Old Testament: The Laws of Clean and Unclean
The Old Testament dietary laws, primarily detailed in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, were given to the nation of Israel to distinguish them from other peoples. These regulations were part of the Mosaic Covenant, designed to set God's people apart and promote ritual purity. The laws provided specific criteria for what constituted a 'clean' or 'unclean' animal, bird, or sea creature. Touching or eating the carcass of an unclean animal would render a person ceremonially impure.
Forbidden Land Animals
To be considered 'clean' and fit for consumption, a land animal had to meet two specific requirements: it must have a completely divided, or cloven, hoof and chew the cud. Animals that only met one of these conditions were forbidden. The pig, for instance, has cloven hooves but does not chew the cud, making its meat unclean. The camel, rabbit, and rock badger were also forbidden because they chew the cud but do not have split hooves. A wide range of other animals fell into the unclean category, including many reptiles, amphibians, and rodents.
- Pigs
- Camels
- Rabbits (hares)
- Rock badgers (hyraxes)
- Mice
- Rats
- Moles
- All reptiles (snakes, lizards)
- All amphibians (frogs, toads)
Forbidden Aquatic Creatures
For creatures living in the water, the rules were equally clear. Only those with both fins and scales were permitted for food. This prohibition excluded a vast category of aquatic life, most notably all shellfish and many types of fish. Shellfish like shrimp, lobsters, crabs, and oysters were explicitly considered detestable. Other creatures without both fins and scales, such as eels, catfish, and sharks, were also forbidden.
Forbidden Birds and Insects
Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 also list specific birds that were to be regarded as unclean. This list primarily includes birds of prey and scavengers, reflecting a pattern of avoiding creatures that consume carrion or other animals. Examples include eagles, vultures, hawks, and ravens. The dietary laws also addressed insects. While most crawling, flying insects were considered unclean, some varieties of hopping insects, like locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers, were allowed.
New Testament: The Fulfillment of the Law
The New Testament introduces a significant shift in perspective regarding these dietary restrictions. Many theologians interpret the arrival and sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Covenant, including its ceremonial laws. The ceremonial laws were shadows of the coming reality found in Christ. A pivotal moment illustrating this change is the vision of the apostle Peter in Acts 10, where a sheet of all kinds of animals, both clean and unclean, is lowered from heaven. When a voice commands him to kill and eat, Peter protests that he has never eaten anything unclean. The voice responds, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean”.
The End of Dietary Restrictions
The Apostle Paul's teachings further clarify the Christian freedom from ceremonial dietary laws. In 1 Timothy 4:4, he states, “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving”. This does not mean that all Christians are required to eat all foods, but rather that the food itself does not defile a person. The focus shifts from external rules to matters of the heart and conscience. For most Christians, what to eat is no longer a matter of ceremonial law but a matter of personal conviction, health, or consideration for others.
Comparison of Old vs. New Testament Dietary Laws
| Feature | Old Testament (For Israel) | New Testament (For Christians) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To set Israel apart as a holy nation; ritual purity. | Emphasis on inward faith; dietary freedom in Christ. |
| Land Animals | Required cloven hooves AND chewing the cud. Pigs, rabbits forbidden. | All animals declared clean to be received with thanksgiving. |
| Aquatic Life | Required fins AND scales. Shellfish, eels forbidden. | Any seafood is permissible; guidelines related to conscience. |
| Birds | Detailed list of forbidden birds (scavengers/raptors). | All birds are permissible through the New Covenant. |
| Status | A binding ceremonial law for the Jewish people. | Fulfilled in Christ, no longer binding for most Christians. |
For a deeper understanding of this theological shift, consider exploring the resources at The Gospel Coalition.
Conclusion
Ultimately, what meat is forbidden in the Bible depends on whether one is adhering to the Old Testament Mosaic Covenant or living under the New Testament teachings of grace and fulfillment in Christ. The strict dietary laws of the Old Testament, which forbade animals like pork and shellfish to the Israelites, were central to their identity and ritual purity. However, the New Testament indicates that these ceremonial laws are no longer binding for believers, and all foods are now considered clean when received with thanksgiving. The broader principle for believers today is to act with a clear conscience, prioritizing faith and consideration for others over external dietary restrictions.
