What Scripture Says Not To Eat (Leviticus 11)

This post is to enumerate the things that are forbidden for us to consume. Let's note that the Bible does not consider these things foods. While there are a few things on this list that are commonly eaten in our culture, this is not what the Living God intended. See Leviticus 11 for more on unclean animals.

What Scripture tells us not to eat:

Cats - housecats, cheetahs, leopards, panthers, tigers, lions.

Dogs - wolfs, coyote, fox, hyenas, etc.

Rabbits.

Equine animals - horses, donkeys, mules, zebra.

Flying animals such as eagles, crows, flamingos, ostriches, penguins, parrots, pelicans, bats, hawks, buzzards, and owls.

Insects - except for locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers.

Snails.

Pigs - including boar. This includes all pig products such as pork, ham, bacon, pork sausage, pepperoni, lard, and porcine gelatin.

Sea mammals - whales, dolphins, seals, otters, porpoises, walrus, etc.

Shellfish - shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, sea urchin, crab, crayfish, crawfish, lobster, calamari, and so forth.

Fish without fins and scales - swordfish, catfish, marlin, sturgeon, eel, shark, squid, jellyfish, octopus, cuttlefish, etc.

Miscellaneous animals - gorillas, monkeys, elephants, camels, llamas, badgers, rodents, raccoons, possums, kangaroos, wolverines, squirrels, earth worms, hippos, groundhogs, alligators, crocodiles, snakes, and so on.

Any kind of blood.

Reading through that list is extremely unappetizing. Who wants to eat worms or racoons or a housecat? And wouldn't it be sad to eat beautiful animals we see in the wild or at zoos like zebras, penguins, and dolphins? That is how the Creator feels about everything on the list...even what is commonly consumed in our culture.

More on what Scripture says about what we eat:
Ten Times the Bible Talks About Clean Eating
Understanding Mark 7 and the Messiah Declaring All Foods Clean
How to Eat Biblically Clean
Understanding Peter's Vision

Biblically Clean Eating Q+A

Recently on Instagram I asked if anyone had questions about Biblically clean eating. I was taken aback by the huge response! It was literally hundreds of questions in a few days. I did my best to answer as many as I could. I figured I would share my responses here for those who didn't get to see this.

For clarification, this is how I define Biblically clean eating.

What about Acts 10:9-16? People use this to say all food is clean.

This chapter later explains the "kill and eat" vision Peter had to mean that no people are unclean. It's not talking about food at all. See the full post A Hebraic Perspective on Peter's Vision for more.

The dairy and meat separation. It's very confusing to me.

The basis for separating these come from Exodus 23:19 which says not to boil an animal in its mother's milk. There are a huge range of interpretations on this. Many scholars believe this is about mixing meat with that animal's specific mother's milk (as opposed to mixing goat meat with the milk of any other goat), which apparently was a pagan practice in Bible times.

Since chicken, etc. are not dairy animals there is no express Biblical prohibition from mixing that with cheese, butter, etc.

Study and pray about this. Base your decisions off of Scripture and not what someone else says.

Great reminder that we do see milk served with meat in Scripture. Abraham served meat with milk and curds. Many would say that the instructions on how to eat weren't given until later, so therefore Abraham didn't know not to do this. However we see in Genesis 7 that Noah knew the difference between and unclean animals before then.

This Is duck clean or no?

Duck is considered clean. As are chicken, turkey, quail, pheasant, partridge, goose, and dove.

How do you even begin? Especially when your husband refuses?

If your spouse isn't on board then do what YOU can. If you are cooking, make clean meals and if he wants to add something unclean that's his choice.

See this post for step-by-step help getting started.

Cheering you on during the hard time of transition! It gets way easier as you go!

Is meat at stores like Walmart unclean because of slaughter methods?

Leviticus 17:13 tells us not to eat meat hat has blood in it. This can be an issue with red meat - conventional slaughterhouses do not always make it a point to drain the blood, or might not kill the animal in a way that is conducive to that.

People handle this differently - some cook the meat thoroughly, others salt meat to draw out the blood, others buy only meat where they know how it was slaughtered, and some only feel comfortable with certified kosher meat.

I find it difficult to find kosher certified meat, any suggestions?

Talk to small scale butchers near you and find out their slaughtering practices. Many are consistent with kosher methods, but without the certification.

Call the nearest synagogue and ask if/where their congregants get kosher certified meat.

Small grocery stores can usually special order kosher meat. It helps if you place a fairly large order to make it worth their trouble.

Take a cooler and stock up when you go to a large city. You can freeze meat at home to use in the coming months. Kroger and Trader Joes' are usually good bets. Call ahead to double check that they carry it!

Kosher certified meat is rarely pastured/grass fed/local/organic, what do we ask our local farmers?

Most farmers don't do their own slaughtering. Ask if they know what that consists of. If they don't, find out where their animals are processed and contact them.

I would ask what steps they take to drain the blood, and go from there. 

There is really not much in Scripture about how an animal should be killed. Some believe that a cow's throat should be slit and drained that way. The more common method today is to first stun-gun cows in the head before slitting their throats to drain the blood. Many feel this is more humane for the animal.

What's your thoughts on eating a vegan/plant based diet?

I think that can be a great thing. In Daniel we see that he switched to a plant based diet in order to avoid unclean meats. If your choice is to eat a vegan meal or unclean meat, then that's an easy decision to make to keep the Bible's commandments. In general though when you have the option to eat clean meats and dairy, I would just remind everyone that this a personal choice and not a Biblical commandment.

Romans 14.

This passage is mostly talking about fasting. Some people feel called to fast certain days, while others did not. Both sides should treat the other with kindness.

Are mushrooms clean?

Most people say yes because Scripture does not mention anything about them being unclean. Judaism accepts edible mushrooms as kosher. 

Others would say no since they are not a plant that produces seeds (see Genesis 1:29). Seaweed also doesn't produce seeds, so that's something to watch out for if you land on this side.

What are things to avoid that might get missed?

Checking produce for bugs is always a good idea. You don't need to spend forever on it, but it's something to watch out for as you're chopping. If you find bugs you can take them off and still use the veggie or fruit.

What are things to avoid that might get missed?

Some beef or turkey products will have pork casings. Double check the ingredient label when you're buying any type of sausage product.

What are things to avoid that might get missed?

Gelatin is usually made from pork. It shows up in gelatin desserts like jello, marshmallows, pudding mixes, and lesser quality yogurt and sour cream.

You can get beef gelatin, if you are so inclined, to use in any recipes calling for it!

What kind of fish are okay to eat?

Fish need to have fins and scales. Common fish that are Biblically clean include salmon, tuna, cod, trout, perch, sea bass, herring, pollock, tilapia, mahi-mahi, and flounder. 

Cookbook recommendations?

Pretty Simple Cooking from A Couple Cooks is a gem! It's vegetarian but they include some recommendations for incorporating meat if you'd like to. The book is also arranged by the amount of time each recipe takes, which I love! It has practical recipes for real Biblically clean meals!

What's your interpretation of the verse in Mark 7 where it says he made all foods clean?

Mark 7 isn't talking about what is being eaten, it's talking about eating without going through a (non Bible based) ritual of handwashing. That's why they asked, "Why do your followers eat with unwashed hands?" and not, "Why are your followers eating unclean things?"

Also, the Bible never calls unclean animals "food." It only calls Biblically clean things food, so it's kind of a moot point. See this post for more on Mark 7.

What are thoughts on eating out, specifically at a restaurant that serves unclean and clean food?

I feel most comfortable at restaurants that don't serve unclean meat, or at least very little of it. That said, quality restaurants (especially those accommodating to vegetarians and those with food allergies), have no problem avoiding cross contamination if asked. Restaurants like these typically have a vegetarian deep fryer and spot on the grill. If you are having meat you can request they clean the grill.

A reader mentioned watching out for restaurants that cook with lard. This is mostly a problem at southern type and Mexican restaurants, so that's something you can ask about. Again, for places that are vegetarian-friendly, this usually isn't an issue.

And if a restaurant can't tell you the ingredients they use - I would really think twice about eating there. I've worked in restaurants and there is absolutely no mystery to anyone in the kitchen about what is being used. Unless it's a heat and serve place, which tend to be nasty anyway. If a waiter or waitress can't answer your questions they can always go and check with the kitchen.

I applaud all of you making the choice to implement a Biblically clean diet into your life! There are many things that can be debated, but wherever you land on these things I'm proud of the changes you are making! YHWH is honored by your effort to be obedient to Scripture!

More about clean eating:

10 Times the Bible Talks About Clean Eating
How to Eat Biblically Clean
Biblically Clean Meal Ideas

How to Eat Biblically Clean

You've decided you want to start eating the way that Scripture instructs, now where do you begin? Today I want to talk you through the practical side of how you can eat a diet that is Biblically clean.

What is Biblically clean eating?
If you're not familiar with what Biblically clean eating is then see this post. It's not complicated, it's just making sure we don't consume animals that the Bible calls unclean, such as pigs, shellfish, and fish that don't have fins or scales. On a Biblically clean diet you are free to consume clean meats such as beef, lamb, chicken, and fish with fins and scales, as well as all vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, herbs, nuts, eggs, and dairy products.

Once you are familiar with what foods are considered Biblically clean (really Scripture only calls clean things food - it never refers to pigs, etc. as "food"), it's time to clear the unclean things out of your kitchen, and make a game plan for avoiding them in the future.

Clean out your kitchen.
Go through your refrigerator, pantry, and freezer and look for any products containing unclean animals. This means everything from pork chops and catfish to pepperoni on a frozen pizza or a jar of oyster sauce to a can of pork and beans. Then get rid of these items! Set yourself up for success by getting these things out of your kitchen, and only stocking foods that are Biblically clean.

If you share a kitchen:
If your spouse or roommates or parents are not onboard with Biblically clean eating, then you might not have full control of the kitchen and pantry. In that case, do what you can. Clean out what is yours. Maybe you could designate cupboards or shelves in the fridge that are just for your foods or theirs. You are not obligated to cook or eat meals with unclean things. I know a couple that makes two different sauces each time they have spaghetti. One with pork sausage and one without. If your spouse, parent, or roommate wants to eat something unclean that is their choice, and they can make and purchase those things, but you don't have to be involved in that. You can prepare clean meals, or stick to the clean parts of the meal if someone else cooks.

That said, if it's your kitchen and others in the household aren't on board I don't think you should have to compromise. If you are the homeowner or parent or otherwise in charge, then it's up to you to set the rules for your house. You don't have to let ham or other things forbidden by Scripture live in your fridge or home. Clearly and kindly explain the ground rules for the household. 

Make a plan for moving forward.
How are these changes going to affect you? Depending on what your diet was like before, you may have a lot of adjusting to do. You'll want to find alternatives for products you'll no longer be using and things you especially enjoyed. Did you cook with lard before? You'll want to stock up on olive oil or butter so you can use that instead. Can you start using chicken sausage instead of pork sausage? Do you need to break an addiction to bacon? Consider if going cold-turkey would be best for you, or if trying Biblically clean alternatives would be a better fit. 

While trying substitutes and new things can be fun, I would also make it a point to turn to recipes and snacks that you already enjoy that are Biblically clean. If it helps, make a list of favorites to turn to when cravings kick in or you're not sure what to do for dinner.

Consider how you will handle meals with others.
It's one thing when you're the one making dinner or ordering takeout. It can be quite another when you're invited to someone else's for a meal. How can you follow Scripture's instructions for eating when you're not in charge of the menu? 

You'll want to politely let your host know of your dietary changes. A sentence like, "I'd love to come, but I have to let you know that my diet has changed and there are certain things I don't eat anymore." Or, "I've always loved your barbecue, but my diet has changed. Is there anyway we could do chicken or beef instead? I'd be happy to buy the meat." Offering to chip in and bring part of the meal is always thoughtful, or in some cases you might be better off suggesting going out for dinner or inviting them to your house instead.

Or what if your grandma serves ham at every family get together? Make a game plan that works for you. You could go and plan to just skip the ham and make a meal of the side dishes. Or you could offer to make and bring chicken or roast beef. If you're attending a potluck, take Biblically clean things that you will enjoy eating. If nothing else, you can enjoy the dishes you brought and share a meal with friends and family.

Does your office buy pepperoni pizza every Friday? You can see if they'd order another kind for you, or you could start packing your lunch.

Whatever the situations you may find yourself in: your meals are your responsibility. While some family and friends might be accommodating, it is not the job of everyone else to adjust to your new diet. Come up with your own plan; that could be taking several dishes to a dinner party or paying for your own pizza. That could be sticking to eating side dishes at a barbecue or suggesting a restaurant that you enjoy for lunch with a friend.

Change what you buy.
Don't bring home unclean products anymore! Learn to read labels. Get in the habit of looking at the ingredients list for everything you buy at the grocery store. If you don't know what an ingredient is then don't buy it. If you're buying hot dogs or a similar product make sure they're all beef. Watch out for things like lard in refried beans, and gelatin (which is mostly pork-based) which often shows up in yogurt and marshmallows. 

I know that there can be a lot of weird ingredients in processed foods at the store. If it's overwhelming to figure out what everything is, stick to buying basic whole ingredients (fruit and veggies, rice, lentils, butter, flour, oats, greens, canned beans, etc.), and processed foods made with just a few recognizable ingredients. 

Kosher certification labels can be helpful. Common symbols for kosher certification are a K inside a circle or Torah scroll, or a U inside a circle. If a product is kosher certified it means that there are no unclean animals or byproducts of unclean animals in that product. Keep in mind that there are some differences between eating Biblically clean and eating kosher. 

Biblically clean versus certified kosher.

These are the same, right? Well, not exactly.

Biblically clean means you follow Scripture's instructions about eating. Kosher means you adhere to Jewish dietary laws. These are similar, but you should be aware of a few differences. Jewish law has some added rules, as well as different interpretations to keep in mind. I don't say that to be disrespectful, but we need to be aware of the choices we make about what we eat.

For example, the Bible does not say that a rabbi must be involved in the making of grape juice or wine for it to be acceptable, but kosher law does. By this standard, the wine that the Messiah made from water would not have been "kosher"!

Another added kosher rule would be that milk and meat products need to be separated from each other, even in the refrigerator. Kosher law also stipulates that you must wait several hours after eating meat before eating something with dairy. That is not something the Bible says. Exodus 23:19 says not to boil a goat in its mothers milk. And that's it. Obviously this can be interpreted many different ways, and I'm not here to tell you which interpretation is "right." Search the Scripture for yourself and don't lay unnecessary stumbling blocks in front of someone who is working to follow Scripture's instructions.

Consider why a product is or is not certified kosher before accepting it or ruling it out. Is there shellfish in it? Was the blood not drained from the beef? Was it made by a local company that might not have the customer base to justify the expense of kosher certification? If a food product's only ingredients are Biblically clean, and it's made by a small company I don't see why that isn't fit for consumption. If it's marked as vegetarian or vegan that's added reassurance. You can also feel free to contact the company and ask questions if you're unsure. In an age of food allergies and special diets, most companies are used to inquiries like this and have information to share. However, if it's a large company that sells a lot of certified kosher products, and they have one that is not marked as kosher there is probably a reason, and it would be best to avoid that product.

Again, I'm not saying kosher certification is bad, we just need to keep in mind that it's a little bit different. A kosher stamp on a product is a good start, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it's a healthy choice, humanely raised, GE/GMO free, fair trade, or organic. Something to be aware of if those qualities are important to you!

Sharing with others.
Pray about how you can best communicate your new dietary choices with others. Work to do so in a way that is gentle and kind, and not demanding or boastful. I find that if I just share that I feel like YHWH has called me to this lifestyle, people are more accepting and less defensive.

If anyone asks or tries to debate, I recommend sticking with a simple "I'm doing this because it's what Scripture says," rather than diving into a debate about how bad pork is for you or whatever. While I have no doubt that there are real benefits to following Scripture's instructions (about food, the Sabbath, and everything else), I don't do these things for the benefits. I live this way because I want to do my best to honor the Creator by following his word.

A few reminders:

-Biblically clean eating is not necessarily associated with other 'clean' diets out there. Many of those permit shellfish or things otherwise forbidden by Scripture. So keep in mind that when you see some sort of clean eating meal plan it isn't necessarily the same as Biblically clean.

-Avoiding blood (even from clean animals) is an important part of Scripture's instructions about how we eat. While it's easy to see blood in chicken, turkey, and fish (because it's red), it can be harder with meats like beef and lamb. People deal with this differently - some salt their meat to draw out the blood, others cook it to well-done, others purchase only Kosher-certified meat, or ask questions about how animals are processed at local butcher shops. I'm not going to tell you how to do this, but I encourage you to consider this and pray about it.

-During the Feast of Unleavened Bread we are not to eat leavened bread, which is bread made with yeast or otherwise fermented with a sourdough starter, etc. It's just for one week and it's a special part of one of the set-apart times. You can learn more about that here.

-A Biblically clean diet is not necessarily synonymous with a healthy diet. You can eat sweets, deep fried foods, and processed foods that are Biblically clean. And that's your choice! You can absolutely have a very healthy diet that is Biblically clean, but you also aren't in trouble for eating dessert or other treats.

-You can do this! The beginning is the hardest part, it gets much easier as you go. Once you're used to these changes you'll barely think of them. Pray for guidance about the changes you need to make and how to best share that with others. Remember that the Creator is honored by you taking these steps of obedience!

Related posts: 

What is Biblically Clean Eating?

Biblically Clean Meal Ideas

What Does Scripture Say About What We Eat?

10 Times Scripture Talks About Clean Eating
Biblically Clean Slow Cooker Meal Ideas

10 Times the Bible Talks About Clean Eating

The Bible has a lot to say about what we eat! From Adam and Eve being kicked out of Eden because of their consumption choices, to enumerating animals that shouldn't be eaten, to New Testament debates about eating with unwashed hands, food is a topic that comes up a lot. Here I want to focus on Biblically clean eating. The Creator gave us many delicious things to eat that he calls clean, while certain animals he forbids us to eat, calling them unclean. I use clean eating to mean eating in the way that Scripture instructs us to.

Ten Times the Bible Talks About Clean Eating:

1. Genesis 1:29

"I have given you every seed-yielding plant on the earth, and the fruit trees to you as food."

This is the second recorded thing that the Creator speaks following the creation of mankind. And it's instructions about eating!

2. Genesis 2:16-17

"And YHWH commanded the man saying, 'Eat of every tree of the garden, but do not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for if you eat of it you will certainly die.'"

We know that Adam and Eve were not obedient to this instruction and as a result they were sent out of the paradisaical garden of Eden. In Eden they walked with YHWH; something they ate literally took them away from his presence.

3. Genesis 7:2

"Of the clean animals take with you seven pairs, a male and female, and of the unclean animals take two, a male and female."

The distinction of clean and unclean animals began way before the list of dietary instructions in Leviticus. Noah was instructed to take different amounts of clean and unclean animals on board the ark. This tells us that Noah and his family knew which types of animals were considered clean.

4. Genesis 9:3

"The living creatures I give to you for food. I have given them to you as I gave you the green plants." 

Mankind is now allowed to eat meat. But wait a minute, what was that fuss about the clean versus unclean animals just a few chapters prior?  Is YHWH now saying that any animal is okay to eat? Let's not miss the catch here: as I gave you the green plants. Mankind was not permitted by the Creator to eat every single plant that grew on earth. They were restricted to plants that were green and bear seed, as well as the fruit trees. They did not consume every plant, just as we don't eat Kentucky bluegrass or poison ivy. In both cases of eating plants and animals distinctions are made.

5. Leviticus 11:2-8

"These are the living creatures which you eat: whatever has a split hoof completely divided, and chews the cud, you may eat. These you do not eat: the camel, the rabbit, the hare, the pig. Their flesh you do not eat, and their carcasses you do not touch. They are unclean."

This chapter in Leviticus plainly lays out which animals are forbidden as food. There is the guideline that the hoofs of animals need to be divided, and they need to chew the cud. But just to be doubly clear we are specifically told not to eat things like camels, rabbits, and pigs. It's interesting to me that eating something like camel or horse is very repulsive in Western culture, but most people think nothing of eating a pig. In many places in the Middle East that thinking is reversed as camel is considered food, but eating pig would be abhorrent. That abhorrence is how the entire list of unclean animals in Leviticus 11 is meant to be understood. If the Bible says not to eat something, then it shouldn't even cross our minds to do so.

If you're familiar with the Chronicles of Narnia you may remember that the characters eat meat on their adventures, but eating an animal that talks is anathema. When the giants serve a talking stag in The Silver Chair it is a major sign that something is wrong; and the true Narnians are horrified. Something similar I've noticed in the dietary laws of Scripture is that the unclean animals tend to be much smarter creatures than the clean. Cows are clean but their intelligence doesn't touch that of unclean horses. Pigs are incredibly smart and I've heard many stories of small-scale farmers being unable to butcher them after looking them in the eyes. My dog is much more intelligent than clean sheep and goats. I'm not saying clean animals don't have their own strengths, but it really interesting to think about.

6. Leviticus 11:9

"Of the fish in the water you may eat any that have fins and scales. If a water creatures does not have fins and scales it is an abomination."

Fish like trout, perch, salmon, whiting, tuna, sea bass, pollock, halibut, and mahi mahi all have scales and fins and are permissable to eat according to Scripture. Fish without fins and scales (such as catfish, swordfish, and monkfish) we are told are unclean for us to eat. Crustaceans such as lobster, crab, clams, and shrimp are also off-limits according to Scripture since they don't have fins or scales.

7. Daniel 1:8

"Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's food."

Why would Daniel reject the food he was provided with in captivity? Because he was being served animals that we are commanded not to eat! He wasn't just being picky, he knew that if he ate those things it would be polluting and defiling to him and a dishonor to YHWH. 

8. Daniel 1:15

"At the end of ten days their appearances looked better than all the young men who ate the portion of the king's food."

Fitting with Biblical dietary instructions, Daniel asked the chief eunuch if he and three others could eat only vegetables. The chief was initially concerned that this diet would provide inadequate nutrition for Daniel and his companions and didn't want to get in trouble with the king, but he agreed to let them try this for ten days. At the end of this time the difference was so noticeable, and Daniel and his friends looked so much better than those eating a Biblically unclean diet that the chief put everyone on same diet as Daniel. Don't miss that eating a Biblically clean diet made Daniel and his companions stand out in the crowd. The difference in their health was noticeable!

9. Acts 10:14

"I have never eaten food that was unclean."

Peter made this statement probably ten years after the Messiah ascended into heaven; he was still following Scripture's instructions for how to eat. This tells us that all the meals he shared with Yahusha were clean. It also tells us that Peter and the rest of the disciples and leaders didn't think these commandments were done away with.

10. 1 Corinthians 10:31

"Whether you eat or drink, do it to the glory of YHWH."

Our choices about what we eat can glorify YHWH - or not. Here is a New Testament verse that calls for us to eat in a way that honors YHWH. It doesn't say that anything we eat glorifies him. It is a reminder that in every thing we do - including how we nourish ourselves - we should work to be obedient to Scripture's instructions.

These are just ten passages where the Bible talks about clean eating, but there are many more. Throughout Scripture we can see the foods eaten by YHWH's people fit into the clean category (think of Isaac craving goat meat, Jacob making lentil stew, Abigail taking David lamb, roasted grains, and figs, the lovers in Song of Songs talking about pomegranates and apples, the Messiah serving bread and fish, the Israelites desiring quail). In Isaiah 65:4 YHWH himself is lamenting about disobedient people who "provoke me continually...who eat the flesh of pigs." We don't have to participate in the offense of unclean eating! He gives us instructions on how to eat. And we can see from the above stories that there is blessing for us when we live out those instructions.

Learn more details about clean eating here.
More about Daniel's food choices here.
Peter had a vision about eating unclean animals - what did it mean?