Many people today are turning back to the Bible for guidance on health and nutrition.
One common question is: “What are the clean foods listed in the Bible?”
Even for religious observance, personal health, or curiosity, understanding biblical dietary laws is important for millions worldwide.
What Does Clean Food Mean in the Bible?
In the Bible, “clean” food refers to animals and plants that God permitted the Israelites to eat under the Mosaic Law (Old Testament).
These laws distinguished between “clean” (acceptable to eat) and “unclean” (forbidden) animals.
Why were some foods considered unclean?
The reasons may include:
- Religious purity and obedience.
- Health and hygiene (some unclean animals are disease carriers).
- Spiritual symbolism, showing separation from pagan practices.
Key Bible Chapters on Clean Foods
The two main Bible passages are:
- Leviticus 11
- Deuteronomy 14:3–21
These chapters list animals that can and cannot be eaten.
List of Clean Foods in the Bible
Let’s break it down by food category for easier understanding.
1. Clean Land Animals
According to Leviticus 11:3 and Deuteronomy 14:6, land animals must meet two conditions to be clean:
- They chew the cud (like cows).
- They have a split (divided) hoof.
Examples of Clean Land Animals:
| Animal | Why It’s Clean |
|---|---|
| Cow | Chews cud and has a split hoof |
| Goat | Chews cud and has a split hoof |
| Sheep | Chews cud and has a split hoof |
| Deer | Chews cud and has a split hoof |
| Antelope | Chews cud and has a split hoof |
| Gazelle | Chews cud and has a split hoof |
Unclean examples: pigs (have split hoof but don’t chew cud), camels (chew cud but no split hoof), rabbits.
2. Clean Sea Creatures
To be clean, sea creatures must have:
- Fins
- Scales
(Leviticus 11:9–12, Deuteronomy 14:9–10)
Examples of Clean Fish:
| Fish | Why It’s Clean |
|---|---|
| Salmon | Has fins and scales |
| Tilapia | Has fins and scales |
| Sardine | Has fins and scales |
| Mackerel | Has fins and scales |
| Trout | Has fins and scales |
Unclean examples: shrimp, crab, lobster, catfish, shellfish (no fins and/or scales)
3. Clean Birds
The Bible does not give rules (like fins or hooves) for birds but lists the unclean ones instead. All birds not listed as unclean are considered clean.
(Leviticus 11:13–19, Deuteronomy 14:11–20)
Examples of Clean Birds (Not Forbidden in the Bible):
| Bird | Reason |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Not mentioned as unclean |
| Turkey | Not mentioned as unclean |
| Duck | Not listed among unclean |
| Quail | Consumed by Israelites in the wilderness |
| Dove | Often used in temple sacrifices (symbol of purity) |
Unclean birds include eagle, hawk, vulture, owl, raven, bat.
4. Clean Insects
Yes, some insects are considered clean!
(Leviticus 11:20–23)
Clean Insects Must Have:
- Jointed legs for hopping.
Examples of Clean Insects:
| Insect | Clean Status |
|---|---|
| Locust | Clean |
| Grasshopper | Clean |
| Cricket | Clean |
| Katydid | Clean |
Most other insects (flies, beetles, spiders) are unclean.
5. Clean Plant-Based Foods
The Bible doesn’t label plants as “clean” or “unclean,” but many were part of the biblical diet and are assumed clean.
Examples of Biblically Accepted Plant Foods:
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Grains | Wheat, barley, spelt, millet |
| Fruits | Figs, grapes, dates, pomegranates, olives |
| Vegetables | Onions, leeks, cucumbers, garlic |
| Nuts & Seeds | Almonds, pistachios, sesame, flaxseed |
| Legumes | Lentils, beans, chickpeas |
These were part of daily meals, offerings, and feasts in the Bible.
Foods Declared Unclean in the Bible
To better understand clean foods, here’s a list of common unclean animals forbidden by biblical law:
| Unclean Food | Reason |
|---|---|
| Pig (pork) | Doesn’t chew cud |
| Camel | No split hoof |
| Rabbit | Chews cud, but no split hoof |
| Shellfish | No fins or scales |
| Lobster & Crab | No fins or scales |
| Eagle, Vulture | Predatory or scavenger birds |
| Bat | Flying mammal |
| Rat, Lizard, Snake | Forbidden land animals |
| Catfish | No scales |
| Shrimp, Octopus | No fins/scales |
Did Jesus Change the Clean/Unclean Food Laws?
This is a debated topic.
Some believe Jesus made all foods clean, citing:
“Nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them” – Mark 7:18–19
Others argue that Jesus was talking about handwashing, not food laws, and point to the fact that early Christians like Peter still avoided unclean foods (see Acts 10).
If you follow Old Testament dietary laws for spiritual or health reasons, this list remains relevant.
Why Clean Eating Still Matters for Many Today
Even though some Christians no longer follow the Old Testament food laws, others do for reasons like:
- Religious obedience (Messianic Jews, Seventh-day Adventists)
- Better digestion and health (unclean animals often carry toxins)
- Personal conviction and discipline
- Cultural or family traditions
Clean Foods and Modern Diets
Many health experts agree that “clean eating” today often mirrors biblical clean eating:
- More plant-based meals
- Limited or no processed meats
- Avoidance of bottom-feeders and scavengers
So even if you don’t follow the Bible, the concept of clean food is still widely embraced for good health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is pork really forbidden in the Bible?
Yes. Leviticus 11:7 clearly says pigs are unclean because they have a split hoof but don’t chew the cud.
2. Can Christians eat shellfish today?
Some Christians do, citing freedom in Christ (Romans 14), while others avoid shellfish to honor the biblical health laws.
3. What are clean meats in the Bible?
Clean meats include cows, sheep, goats, and some fish and birds, those that meet the criteria laid out in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.
4. Are eggs considered clean?
The Bible does not label eggs as clean or unclean. However, eggs from clean birds like chickens and ducks are generally accepted.