What Is Considered Clean And Unclean Animals In The Bible?

Question

What does the Bible mean when it says something is unclean?

Reply

The Hebrew give-and-take translated "unclean" in Leviticus is used well-nigh one hundred times in this i volume, clearly emphasizing "clean" condition versus "unclean." Animals, objects, food, habiliment, and even people could be considered "unclean."

Generally, the Mosaic Law spoke of something as "unclean" if it was unfit to utilize in worship to God. Beingness "make clean" or "unclean" was a formalism designation governing the ritual of corporate worship. For example, there were certain animals, similar pigs, considered unclean and therefore not to be used in sacrifices (Leviticus 5:2); and there were certain actions, like touching a expressionless body, that made a living person unclean and temporarily unable to participate in the worship ceremony (Leviticus 5:3).

Leviticus 10:10 taught, "You are to distinguish betwixt the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean" (ESV). The parallel between "holy" and "clean" (and "mutual" and "unclean") reveals that the command was related to one'due south spiritual status, though physical actions were often involved.

Certain foods were unclean for Jews and forbidden for them to eat, such every bit pork, certain fish, and sure birds. A skin infection could make a person unclean or unfit for presence at the tabernacle or fifty-fifty in the customs (Leviticus 13:iii). A house with certain kinds of mold was unclean. A woman was unclean for a menstruation of time following childbirth. On holy days couples were restricted from engaging in sexual action every bit the release of semen fabricated them unclean until evening (Leviticus fifteen:18).

While a wide variety of circumstances could make a person, animal, or item unclean, the majority of the laws outlined activities disqualifying a person or animal in connection with the tabernacle offerings. An creature offered for sacrifice had to be without defect. The person who offered the cede also had to exist "clean" before the Police; i.due east., the worshiper had to comply with the Constabulary and approach God with reverence.

In the New Testament, Jesus used the idea of beingness "clean" to speak of being holy. In Luke 11:39–41 He says to the Pharisees, "At present and then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the loving cup and dish, merely inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the i who made the outside make the inside also? But now as for what is inside you–be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you."

"Clean" and "unclean" were concepts very familiar to those under the Old Testament Law. God called His people to separate themselves from the impurities of the world. The principle of being clean crosses into the New Testament equally well, with the thought of living spiritually pure (2 Corinthians 6:17) and seeking to exist holy, living a life worthy of our calling (Colossians 1:ten).

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This page last updated: January 4, 2022

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