Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Biblical BasisUnclean meats refer to certain animals and their products that were deemed impure and unsuitable for consumption according to the dietary laws given by God to the Israelites. These laws are primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The distinction between clean and unclean animals is a significant aspect of the Mosaic Law, reflecting broader themes of holiness, obedience, and separation from pagan practices. Scriptural References The primary passages detailing unclean meats are Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. In Leviticus 11:1-47, God provides Moses and Aaron with a comprehensive list of animals that the Israelites may or may not eat. The chapter begins with the Lord speaking to Moses and Aaron, saying, "Speak to the Israelites and tell them: These are the creatures that you may eat from among all the animals on the earth" (Leviticus 11:2). The text goes on to categorize animals based on their characteristics, such as those that chew the cud and have split hooves, which are considered clean. Deuteronomy 14:3-21 reiterates these dietary laws, emphasizing the importance of holiness and separation from other nations. The passage begins with a command: "You must not eat any detestable thing" (Deuteronomy 14:3), followed by a list similar to that in Leviticus. Categories of Unclean Animals 1. Land Animals: Animals that do not both chew the cud and have split hooves are considered unclean. Examples include the camel, rabbit, and pig (Leviticus 11:4-7). 2. Aquatic Life: Only those creatures with fins and scales are deemed clean. Thus, shellfish and other sea creatures without these features are unclean (Leviticus 11:9-12). 3. Birds: A list of unclean birds is provided, including the eagle, vulture, and owl (Leviticus 11:13-19). 4. Insects: Most winged insects are unclean, except for those that have jointed legs for hopping, such as locusts (Leviticus 11:20-23). 5. Creeping Creatures: Various small animals that crawl on the ground are also unclean (Leviticus 11:29-31). Purpose and Significance The dietary laws served multiple purposes. They were a means of setting the Israelites apart as God's chosen people, distinct from surrounding nations. The laws also had practical health benefits, as many of the prohibited animals are known to carry diseases or parasites. Furthermore, these regulations were a test of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the issue of clean and unclean meats is revisited, particularly in the context of the early Church's expansion to include Gentile believers. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision in which a voice tells him, "What God has made clean, you must not call impure" (Acts 10:15). This vision signifies the removal of dietary restrictions and the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith. The Apostle Paul also addresses the topic in his epistles, emphasizing that dietary practices should not be a source of division among believers. In Romans 14:14, he writes, "I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean" . Cultural and Theological Implications The distinction between clean and unclean meats has had lasting cultural and theological implications. For the Jewish people, these dietary laws remain a vital part of religious identity and practice. For Christians, the New Testament teachings have led to a broader understanding of purity and holiness, focusing on the heart and faith rather than external observance of dietary laws. Smith's Bible Dictionary Unclean MeatsThese were things strangled, or dead of themselves or through beasts or birds of prey; whatever beast did not both part the hoof and chew the cud; and certain other smaller animals rated as "creeping things;" certain classes of birds mentioned in Levi 11 and Deuteronomy 14 twenty or twenty-one in all; whatever in the waters had not both fins and scales whatever winged insect had not besides four legs the two hindlegs for leaping; Besides things offered in sacrifice to idols; and ail blood or whatever contained it (save perhaps the blood of fish, as would appear from that only of beast and bird being forbidden,) (Leviticus 7:26) and therefore flesh cut from the live animal; as also all fat, at any rate that disposed in masses among the intestines, and probably wherever discernible end separable among the flesh. (Leviticus 3:14-17; 7:23) The eating of blood was prohibited even to "the stranger that sojourneth among you." (Leviticus 17:10; 12:14) As regards blood, the prohibition indeed dates from the declaration to Noah against "flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof" in (Genesis 9:4) which was perhaps by Moses as still binding upon all Noah's descendants. It is noteworthy that the practical effect of the rule laid down is to exclude all the carnivora among quadrupeds, and, so far as we can interpret the nomenclature the raptores among birds. They were probably excluded as being not averse to human carcasses, and in most eastern countries acting as the servitors of the battle-field and the gibbet. Among fish those which were allowed contain unquestionably the most wholesome varieties, save that they exclude the oyster. Practically the law left among the allowed Meats an ample variety. As Orientals have minds sensitive to teaching by types, there can be little doubt that such cere menial distinctions not only tended to keep Jew and Gentile apart (and so prevented the Jews from becoming contaminated with the idolatry of the Gentiles), but were a perpetual reminder to the former that he and the latter were not on one level before God. Hence, when that ceremony was changed we find that this was the very symbol selected to instruct St. Peter in the truth that God was not a "respecter of persons." It remains to mention the sanitary aspect of the case. Swine are said to peculiarly liable to disease in their own bodies. This probably means that they are more easily led than other creatures to the foul feeding which produces it. As regards the animals allowed for food, comparing them with those forbidden, there can be no doubt on which side the balance of wholesomeness lies. Library Things Clean and Unclean According to the Law and the Gospel. Peter's Apologia Why Choice of Meats was Prescribed. The Conservative Reaction, and the Liberal victory -- Argument. --And Thus Unclean Animals are not to be Reproached ... Acts XXI The Way to the Kingdom He Says, in Addition, that "All the Christians were of one Mind... Moreover, Let them Show Where There is to be Found Even the ... The Ministry in Galilee --Its Aim and Method Resources What are the bodily discharges mentioned in Leviticus 15, and why did they make a person unclean? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of impurity in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why does the Bible say that rabbits chew the cud? Is this an error in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Unclean: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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