“Do not make yourselves unclean by any of these creatures. I am the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.” – Leviticus 11:44
Bible Verses About Unclean Animals
Understanding Clean and Unclean
As we reflect on the concept of clean and unclean animals in the Bible, we come to understand that this distinction was vital for the Israelites. God provided guidelines about what animals were permissible to eat and which were not. These instructions were more than just dietary laws; they represented a deeper connection to holiness. By adhering to these rules, the Israelites acknowledged God’s authority in their lives and their need to remain pure before Him. In our own lives today, although the specifics may differ, we are still called to consider the things we allow into our hearts and lives, ensuring they reflect our commitment to holiness and obedience to God.
Leviticus 11:2
“Say to the Israelites: ‘Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat:” – Leviticus 11:2
Leviticus 11:3
“You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud.” – Leviticus 11:3
Leviticus 11:4
“There are some animals that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof; you must not eat them.” – Leviticus 11:4
Leviticus 11:5
“The rabbit, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you.” – Leviticus 11:5
Leviticus 11:6
“The pig is also unclean; although it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud.” – Leviticus 11:6
Obedience to God’s Commands
When we think about the guidelines for clean and unclean animals, we recognize that living in obedience to God’s commands builds our faith and strengthens our walk with Him. These laws were intended to keep the Israelites separate from the nations around them and to instill a sense of reverence for how they lived daily. Likewise, our understanding of God’s commands today guides us to make choices that are pleasing to Him. By following God’s instructions, we also demonstrate our trust and willingness to submit to His will in our lives.
Deuteronomy 14:3
“Do not eat any detestable thing.” – Deuteronomy 14:3
Deuteronomy 14:4
“These are the animals you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat,” – Deuteronomy 14:4
Deuteronomy 14:6
“You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud.” – Deuteronomy 14:6
Deuteronomy 14:7
“However, of those that chew the cud or have a divided hoof, you may not eat the camel, the rabbit, or the hyrax.” – Deuteronomy 14:7
Deuteronomy 14:8
“The pig is unclean for you. Although it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud.” – Deuteronomy 14:8
The Purpose of Clean and Unclean
The laws about clean and unclean animals serve a larger purpose in teaching us about our need for spiritual purity. Just as the Israelites were to distinguish between animals for consumption, we too are called to distinguish between that which edifies our spirit and that which corrupts it. The old testament laws were instructional on how to live in a way that honors God. They remind us that what we take into our hearts and minds matters significantly. In conjunction with these animal laws, we are to maintain a level of purity in all areas of our lives as a reflection of our dedication to God.
Isaiah 66:17
“Those who consecrate and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one who is among those who eat the flesh of pigs, rats, and other unclean things—they will meet their end together.” – Isaiah 66:17
Isaiah 66:20
“And they will bring all your people from all the nations to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD.” – Isaiah 66:20
Ezekiel 44:23
“They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.” – Ezekiel 44:23
Ezekiel 22:26
“Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean.” – Ezekiel 22:26
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8
Spiritual Lessons from Clean and Unclean
As we study the distinctions between clean and unclean animals, we can derive valuable spiritual lessons that apply to our daily lives. Jesus often used parables to illustrate truths about the Kingdom of God, and we can see parallels with these dietary laws. The focus on holiness and cleanliness translates into our daily choices—what we consume physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We learn that maintaining spiritual cleanliness comes from what we allow into our lives and the company we keep. Let us strive to pursue purity in our actions and thoughts, recognizing that God desires for us to live a life that brings glory to His name.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord; touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17
Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” – James 4:8
1 Peter 1:16
“For it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” – 1 Peter 1:16
God’s Grace and Redemption
While the distinctions surrounding clean and unclean animals must be respected, we also find grace within God’s overarching plan. Jesus fulfilled the law and offers redemption to all who believe in Him regardless of their past actions or heritage. This is a gift of immeasurable value, signaling that our worth is not determined by animal classifications but through our relationship with Christ. Therefore, as we learn about purity and uncleanliness from the Old Testament teachings, may we also remember that God’s grace is sufficient and available to everyone seeking forgiveness. God’s love and mercy do not discriminate.
Mark 7:18-19
“Are you so dull? Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” – Mark 7:18-19
Acts 10:15
“The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” – Acts 10:15
Romans 14:14
“I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself.” – Romans 14:14
Colossians 2:16
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.” – Colossians 2:16
Titus 1:15
“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure.” – Titus 1:15
Application in Our Lives
The teachings about clean and unclean animals remind us to evaluate our lives through the lens of God’s Word. It is essential to reflect on our daily choices and the influences we allow into our lives. God desires for us to live in a way that honors Him. As we read these scriptures and absorb their teachings, let us consider how we, too, can offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God. Our actions should be led by faith and a desire to please Him in all that we do. By applying these principles, we can create an environment enriched with purity, honoring God through our lives.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship