What does the Bible say about unclean animals?

As a domain expert in biblical studies, I can provide insights into what the Bible says about unclean animals. The Bible, specifically the Old Testament, contains dietary laws that differentiate between clean and unclean animals according to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites. The distinction is particularly detailed in the book of Leviticus, which is part of the Pentateuch and contains the laws of purity and ritual. According to Leviticus 11, the criteria for an animal to be considered clean are that it must partake the cud (which means it must be able to chew its food a second time after swallowing) and divide the hoof (meaning it must have an even number of toes or hooves). If an animal does not meet both these criteria, it is considered unclean. Clean animals, as per Leviticus 11:3, include the ox, sheep, goat, and deer, among others. These animals are allowed to be consumed by the Israelites. They are seen as part of God's provision for the dietary needs of His people. On the other hand, unclean animals are those that either chew the cud but do not divide the hoof or divide the hoof but do not chew the cud. Examples of unclean animals include pigs, rabbits, camels, and most birds, except for those specifically deemed clean, such as certain types of doves. The dietary laws in Leviticus are not just about what is edible but also serve as a means to set the Israelites apart from other nations and to teach them about holiness and obedience to God's commands. The consumption of unclean animals was strictly prohibited, and failure to adhere to these laws was considered a serious transgression. It is important to note that these dietary laws were specific to the Old Testament period and the context of the Mosaic covenant. In the New Testament, particularly in the book of Acts (15:19-21) and in the writings of the Apostle Paul, such as in Romans and Corinthians, there is a shift in the understanding of dietary restrictions. The early Christian church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, recognized that the strict dietary laws were no longer necessary for believers in Jesus Christ, as they were part of the old covenant that pointed to the coming of the Messiah. In summary, the Bible, through the book of Leviticus, provides clear guidelines on what constitutes clean and unclean animals in the context of the Mosaic Law. These laws were significant for the Israelites as a means of maintaining their distinct identity and obedience to God. However, with the advent of the New Testament and the establishment of the new covenant in Jesus Christ, the dietary restrictions have been re-evaluated, and the focus has shifted to matters of faith and spiritual purity.

According to Leviticus, clean meat is defined as the meat of every animal that has the hoof cloven in two and chews the cud. (4) Examples of clean meat include the ox (cattle), buffalo, sheep, goat, deer, gazelle, antelope and mountain sheep, just to name a few.