In the Bible, clean animals are those that adhere to specific dietary laws outlined in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, primarily characterized by having split hooves and chewing the cud (e.g., cows, sheep) and specific types of fish with fins and scales. These animals were deemed permissible for consumption and for sacrificial offerings in ancient Israelite society.
Scripture
1 And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them,
2 “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, These are the living things that you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth.”
3 Whatever parts the hoof and is cloven-footed and chews the cud, among the animals, you may eat.
4 Nevertheless, among those that chew the cud or part the hoof, you shall not eat these: The camel, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you.
5 And the rock badger, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you.
6 And the hare, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you.
7 And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you.
8 You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.
9 “These you may eat, of all that are in the waters. Everything in the waters that has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers, you may eat.
10 But anything in the seas or the rivers that has not fins and scales, of the swarming creatures in the waters and of the living creatures that are in the waters, is detestable to you.
11 You shall regard them as detestable; you shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall detest their carcasses.
12 Everything in the waters that has not fins and scales is detestable to you.
13 “And these you shall detest among the birds; they shall not be eaten; they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture,
14 the kite, the falcon of any kind;
15 Every swarming thing that swarms on the ground is detestable; it shall not be eaten.
16 the ostrich, the nighthawk, the sea gull, the hawk according to its kind,
17 And the little owl and the cormorant and the short-eared owl,
18 the stork, the heron of any kind, the hoopoe, and the bat.
19 the stork, the heron of any kind, the hoopoe, and the bat.
20 “All winged insects that go on all fours are detestable to you.”
21 Yet among the winged insects that go on all fours you may eat those that have jointed legs above their feet, with which to hop on the ground.
22 Of them you may eat: the locust of any kind, the bald locust of any kind, the cricket of any kind, and the grasshopper of any kind.
23 But all other winged insects that have four feet are detestable to you.
24 “And by these you shall become unclean. Whoever touches their carcass shall be unclean until the evening,
25 And whoever carries any part of their carcass shall wash his clothes and be unclean until the evening.
26 Every animal that parts the hoof but is not cloven-footed or does not chew the cud is unclean to you. Everyone who touches them shall be unclean.
27 And among the animals that go on all fours, those that have a true hoof that is completely split open at the bottom, you shall regard as unclean.
28 But the swarming thing that crawls on the ground you shall not eat; they are detestable.
29 “And these are unclean to you among the swarming things that swarm on the ground: the mole rat, the mouse, the great lizard of any kind,
30 the gecko, the monitor lizard, the lizard, the sand lizard, and the chameleon.
31 These are unclean to you among all that swarm. Whoever touches them when they are dead shall be unclean until the evening.
32 And anything on which any of them falls when they are dead shall be unclean, whether it is an article of wood or a garment or a skin or a sack, any article that is used for any purpose. It must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the evening; then it shall be clean.
33 And if any of them falls into any earthenware vessel, all that is in it shall be unclean, and you shall break it.
34 Any food in it that could be eaten, on which water comes, shall be unclean. And all drink that could be drunk from every such vessel shall be unclean.
35 And everything on which any part of their carcass falls shall be unclean. Whether oven or stove, it shall be broken in pieces. They are unclean and shall remain unclean for you.
36 Nevertheless, a spring or a cistern holding water shall be clean, but whoever touches a carcass in them shall be unclean.
37 If any part of their carcass falls upon any seed grain that is to be sown, it is clean,
38 But if water is put on the seed and any part of their carcass falls on it, it is unclean to you.
39 And if any animal which you may eat dies, whoever touches its carcass shall be unclean until the evening.
40 Whoever eats of its carcass shall wash his clothes and be unclean until the evening.
41 “Every swarming thing that swarms on the ground is detestable; it shall not be eaten.”
42 Whatever goes on its belly, and whatever goes on all fours, or whatever has many feet, any swarming thing that swarms on the ground, you shall not eat, for they are detestable.
43 You shall not make yourselves detestable with any swarming thing that swarms, and you shall not defile yourselves with them, and become unclean through them.
44 For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground.
45 For I am the Lord who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”
46 This is the law about beast and bird and every living creature that moves through the waters and every creature that swarms on the ground,
47 to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean and between the living creature that may be eaten and the living creature that may not be eaten.
Clean Animals Defined in the Bible
The designation of clean animals in the Bible serves not only as dietary regulations but also as a broader representation of holiness and separation from the profane. The laws found in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 act as a divine guide for the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God’s commands to foster a holy community distinct from surrounding cultures. For instance, Leviticus 11:44-45 underscores this idea: “I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.” The clean versus unclean distinction symbolizes a greater spiritual truth that permeates the Scriptures, highlighting God’s desire for His people to embody purity and righteousness, reflecting His character in their way of life.
Moreover, these dietary laws function as a means to cultivate mindfulness about what the Israelites consumed, extending beyond mere physical sustenance to spiritual implications. The classification of clean animals and their use in sacrificial practices serve as foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as described in Hebrews 10, became the perfect offering that fulfilled the law. Thus, the concept of clean animals encapsulates themes of obedience, sacrificial love, and the call to be set apart for God’s purposes, illustrating the ongoing narrative of redemption woven throughout the biblical text. In this way, the understanding of clean and unclean reveals not only cultural guidelines for ancient Israel but also profound theological insights into the nature of holiness and divine relationship.
In addition to serving as dietary guidelines, the distinction between clean and unclean animals also illustrates the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. The laws surrounding these animals are intricately connected to the concept of purity and moral integrity within the community. For example, the emphasis on clean animals serves to underscore the notion that God desires His people to engage in practices that honor Him, creating a culture that reflects His standards of holiness. This distinction is manifested in various narratives throughout the Bible, such as in the story of Noah, where he is instructed to take seven pairs of clean animals onto the ark. This act highlights not only the necessity of maintaining purity in a corrupt world but also foreshadows the preservation of righteousness ultimately promised to mankind.
Furthermore, the teachings of the New Testament echo the significance of cleanliness, though in a more nuanced way. Jesus, through His teachings and parables, often challenges the rigid interpretations of the Law by emphasizing the heart’s condition over mere outward compliance. For instance, in His interactions with the Pharisees, He urges them to focus on internal purity rather than just adhering to dietary laws, indicating that true cleanliness emanates from a heart transformed by faith. This reciprocal relationship between divine commands and personal conduct continues to resonate, illustrating that the biblical definition of clean extends beyond physical attributes, beckoning believers to cultivate an inner life aligned with God’s holiness. Thus, the concept of clean animals not only defines dietary practices but also serves as a potent metaphor for spiritual integrity and discipleship throughout the biblical narrative.
Symbolism of Purity and Holiness
In the biblical context, clean animals often symbolize purity and holiness. The distinction between clean and unclean animals serves as a metaphor for the moral and spiritual state of individuals and communities. Clean animals are associated with the idea of being set apart for God’s purposes, reflecting a life that adheres to divine standards and practices. This symbolism extends beyond dietary laws, suggesting a broader call to live a life that is pleasing to God and aligned with His will.
Community and Identity
The classification of clean animals also plays a significant role in shaping the identity of the Israelite community. By adhering to the dietary laws regarding clean and unclean animals, the Israelites maintained a distinct cultural and religious identity that set them apart from surrounding nations. This separation fostered a sense of belonging and communal integrity, reinforcing the idea that their relationship with God was tied to their practices and lifestyle choices. The observance of these laws became a vital aspect of their collective identity and faithfulness to God.
Spiritual Discipline and Obedience
The definition of clean animals in the Bible underscores the importance of spiritual discipline and obedience to God’s commandments. The dietary restrictions serve as a practical means of cultivating a mindset of obedience among the faithful. By following these laws, individuals are reminded of their commitment to God and the necessity of making choices that reflect His holiness. This practice of discipline extends beyond dietary habits, encouraging believers to consider how their actions and decisions align with their faith and the teachings of scripture.
How to Embrace Holiness and Live a Christ-Centered Life
Embracing holiness and living a Christ-centered life is a beautiful journey that begins with a sincere desire to know Jesus more deeply. It’s about cultivating a personal relationship with Him through prayer, scripture reading, and worship, allowing His love and grace to transform your heart. Start each day by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions, seeking to reflect Christ’s character in every interaction. Remember, holiness isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress and a willingness to turn away from sin and towards God. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage you and hold you accountable, and don’t shy away from serving others, as this is where you’ll find true fulfillment. As you strive to live in alignment with God’s will, you’ll discover that holiness is not a burden but a joyful expression of your faith, leading you to a life that radiates Christ’s love and light to the world around you.
Bible References to Clean Animals:
Deuteronomy 14:3-21: 3 You shall not eat any abomination.
4 These are the animals you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat,
5 the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.
6 And every beast that parts the hoof and has the hoof cloven in two and chews the cud, among the animals, you may eat.
7 Yet of those that chew the cud or have the hoof cloven you shall not eat these: the camel, the hare, and the rock badger, because they chew the cud but do not part the hoof, are unclean for you.
8 And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you.
9 “These you may eat of all that are in the waters. Everything in the waters that has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers, you may eat.
10 but anything that does not have fins and scales you shall not eat; it is unclean for you.
11 You may eat all clean birds.
12 But these are the ones that you shall not eat: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture,
13 and the glede, the kite, the falcon, all kinds of hawks,
14 And every raven according to its kind,
15 the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you.
16 You shall not eat any abomination.
17 the little owl, the cormorant, the short-eared owl,
18 the stork, the heron of any kind, the hoopoe, and the bat.
19 “Every swarming thing that flies is unclean to you; they shall not be eaten.
20 You shall eat it, the clean bird, according to its kind, the clean animal, according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the ground, according to its kind.
21 “You shall not eat anything that has died naturally. You may give it to the sojourner who is within your towns, that he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. “
Genesis 7:1-3: 1 Then the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.
2 Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate,
3 and seven pairs of the birds of the heavens also, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth.
Genesis 8:20: 20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
Leviticus 20:25-26: 25 You shall therefore separate the clean beast from the unclean, and the unclean bird from the clean. You shall not make yourselves detestable by beast or by bird or by anything with which the ground crawls, which I have set apart for you to hold unclean.
26 You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.