UNDERSTANDING YAH'S DIETARY INSTRUCTIONS
Clean & Unclean Foods
What Does Scripture Say?
Yah's dietary instructions are not suggestions — they are part of His covenant with His people. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 provide clear guidance on which animals are fit for food.
This guide walks you through the Biblical categories, gives you practical examples, and equips you to make informed decisions at the grocery store and dinner table.
The Foundation: Scripture
LAND ANIMALS
"Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth."
Leviticus 11:2 (KJV)
The Biblical principle is straightforward: Yah defined which animals are clean and which are unclean. For land animals, two conditions must both be met:
- ✓The animal must chew the cud
- ✓The animal must have a completely divided (cloven) hoof
Both conditions are required. An animal that meets only one is still unclean.
CAN I EAT IT?
Choose a category to learn the Biblical test.
Water Creatures
For creatures that live in the water, Scripture gives a clear two-part test. Both fins and scales must be present for the creature to be considered clean for food.
Leviticus 11:9–12; Deuteronomy 14:9–10
CLEAN EXAMPLES
- ✓Salmon
- ✓Tuna
- ✓Cod
- ✓Haddock
- ✓Sardines
- ✓Tilapia
- ✓Trout
Always verify the species when uncertain.
UNCLEAN EXAMPLES
- • Catfish
- • Shrimp
- • Crab
- • Lobster
- • Clams
- • Oysters
- • Mussels
- • Scallops
- • Squid
- • Octopus
- • Eel
QUICK RULE
No fins + scales together = do not eat it.
Birds
Unlike land animals and fish, Scripture does not give a simple two-part physical test for birds. Instead, Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 identify by name the birds that are not to be eaten.
GENERALLY CLEAN
- ✓Turkey
- ✓Chicken
- ✓Quail
- ✓Pigeon / Dove
Consult the Biblical passages directly for a complete list.
IDENTIFIED AS UNCLEAN
- • Eagle
- • Vulture
- • Osprey
- • Kite
- • Raven
- • Owl
- • Hawk
- • Cormorant
- • Stork
- • Heron
- • Hoopoe
- • Bat
This list is not exhaustive. Consult Leviticus 11:13–19 and Deuteronomy 14:11–18 for the full Biblical record.
LAND ANIMALS
CLEAN EXAMPLES
- ✓Cattle / Beef
- ✓Sheep / Lamb
- ✓Goat
- ✓Deer
- ✓Antelope
Leviticus 11:2–3; Deuteronomy 14:4–6
UNCLEAN EXAMPLES
- • Pig / Swine
- • Camel
- • Rabbit / Hare
- • Rock Hyrax / Coney
Why is pork unclean?
A pig has a divided hoof, but it does not chew the cud. Because it does not meet both Biblical requirements, Scripture identifies swine as unclean.
Read Leviticus 11:7–8.
QUICK FOOD CHECKER
Use the interactive decision tree below.
Not Sure? Ask the Biblical Questions.
Does it live primarily on land?
Hidden Ingredients to Watch For
Many processed and packaged foods contain animal-derived ingredients that are not immediately obvious from the product name. Learning to read labels carefully is an important part of walking in obedience to Yah's dietary instructions.
When in doubt, leave it out.
If you cannot verify the source of an ingredient, it is better to avoid the product. Yah's instructions are meant to protect and sanctify His people.
THINK YOU'VE GOT IT?
Test Your Knowledge
Question 1 of 5
A pig has a divided hoof but does not chew the cud. Is it clean for food?
Shopping & Label Reading
Navigating the grocery store according to Biblical dietary law requires attention to ingredient labels, not just product names. Many foods that appear clean may contain hidden unclean ingredients.
A helpful resource for identifying clean and unclean products is the 'What's In Your Cart?' guide, which lists common grocery items and their Biblical status.
IMPORTANT
No third-party resource replaces personal study of Scripture. Always verify claims against Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 directly.
Free resource from True Hebrews United of the Lord Yeshua
Quick Reference Summary
LAND
Must chew the cud AND have a completely divided hoof. Both conditions required.
WATER
Must have fins AND scales. Both conditions required.
BIRDS
No simple physical test — Scripture names the unclean birds. When uncertain, consult Leviticus 11:13–19.
PROCESSED FOODS
Read every label. Watch for lard, gelatin, rennet, L-cysteine, and 'natural flavors' from unknown sources.
Go Deeper: Scripture Study
Walk in Obedience.
Honor Yah with What You Eat.
Yah's dietary instructions are a gift — a way to sanctify our bodies and demonstrate our covenant relationship with Him. As you grow in understanding, may your table reflect your commitment to His Word.