What does the Bible say about unclean animals?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that God gave Israel distinctions between clean and unclean animals to mark them as a holy people, but these ceremonial food laws are fulfilled in Christ and do not bind Christians as a means of righteousness. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 instructed Israel in these distinctions, while Leviticus 20:25 connected them with Israel's calling to be separate for God. Jesus taught in Mark 7:18-23 that defilement comes from the sinful heart, not from food entering the body. In Acts 10:11-15 and Acts 11:5-10, God declared foods formerly considered unclean clean, signifying also the inclusion of Gentiles. Romans 14:14 therefore calls believers to receive food with thanksgiving while loving consciences that differ.