This list of the different kinds of animals mentioned in the Bible includes, where possible, references to passages where these are listed or discussed. All creatures are divided into clean and unclean categories. When an animal is clean it may be eaten; when it is unclean it may not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Leviticus 11, the Bible states that God gave Moses a list of animals he wanted the Israelites to eat. The animals on the List are called “clean” and those not on the list are called “unclean.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order for an Israelite to eat an animal it must first be slaughtered in a specific way and then be drained of all blood. Only after these precautions were taken could an Israelite eat meat from an animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even so, the eating of unclean animals was often looked upon with disgust by the Israelites and was considered a sign of bad character or poor upbringing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This List is generally believed to be part of God’s instructions for maintaining good health, not part of the 10 Commandments, which were written by God on stone with his own finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The List was written on parchment and placed inside the Ark of Covenant. Unlike some Old Testament dietary laws, this one remains in effect today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n