List of Clean and Unclean Animals in the Bible
Many people who read the Bible notice that it separates animals into two groups: clean and unclean. At first, this idea can feel confusing, especially today when most foods are easily available and few people think about animals this way. Still, the topic of clean and unclean animals in the Bible plays an important role in Scripture and helps us understand life during biblical times.
The Bible first mentions clean and unclean animals in the book of Genesis. During the story of Noah’s Ark, God told Noah to take more clean animals than unclean ones into the ark (Genesis 7:2). This shows that the difference between these animals existed very early in the Bible, even before the laws given to Israel.
Later, the clearest explanation appears in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. These books list which animals were considered clean and allowed for food, and which were unclean and not to be eaten. These instructions were given to the Israelites as part of God’s covenant with them. They helped guide daily living and reminded the people that they were set apart to live in obedience to God.
Clean animals included certain land animals, birds, and fish, while unclean animals included pigs, shellfish, and some birds. These rules were not only about eating habits. They were connected to worship, obedience, and daily discipline, helping the people stay mindful of their faith.
Today, many readers study the list of clean and unclean animals in the Bible to better understand Scripture, biblical history, or religious practices that are still followed by some faith communities. Others are simply curious about why these guidelines were given and what they meant in their original setting.
List of Clean and Unclean Animals in the Bible
Now that we understand the background, let’s look closely at the clean and unclean animals in the Bible. In Scripture, these categories helped guide daily life for the Israelites. They affected food choices, worship, and personal conduct, and they also reflected cultural and spiritual identity at the time.
Below, the animals are grouped just as the Bible presents them—land animals, sea creatures, birds, and insects—starting with those considered clean.
Clean Animals in the Bible
Clean animals were permitted for eating under biblical law. The Bible describes clear features that helped the Israelites recognize which animals were clean. These guidelines appear mainly in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.
Clean Land Animals
For land animals to be considered clean, they had to meet two conditions:
- They must have split (divided) hooves
- They must chew the cud
Animals that meet both conditions were viewed as suitable for food.
Examples of clean land animals include:
- Cattle – Often mentioned in Scripture and widely used for food and offerings
- Sheep – Valued for meat, wool, and religious sacrifices
- Goats – Common in daily life and worship
- Deer – Hunted for food and considered clean
- Oxen – Working animals that also met the clean criteria
- Elk – Similar to deer in structure and diet
- Antelope – Meets the biblical requirements
- Gazelle – Mentioned in Scripture and considered clean
These animals fit the description found in Leviticus 11:3, which outlines the standard for clean land animals.
Clean Sea Animals
The Bible gives a clear rule for sea creatures. To be clean, a sea animal must have both fins and scales. Any creature without these features was not permitted for eating.
Examples of clean sea animals include:
- Salmon
- Trout
- Tuna
- Cod
- Mackerel
- Herring
- Bass
- Perch
- Snapper
Leviticus 11:9–12 clearly explains that fish with fins and scales may be eaten, while others should be avoided.
Clean Birds
Unlike land and sea animals, the Bible does not give physical rules for identifying clean birds. Instead, it lists unclean birds, which are mostly birds of prey or scavengers. Birds not on that list were generally considered clean.
Examples of clean birds include:
- Chicken
- Doves
- Quail
- Pigeons
- Partridge
- Pheasant
Deuteronomy 14:11 summarizes this simply: “Of all clean birds you may eat.”
Clean Insects
Most insects are listed as unclean, but the Bible makes an exception for certain hopping insects.
Clean insects mentioned in Scripture include:
- Locusts
- Grasshoppers
- Crickets
Leviticus 11:22 names these insects specifically as permitted.
Unclean Animals in the Bible
Unclean animals were not permitted for food. These animals usually failed to meet the biblical standards or were known as predators or scavengers.
Unclean Land Animals
Land animals that did not both chew the cud and have split hooves were considered unclean.
Common examples include:
- Pigs – Have split hooves but do not chew the cud
- Camels – Chew the cud but lack split hooves
- Rabbits – Do not meet the full criteria
- Horses and Donkeys – Do not chew the cud or have split hooves
- Wild predators such as lions, bears, and wolves
Unclean Sea Animals
Sea creatures without fins and scales were considered unclean.
Examples include:
- Shrimp
- Lobster
- Crab
- Catfish
Unclean Birds
Unclean birds were mainly birds of prey or scavengers.
Examples include:
- Eagles
- Vultures
- Hawks
These birds are listed directly in Leviticus 11.
Unclean Insects
All insects were considered unclean except locusts, grasshoppers, and crickets.
Examples of unclean insects include:
- Flies
- Beetles
- Spiders
Fun Facts and Common Misconceptions
The topic of clean and unclean animals in the Bible often comes with surprising details and a few misunderstandings. Below are some interesting facts, along with common ideas that deserve a clearer explanation.
Fun Facts About Clean and Unclean Animals
Giraffes Are Technically Clean
Giraffes meet the biblical requirements for clean land animals because they have split hooves and chew the cud. Even so, they were not commonly eaten, likely due to how difficult they are to hunt or keep.
Bats Are Called “Birds” in the Bible
In Leviticus 11:19, bats are listed among birds. Today, we know bats are mammals. In biblical times, animals were often grouped by how they moved, not by modern scientific categories. Because bats fly, they were placed in the same group as birds.
Locusts Were Allowed as Food
Locusts are one of the few insects considered clean. Mark 1:6 tells us that John the Baptist ate locusts and wild honey. Even today, locusts and grasshoppers are eaten in some parts of the world.
Unclean Does Not Mean Evil
Animals labeled unclean were not considered bad or sinful. Many unclean animals play useful roles in nature. The distinction was about dietary and ceremonial rules, not moral value.
Some Clean Animals Were Used in Worship
Animals such as sheep, goats, and cattle were not only eaten but also used in sacrifices. This made them important in religious life and daily worship.
Common Misconceptions Explained
“Unclean Animals Are Dirty or Unsafe”
While some unclean animals may carry health risks, the rules were not based only on hygiene. They were part of a system of obedience and spiritual discipline given to Israel.
“These Rules No Longer Make Sense”
Although modern food handling has changed how people eat today, these guidelines were very practical in ancient times, especially in hot climates and before refrigeration.
“Jesus Completely Removed All Dietary Rules”
Jesus taught that inner character matters more than food choices (Mark 7:18–19). Many Christians believe this shifted the focus from external rules to faith and the heart, rather than strict diet laws.
“All Insects Are Unclean”
This is not true. Leviticus 11:22 allows certain hopping insects, such as locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers.
Clean and Unclean Animals in the Bible: FAQs
Below are answers to common questions readers often ask about clean and unclean animals in the Bible.
1. Can Christians Eat Pork?
Most Christians believe they can eat pork. New Testament passages, including Mark 7 and Acts 10, are often understood to mean that dietary laws are no longer required. Still, some people avoid pork for personal or health reasons.
2. Why Are Rabbits Considered Unclean?
Rabbits appear to chew the cud, but they do not do so in the same way as cows or goats. Because they do not meet the full biblical requirements, they are listed as unclean.
3. Why Is Shellfish Considered Unclean?
Shellfish do not have fins and scales, which is why they are classified as unclean in Leviticus 11. In ancient times, they were also more likely to cause illness.
4. Are There Clean Animals People Rarely Eat Today?
Yes. Animals like deer and giraffes are considered clean but are not eaten in many cultures today. On the other hand, locusts are clean and are still eaten in some regions.
5. Why Are Birds of Prey Unclean?
Predatory and scavenging birds often feed on dead animals. This behavior placed them in the unclean category under biblical law.
6. Do These Laws Apply to Everyone?
These laws were given specifically to the Israelites. Christians generally see them as part of the Old Covenant, while non-Jews are not required to follow them. Some people still observe them by choice.
7. Are Any Insects Clean?
Yes. Locusts, grasshoppers, and crickets are the only insects listed as clean in the Bible.
8. Why Did God Give Dietary Laws at All?
The laws helped guide daily life, promoted discipline and order, and reminded the Israelites of their identity and commitment to God.
Conclusion
The list of clean and unclean animals in the Bible offers helpful insight into biblical history, faith practices, and daily life in ancient times. These guidelines were not random rules but part of a structured way of living that emphasized obedience, identity, and trust in God.
Studying this topic can deepen your understanding of Scripture and how biblical teachings shaped everyday life. If you want to grow further in your faith, prayer plays an important role. You may find this guide on how to pray to God helpful as you continue your journey.
