Many people wonder, “What foods are considered unclean in the Bible?”
This question is common among Christians, Jews, and anyone curious about biblical dietary laws.
The Bible, especially the Old Testament, provides a detailed list of foods that were forbidden to the Israelites under Mosaic law.
This article will break down the list of unclean foods found in the Bible.
What Does Unclean Mean in the Bible?
In the Bible, “unclean” doesn’t mean dirty or spoiled. Instead, it refers to something ritually impure or not allowed for consumption according to God’s law.
These dietary rules were part of God’s covenant with the Israelites, mainly found in:
- Leviticus 11
- Deuteronomy 14
God gave these rules to promote holiness, obedience, and sometimes health among His people.
Clean vs. Unclean Animals
Let’s look at what animals the Bible classifies as clean (permitted) and unclean (forbidden).
1. Land Animals
Clean Land Animals (You Can Eat):
- Animals that have split hooves AND chew the cud
- Examples: Cows, sheep, goats, deer
Unclean Land Animals:
These are animals that either chew the cud but don’t have split hooves or have split hooves but don’t chew the cud.
According to Leviticus 11:3–8 and Deuteronomy 14:6–8, the following are forbidden:
| Unclean Animal | Reason |
|---|---|
| Pig (Swine) | Has split hoof but doesn’t chew cud |
| Camel | Chews cud but no split hoof |
| Rock Hyrax (Coney) | Chews cud but no split hoof |
| Rabbit | Chews cud but no split hoof |
Bible Verse:
“And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.” — Leviticus 11:7
2. Sea Creatures
Clean Sea Creatures:
- Must have fins and scales
Unclean Sea Creatures (Forbidden):
According to Leviticus 11:9–12, the following are unclean:
| Unclean Sea Creatures | Reason |
|---|---|
| Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, oysters) | No fins or scales |
| Catfish | No scales |
| Eels | No fins or scales |
| Octopus & Squid | No fins or scales |
| Sharks | No scales |
| Clams & Mussels | No fins or scales |
Bible Verse:
“But all in the seas or rivers that do not have fins and scales… they are detestable to you.” — Leviticus 11:10
3. Birds and Flying Creatures
Some birds were considered clean, but many were not. According to Leviticus 11:13–20 and Deuteronomy 14:11–20, the following birds are forbidden:
Unclean Birds:
| Bird | Reason |
|---|---|
| Eagle | Scavenger |
| Vulture | Scavenger |
| Osprey | Carnivorous |
| Owl (All types) | Scavenger/night hunter |
| Bat | Not a bird (mammal), but included in flying creatures |
| Raven | Scavenger |
| Buzzard | Scavenger |
| Stork | Scavenger |
| Hawk | Carnivorous |
| Cormorant | Fish-eating, unclean behavior |
| Pelican | Scavenger |
These birds are often carnivorous or scavengers, feeding on dead animals, something God associated with impurity.
4. Insects
Most insects are considered unclean. However, a few types of locusts were allowed.
Clean Insects:
- Locusts
- Crickets
- Grasshoppers
Unclean Insects:
- All other flying insects
Bible Verse:
“All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be detestable to you.” — Leviticus 11:20
5. Reptiles, Amphibians, and Creeping Things
These creatures are all considered unclean:
Examples of Forbidden Creatures:
| Creature | Reason |
|---|---|
| Lizards | Unclean creeping things |
| Snakes | Serpents; spiritually symbolic of evil |
| Frogs & Toads | Amphibians; not mentioned as clean |
| Turtles | Reptiles; unclean |
| Chameleons & Geckos | Unclean per Leviticus 11:29-30 |
Bible Verse:
“These also shall be unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth…” — Leviticus 11:29
Why Were These Foods Forbidden?
- Spiritual Purity: God wanted His people to be separate from pagan nations and their eating practices.
- Health Reasons: Some unclean animals carry diseases or parasites.
- Symbolism: Clean vs. unclean represented purity vs. sin.
- Obedience: It was a test of faith and trust in God’s instructions.
Do These Rules Still Apply to Christians Today?
This is a hot topic. Some believe these dietary laws are no longer required under the New Covenant of Jesus Christ. Let’s explore both views.
Old Covenant (Law of Moses)
- These laws were specifically given to the Israelites
- Found in Leviticus and Deuteronomy
- Disobedience led to ceremonial uncleanness
New Covenant (Grace through Jesus)
Under the New Testament:
- Jesus declared all foods clean
“Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them.” — Mark 7:15
- Peter’s Vision in Acts 10
Peter saw unclean animals in a vision, and God told him:“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
- Paul’s Teachings
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” — 1 Timothy 4:4
So Should Christians Eat Unclean Foods?
- Some Christians (like Seventh-Day Adventists) still avoid unclean foods.
- Others believe the dietary laws were part of the Old Covenant and fulfilled in Christ.
- Personal conviction and health reasons may guide individual decisions.
Spiritual Lesson: Clean Living
The message behind clean and unclean foods wasn’t just about diet. It was about living a holy, set-apart life. God used food laws as a symbol of spiritual discipline, obedience, and separation from the world.
Even if Christians today are not bound by Old Testament dietary rules, the principle of honoring God with our bodies and choices still applies.