The biblical laws concerning clean and unclean foods are primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. These dietary laws were given by God to the Israelites and are a significant aspect of the Mosaic Law, reflecting both religious and cultural practices of ancient Israel.

Leviticus 11:1-47

The most comprehensive list of clean and unclean animals is found in Leviticus 11. The chapter begins with the LORD speaking to Moses and Aaron, instructing them to communicate these laws to the Israelites. The text categorizes animals into those that may be eaten and those that are forbidden.

1. Land Animals: Animals that are permissible to eat must have a split hoof completely divided and must chew the cud. Examples of clean animals include cattle, sheep, and goats. Unclean animals, such as the camel, rabbit, and pig, either do not have a split hoof or do not chew the cud (Leviticus 11:3-7).

2. Aquatic Animals: Only those with fins and scales may be consumed. This excludes shellfish and other sea creatures without these features (Leviticus 11:9-12).

3. Birds: The text lists specific birds that are considered unclean, including the eagle, vulture, and raven. Clean birds are not explicitly listed, but by exclusion, birds like chickens and doves are considered clean (Leviticus 11:13-19).

4. Insects: Among insects, only those that walk on all fours and have jointed legs for hopping, such as locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers, are deemed clean (Leviticus 11:20-23).

5. Creeping Creatures: Various small animals that crawl on the ground are considered unclean, including moles, rats, and lizards (Leviticus 11:29-30).

The chapter concludes with a call to holiness, emphasizing that the Israelites are to be set apart by adhering to these dietary laws (Leviticus 11:44-45).

Deuteronomy 14:3-21

Deuteronomy reiterates many of the dietary laws found in Leviticus, with slight variations and additional emphasis on the holiness and distinctiveness of the Israelites. The text again categorizes animals into clean and unclean, with similar criteria for land animals, aquatic creatures, and birds. It also includes a prohibition against eating anything that dies of itself, allowing it to be given to a foreigner or sold to a foreigner (Deuteronomy 14:21).

Purpose and Significance

The dietary laws served multiple purposes. They were a means of distinguishing the Israelites from surrounding nations, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people. The laws also had practical health benefits, as many of the prohibited animals are known to carry diseases or parasites. Furthermore, these laws were a constant reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God, calling them to live in obedience and holiness.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the issue of clean and unclean foods is revisited, particularly in the context of the early church's expansion to include Gentiles. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision in which God declares all foods clean, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith (Acts 10:15). The Apostle Paul also addresses the topic, emphasizing that dietary laws are not binding on Christians and that the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

These New Testament teachings reflect a shift from the ceremonial aspects of the law to the spiritual realities they foreshadowed, highlighting the fulfillment of the law in Christ.