Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the distinction between clean and unclean animals is primarily found in the Old Testament, particularly within the Mosaic Law. This classification was significant for the Israelites, as it dictated dietary laws and ceremonial practices. The primary passages addressing this topic are found in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.Clean Animals Clean animals were those deemed permissible for consumption and sacrifice. The criteria for land animals to be considered clean included having a split hoof completely divided and chewing the cud. Examples of clean animals include cattle, sheep, and goats. Leviticus 11:3 states, "You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud." For aquatic creatures, only those with fins and scales were considered clean. Leviticus 11:9 specifies, "Of all the creatures that live in the water, whether in the seas or the streams, you may eat any that have fins and scales." Birds were also categorized, with certain species being permissible. However, the list of clean birds is less explicit, as the Bible primarily lists unclean birds to avoid. Generally, birds that were not birds of prey or scavengers were considered clean. Unclean Animals Unclean animals were those that the Israelites were prohibited from eating or using in sacrifices. For land animals, those that did not have both a split hoof and chew the cud were deemed unclean. This included animals like pigs and camels. Leviticus 11:7-8 states, "And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you." In the waters, creatures without fins and scales, such as shellfish and certain types of fish, were considered unclean. Leviticus 11:10 declares, "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." The list of unclean birds includes eagles, vultures, and ravens, among others, as detailed in Leviticus 11:13-19. These birds were typically predators or scavengers, which may have contributed to their unclean status. Purpose and Significance The distinction between clean and unclean animals served several purposes. It was a means of setting the Israelites apart from other nations, emphasizing their unique covenant relationship with God. The dietary laws also had practical health benefits, as many unclean animals are known to carry diseases or parasites. Moreover, these laws had a spiritual dimension, teaching the Israelites about holiness and obedience. Leviticus 11:44-45 underscores this, stating, "For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming creature that moves on the ground. For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy." New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the distinction between clean and unclean animals is addressed, particularly in the context of the early Church's expansion to include Gentiles. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision in which God declares all foods clean, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith. Acts 10:15 records, "The voice spoke to him a second time: 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'" The Apostle Paul also addresses this issue, emphasizing that dietary laws are not binding on Christians. In Romans 14:14, he writes, "I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean." These New Testament teachings highlight the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, where the focus shifts from external observance to internal faith and purity. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 8:20And Noah built an altar to the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 7:21 Leviticus 11:1 Leviticus 20:25 Deuteronomy 14:3-20 Acts 10:11-15 1 Timothy 4:3-5 Library The Distinction Between Clean and Unclean Animals in the Law ... Argument. --And Thus Unclean Animals are not to be Reproached ... Argument. --He First of all Asserts that the Law is Spiritual; and ... The Clean and the Unclean The Gifts of the Holy Spirit which we Receive Prepare us for ... Of the Ark and the Deluge, and that we Cannot Agree with those who ... Whether the Ceremonies of the Law were in Existence Before the Law ... And as we are Now Speaking of the Animals Sacrificed... Entire Sanctification in Type. Subject Index Resources Do animals sin? | GotQuestions.orgDo pets / animals go to Heaven? Do pets / animals have souls / spirits? | GotQuestions.org How does the fact that there are gay/homosexual animals impact the idea that homosexuality is a sin? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Animals: Cruelty to Houghing Horses Animals: Instruments of God's Will Animals: Kindness to Jacob, in Erecting Booths for his Cattle Animals: Kindness to People of Gerar, in Providing Tents for Cattle Animals: Ordained As Food for Man Animals: Suffer Under Divine Judgments, Sent Upon Man Animals: Suffered the Plagues of Egypt Animals: Two of Every Sort Preserved in the Ark Pack Animals used for Transporting Army Supplies Select Readings: The Animals of the Field Related Terms |
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