List of Clean and Unclean Animals in the Bible

Have you ever wondered why the Bible makes a distinction between clean and unclean animals?

It’s a topic that might seem a bit puzzling at first, especially in today’s world where we don’t often think about food or animals in these terms. But understanding this concept can give us a deeper insight into the cultural, spiritual, and even practical reasons behind these ancient guidelines.

I believe you’re curious to know about the list of clean and unclean animals in the Bible and what makes an animal “clean” or “unclean.” Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.

The concept of clean and unclean animals is first introduced in Genesis, specifically during the story of Noah’s Ark, where God instructs Noah to take seven pairs of clean animals and one pair of unclean animals onto the ark (Genesis 7:2).

However, it’s in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy that we find detailed lists and explanations of which animals are considered clean or unclean.

These dietary laws were given to the Israelites as part of their covenant with God and served to set them apart from other nations. As God says in Leviticus 20:26, “You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.”

So, what exactly made an animal clean or unclean?

Clean animals, like certain types of fish, birds, and livestock, were permitted for eating and sacrifice, while unclean animals, such as pigs, shellfish, and certain birds of prey, were off-limits.

These guidelines were not just about food, they were part of a system that helped the Israelites maintain their spiritual and physical purity and reminded them of their unique relationship with God.

But why does this matter today?

For many, the list of clean and unclean animals is a way to connect with faith, history, or even healthier eating habits.

Some people still follow these guidelines as part of their religious practice, while others are simply curious about the reasoning behind them.

Now Here Are the List of Clean and Unclean Animals in the Bible

In this section, we’ll break down the list of clean and unclean animals as described in the Bible. These categories were important for the Israelites, not just for dietary reasons but also for spiritual and cultural identity. Let’s start with the clean animals.

Clean Animals in the Bible

Clean animals are those that the Israelites were permitted to eat according to the Bible. These animals are typically herbivores and possess specific characteristics that set them apart from unclean animals. Let’s break down the list of clean animals, starting with land animals, sea creatures, birds, and even a few insects.

Land Animals

For land animals to be considered clean, they must meet two specific criteria: they must have a divided hoof (meaning their hooves are split into two parts) and they must chew the cud. Chewing the cud refers to the process of regurgitating food and chewing it again, which is common in animals like cows and goats.

These characteristics were seen as signs of health and purity. Here are some examples of clean land animals:

1. Cattle (Leviticus 11:3):
   Cattle are perhaps the most well-known clean animals. The Bible specifically mentions, “Whatever divides a hoof, thus making split hoofs, and chews the cud, among the animals, that you may eat.” Cattle were not only a source of food but also used in sacrifices.
2. Sheep:
   Sheep are another classic example of clean animals. Like cattle, they have divided hooves and chew the cud. Sheep were highly valued for their wool, milk, and meat, and they were often used in religious offerings.
3. Goats:
   Goats also meet the criteria of having divided hooves and chewing the cud. They were a common source of milk and meat in biblical times and were frequently used in sacrifices.
4. Deer:
   Deer are clean animals because they are ruminants (they chew the cud) and have divided hooves. They were likely hunted for their meat, which was considered a delicacy.
5. Oxen:
   Oxen, which are essentially cattle used for labor, are also clean. They were vital for farming and transportation in ancient times.
6. Elk:
   Similar to deer, elk are clean animals due to their divided hooves and cud-chewing habits. They were likely hunted for their meat and hides.
7. Antelope:
   Antelope are known for their agility and speed, but they also fit the biblical criteria for clean animals.
8. Gazelle:
   Gazelles, like deer and antelope, are clean because they chew the cud and have divided hooves. They were often associated with grace and beauty in the Bible.
9. Giraffes:
   While not commonly eaten, giraffes technically meet the criteria of having divided hooves and chewing the cud. However, they are rarely mentioned in the Bible.

Sea Animals

When it comes to sea creatures, the Bible provides clear guidelines: to be considered clean, a fish must have both fins and scales. This means that shellfish, crustaceans, and other sea creatures without these features are considered unclean. Here are some examples of clean sea animals:

1. Salmon:
   Salmon is a popular fish today and was considered clean in biblical times because it has both fins and scales.
2. Trout:
   Trout is another clean fish that meets the biblical criteria.
3. Tuna:
   Tuna is a large, nutritious fish that has fins and scales, making it clean.
4. Cod:
   Cod is a staple fish in many cultures and is clean according to the Bible.
5. Mackerel:
   Mackerel is a flavorful fish that is also clean.
6. Herring:
   Herring is another example of a clean fish with fins and scales.
7. Bass:
   Both freshwater and sea bass are considered clean.
8. Perch:
   Perch is a small, clean fish commonly found in rivers and lakes.
9. Snapper:
   Snapper is a clean fish often enjoyed for its mild flavor.

The Bible provides specific instructions about clean sea animals in Leviticus 11:9-12:
“These you may eat of all that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them you may eat. But all that do not have fins and scales in the seas and rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they are an abomination to you. They shall be an abomination to you; you shall not eat their flesh, but you shall regard their carcasses as an abomination. Whatever in the water does not have fins or scales—that shall be an abomination to you.”

Birds

Interestingly, the Bible doesn’t provide specific criteria for clean birds. Instead, it lists examples of clean birds, which are generally non-predatory and non-scavenging. Here are some examples:

1. Chicken:
   Chickens are considered clean and were a common source of eggs and meat.
2. Doves:
   Doves are often associated with peace and were frequently used in sacrifices.
3. Quail:
   Quail are small, clean birds that were provided by God as food for the Israelites in the wilderness.
4. Pigeons:
   Like doves, pigeons are clean and were used in sacrificial offerings.
5. Partridge:
   Partridges are clean birds often found in the wild.
6. Pheasant:
   Pheasants are another example of clean birds.
7. Duck:
   While not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, ducks are generally considered clean because they are not predators.
8. Turkey:
   Turkeys are also considered clean due to their non-predatory nature.

The Bible summarizes clean birds in Deuteronomy 14:11:
“Of all clean birds you may eat.”

Insects

Surprisingly, the Bible even provides guidelines for insects! While most insects are considered unclean, there is an exception for certain types of hopping insects. Here are the clean insects:

1. Locusts (Leviticus 11:22):
   Locusts are specifically mentioned as clean: “Even these of them you may eat: the locust after its kind, the bald locust after its kind, the cricket after its kind, and the grasshopper after its kind.”
2. Grasshoppers:
   Grasshoppers are another example of clean insects.
3. Crickets:
   Crickets are also included in the list of clean insects.

Unclean Animals in the Bible

Unclean animals are those that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. These animals often include predators, scavengers, and species that do not meet the criteria for being clean. Here are the categories of unclean animals.

Land Animals

Land animals that do not have both a divided hoof and chew the cud are considered unclean. Here are some examples:

1. Pigs (Leviticus 11:7):
   Pigs are perhaps the most well-known unclean animal. The Bible states, “And the swine, though it divides the hoof and is cloven-footed, does not chew the cud; it is unclean to you.”
2. Camels:
   Camels chew the cud but do not have divided hooves, making them unclean.
3. Rabbits:
   Rabbits chew the cud but do not have divided hooves, so they are unclean.
4. Horses:
   Horses do not have divided hooves or chew the cud, making them unclean.
5. Donkeys:
   Similar to horses, donkeys are unclean.
6. Predators (Lions, Bears, Wolves, etc.):
   Predatory animals are considered unclean because of their nature and diet.

Sea Animals

Sea creatures without both fins and scales are unclean. Examples include:

1. Shrimp:
   Shrimp lack scales, making them unclean.
2. Lobster:
   Lobsters are also unclean for the same reason.
3. Catfish:
   Catfish lack scales, making them unclean.

Birds

Predatory and scavenging birds are considered unclean. Examples include:

1. Eagles (Leviticus 11:13):
   Eagles are unclean due to their predatory nature.
2. Vultures:
   Vultures are scavengers and are therefore unclean.

Insects

Most insects are unclean, with the exception of locusts, grasshoppers, and crickets. Examples of unclean insects include:

1. Flies:
   Flies are unclean due to their association with decay.
2. Spiders:
   Spiders are predators and are considered unclean.

Fun Facts and Common Misconceptions

When it comes to the list of clean and unclean animals in the Bible, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Let’s explore some fun facts and clear up a few common misconceptions to make this topic even more interesting!

Fun Facts

Giraffes Are Technically Clean
Did you know giraffes are clean animals according to the Bible? They have split hooves and chew the cud, which means they meet the criteria for being clean. However, they’re not commonly eaten—probably because they’re not the easiest animals to hunt or farm!

Bats Aren’t Birds (But the Bible Calls Them That)
In Leviticus 11:19, bats are listed among unclean “birds.” But wait—bats are mammals, not birds! This is a great example of how ancient classifications were based on observable traits (like flying) rather than modern scientific understanding.

Locusts: A Clean Snack
If you’ve ever wondered what John the Baptist ate in the wilderness, the answer is in Mark 1:6: “locusts and wild honey.” Locusts are one of the few insects considered clean, and they’re still eaten in some cultures today as a protein-rich snack.

Unclean Doesn’t Mean Evil
Just because an animal is labeled “unclean” doesn’t mean it’s bad or evil. For example, pigs are intelligent animals, and vultures play a vital role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses. The distinction was about dietary and ceremonial purity, not moral judgment.

Some Clean Animals Were Used in Sacrifices
Clean animals like sheep, goats, and cattle weren’t just for eating—they were also used in sacrifices to God. This highlights their symbolic role in representing purity and atonement.

Common Misconceptions

“Unclean Animals Are Dirty or Dangerous”
While some unclean animals (like scavengers) might carry diseases, the classification wasn’t solely about hygiene. It was about obedience to God’s commands and maintaining spiritual purity.

“These Laws Are Outdated”
While modern food safety practices have reduced the risks of eating certain animals, these laws were incredibly practical for their time. For example, avoiding pork in hot climates without refrigeration helped prevent illnesses.

“Jesus Abolished All Dietary Laws”
While Jesus emphasized that spiritual purity matters more than what we eat (Mark 7:18–19), He didn’t outright abolish the dietary laws. Instead, He fulfilled them, shifting the focus from external rules to internal faith.

“All Insects Are Unclean”
Not all insects are off the menu! Leviticus 11:22 specifically allows locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers as clean insects.

Clean and Unclean Animals FAQ

Let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about clean and unclean animals in the Bible. These answers will help clarify common doubts and provide a deeper understanding of the topic.

1. Can Christians Eat Pork?

Yes, most Christians believe they can eat pork. In the New Testament, Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), and Peter’s vision in Acts 10 reinforced that dietary restrictions were no longer binding. However, some Christians choose to avoid pork for health or personal conviction.

2. Why Are Rabbits Considered Unclean if They ‘Chew the Cud’?

Rabbits don’t actually chew the cud like cows or goats. They practice a behavior called refection, where they re-ingest soft pellets to extract more nutrients. This quirk of biology means they don’t fully meet the biblical criteria for being clean.

3. What About Shellfish? Why Are They Unclean?

Shellfish like shrimp, lobster, and clams are considered unclean because they lack fins and scales (Leviticus 11:9–12). In ancient times, shellfish were also more likely to carry toxins or bacteria, making them risky to eat without modern food safety practices.

4. Are There Any Clean Animals That People Don’t Eat Today?

Yes! For example, giraffes and deer are technically clean, but they’re not commonly eaten in most cultures. On the other hand, locusts are clean and are still eaten in some parts of the world.

5. Why Are Predatory Birds Unclean?

Predatory birds like eagles, hawks, and vultures are considered unclean because they feed on other animals, often scavenging dead carcasses. This behavior was seen as incompatible with the purity required for God’s people.

6. Do These Laws Apply to Non-Jews or Non-Christians?

The dietary laws were specifically given to the Israelites as part of their covenant with God. For Christians, these laws are generally seen as part of the Old Covenant, which was fulfilled by Jesus. Non-Jews and non-Christians are not bound by these rules, though some may choose to follow them for health or cultural reasons.

7. What’s the Deal with Insects? Are Any of Them Clean?

Most insects are unclean, but Leviticus 11:22 makes an exception for locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers. These hopping insects were considered clean and could be eaten.

8. Why Did God Care About What People Ate?

God’s dietary laws served multiple purposes:

• They promoted health and safety in a time without modern medicine.
• They set the Israelites apart from other nations, reinforcing their identity as God’s chosen people.
• They taught spiritual lessons about holiness, obedience, and trust in God’s wisdom.

Conclusion

The list of clean and unclean animals in the Bible is a fascinating glimpse into God’s care for His people. From the practical health benefits to the spiritual symbolism, these laws reveal a deeper purpose: teaching holiness, obedience, and trust in God’s wisdom.

Understanding this list is just one way to grow in your faith. If you’re looking to deepen your relationship with God, prayer is essential. Discover practical tips and guidance in this post on how to pray to God.