Why the Dietary Laws Still Matter: Understanding What Is Clean and Unclean

Clean and Unclean: Defined from the Beginning

The concept of clean versus unclean did not begin with Moses. It was established long before the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

“Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens… and of beasts that are not clean by two.”— Genesis 7:2 (KJV)

Even Noah understood this divine distinction. Clean animals were brought in greater numbers onto the ark and were the only ones acceptable for sacrifice:

“And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast… and offered burnt offerings.”— Genesis 8:20 (KJV)

This reveals that clean and unclean were not man-made ideas or later Jewish customs—they were commandments from YHWH Himself.

The Law Still Stands—Because God Does Not Change

“For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”— Malachi 3:6 (KJV)

YHWH is unchanging. His laws are eternal and consistent. The idea that His dietary instructions have been revoked runs contrary to the character of the Most High.

When people claim “we’re under grace, not under the law,” they often misunderstand grace. Grace is not a license to sin. In fact, it empowers obedience.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.”— Romans 6:1 (KJV)

And what is sin?

“Sin is the transgression of the law.”— 1 John 3:4 (KJV)

So, to reject the dietary laws is to endorse transgression. That is not grace—that is rebellion.

Leviticus 11: A Blueprint for Holiness

Leviticus 11 is a comprehensive chapter detailing which animals are considered clean and which are not:

“These are the beasts which ye shall eat… whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud… that shall ye eat.”— Leviticus 11:2–3 (KJV)

Unclean animals include:

• The swine (pig) – divides the hoof, but does not chew the cud

• Shellfish and sea creatures without fins and scales

• Camels, hares, and coneys

“Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.”— Leviticus 11:12 (KJV)

These are not dietary suggestions—they are divine commands. The word abomination carries spiritual weight that cannot be dismissed or spiritualized away.

Uncleanness Is Spiritual—Not Just Physical

The Bible repeatedly connects dietary uncleanness with broader spiritual impurity:

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate… and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”— 2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV)

“Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”— 2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV)

Uncleanness is often listed among spiritual sins:

• Colossians 3:5 – “Mortify therefore your members… fornication, uncleanness…”

• Ephesians 5:5 – “No unclean person… hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

• 1 Thessalonians 4:7 – “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”

This shows that uncleanness—both physical and spiritual—has no place among the saints.

Isaiah’s Warning: End-Times Judgment on the Unclean

Some argue that dietary laws were only for Israel and are no longer relevant. But Isaiah delivers a future prophecy that directly addresses this lie:

“They that sanctify themselves… eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.”— Isaiah 66:17 (KJV)

This prophecy is clearly end-times, not Old Covenant. And the consequence of ignoring YHWH’s dietary laws is destruction—not blessing.

Revelation: Uncleanness Marks Babylon

“Babylon the great is fallen… and is become the habitation of devils… and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.”— Revelation 18:2 (KJV)

Uncleanness is a marker of Babylon, not the Kingdom. If we are to come out of Babylon, we must come out of uncleanness—in thought, behavior, and diet.

The Real Summary of the Bible

If the Bible were to be summarized concisely, it would be this: the ongoing disobedience to the law of YHWH and its devastating consequences. The narrative of Scripture is a repeated call back to the commandments of the Most High.

“Be ye holy; for I am holy.”— 1 Peter 1:16 (KJV)

Holiness is not a feeling. It is obedience to the standards of the Father.

Final Words: Return to the Ancient Path

The clean and unclean laws were never revoked. YHWH's standards remain the same from Genesis to Revelation. The Messiah did not die so we could eat pork and live like Gentiles. He died to cleanse us from sin—which is the transgression of the law.

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law… till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law.”— Matthew 5:17–18 (KJV)

Heaven and earth are still here. So is the law. So is the command to be clean.

It’s time to return to the old path—to the holiness of the Most High. Separate yourselves from what is unclean. Walk in obedience. Walk in truth.