Wild goat

Sea creatures: (must have fins and scales)

• Salmon
• Trout
• Cod
• Tuna (depending on species and interpretation)
• Sardines
• Snapper

Birds:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Dove
• Pigeon
• Quail
• Possibly duck and goose (debated)

Insects: (must have jointed legs for hopping)

• Locust
• Cricket
• Grasshopper

 Land Animals:

• Pig / Swine (has split hoof, does not chew cud)
• Camel (chews cud, no split hoof)
• Rabbit / Hare (chews cud, no split hoof)
• Rock Hyrax (chews cud, no split hoof)

Sea Creatures

• Catfish (no scales)
• Shark (rough scales, debated)
• Eel
• Octopus
• Squid
• Lobster
• Crab
• Shrimp
• Clams
• Oysters
• Mussels
• Scallops

Birds:

• Eagle
• Vulture
• Buzzard
• Red kite / Black kite
• Raven
• Ostrich
• Owl (several species)
• Seagull
• Hawk
• Cormorant
• Stork
• Heron
• Hoopoe
• Bat (flying mammal)

Insects:

• Flies
• Beetles (most kinds)
• Gnats
• Ants
• Spiders
• Scorpions
• Centipedes / Millipedes

Creeping Creatures/Reptiles

• Lizard
• Gecko
• Chameleon
• Snakes / Serpents
• Tortoise
• Mouse
• Weasel
• Mole