When it comes to what the Bible says about food, many people are curious about what is considered clean or unclean.
One question that often pops up is: “Is catfish unclean in the Bible?”
This article will help you understand everything.
Understanding Biblical Food Laws
In the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, God gave the Israelites a list of animals that were clean (okay to eat) and unclean (forbidden to eat).
These laws were part of the larger Mosaic Law, a system of rules given to the Israelites after their escape from Egypt.
These food laws weren’t just about health; they were spiritual.
They were a way for God’s people to remain holy and set apart from other nations.
What Does the Bible Say About Fish?
Let’s look directly at what the Bible says about fish.
Leviticus 11:9-12 (NIV)
“Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams you may eat any that have fins and scales. But all creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales—whether among all the swarming things or among all the other living creatures in the water—you are to regard as unclean.”
Deuteronomy 14:9-10 (NIV)
“Of all the creatures living in the water, you may eat any that has fins and scales. But anything that does not have fins and scales you may not eat; for you it is unclean.”
These verses are clear: for a fish to be considered clean and acceptable for eating, it must have both fins and scales.
Does Catfish Have Fins and Scales?
Now, let’s apply the biblical rule to catfish.
- Fins: Yes, catfish do have fins.
- Scales: No, catfish do not have true scales. Instead, they have smooth, slippery skin or bony plates.
Because catfish lack scales, according to the Bible, they are unclean and should not be eaten under Old Testament law.
So, Is Catfish Unclean in the Bible?
Yes.
Catfish is considered unclean in the Bible because it does not have both fins and scales. Even though it has fins, the lack of scales makes it unfit to eat based on Levitical dietary laws.
But Do These Rules Still Apply Today?
This is where the topic gets a little more complex, especially for Christians. The Old Testament food laws were given specifically to the Israelites.
But when Jesus came, the law was fulfilled in Him, and many Christians believe these dietary rules no longer apply.
Let’s look at what the New Testament says.
What the New Testament Says About Unclean Foods
Mark 7:18-19 (NIV)
“Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? … In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.”
Acts 10:13-15 (NIV)
“Then a voice told him, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ ‘Surely not, Lord!’ Peter replied. ‘I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.’ The voice spoke to him a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’”
Romans 14:14 (NIV)
“I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself.”
These verses suggest that the food laws were fulfilled in Christ, and Christians are no longer bound by the Old Testament dietary restrictions.
Who Still Follows Biblical Food Laws?
While most Christians believe they can eat foods like catfish without sinning, some groups still choose to follow the Old Testament dietary laws:
- Orthodox Jews: Still follow Levitical food laws (Kosher).
- Messianic Jews: Jewish believers in Jesus who may keep dietary laws.
- Some Seventh-Day Adventists: Avoid unclean foods based on Leviticus.
- Hebrew Israelites and Torah observant groups: Often avoid catfish and other unclean foods.
For these groups, catfish remains forbidden based on Scripture.
What About Health and Hygiene?
Many of the animals considered “unclean” in the Bible, like catfish, pigs, and shellfish, are bottom-feeders or scavengers. These creatures often consume dead matter or waste, which can make them more likely to carry parasites or toxins if not cooked properly.
Though modern food safety is much better, some people avoid catfish today for health reasons as well as spiritual ones.
Should You Eat Catfish Today?
Whether or not to eat catfish depends on your:
- Religious beliefs
- Spiritual convictions
- Personal health choices
If you’re a Christian who believes Jesus fulfilled the law, then eating catfish is not considered a sin. But if you belong to a faith community that still follows the Old Testament laws, it may be important for you to avoid catfish and other unclean animals.