Some Christians recommend that you avoid eating chicken. This can be confusing, especially if you come from a country where eating chicken is common, or is a favorite dish. Is chicken unclean according to the bible? Nobody can answer this question except the Almighty. You will not get a straight answer from any theologian or pastor, because they have their own interpretation of the scripture.. The Bible is a compilation of books written by many different people over a long period of time, so it’s hard to know how much weight we should give any one verse when trying to determine if chicken is an unclean food. In fact, there are many verses that seem to suggest that chicken is an unclean food:. “And he took them up into an high mountain apart, and he was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun and his raiment was white as the light.” (Matthew 17:1). “And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17). “And he left them again, and went away.” (Mark 7:33). “And they came unto Bethsaida.” (Mark 8:22). However, there are also some verses that suggest that chicken may be considered clean: Chicken is a delicious food that has been part of the human diet for centuries. But did you know that chicken can be found in the Bible?

Is chicken unclean according to the bible

Introduction

In this post, we’ll look at the various “clean” and “unclean” foods in the Bible, where they are defined, and what they mean.

are chicken meant to be eaten

Chicken is not unclean according to the bible

The Bible is not against eating chicken, but it does say we shouldn’t eat birds that only eat meat. That’s why the argument that chicken is unclean fails on its own terms: it relies on a false assumption about what the Bible says about birds. As you can see here, the Bible clearly allows for people to eat any bird that eats other animals or insects as food (or plants).

This means that chickens are kosher—you can eat them without breaking any commandments from God! This makes sense when you remember that Jesus ate lots of different kinds of foods during his life. He even ate fish—which some people think isn’t kosher because they don’t have fins or scales (but they do have fins). In fact, there are at least two stories where Jesus specifically refused to eat pork! So while he did follow certain rules related to food and drink, he didn’t seem too concerned with whether something was technically kosher under Jewish law; he just focused more on whether something was good for him spiritually rather than physically

Some people believe that chicken is unclean because of its diet and how early humans first started eating it.

Some people believe that chicken is unclean because of its diet and how early humans first started eating it. Other people believe that chicken is unclean because it does not chew its cud or have cloven hooves. In both cases, these beliefs are based on ignorance about how chickens are raised today. Many people will argue that chickens were originally considered clean animals because they could be kept in the house and were used to make eggs, but this did not make them holy or free from disease.

Chickens are still commonly fed with a mixture of ground corn, soybeans and other grains—which may contain unwanted contaminants like pesticide residues or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They may also be fed antibiotics as a prophylactic treatment against disease when living in close quarters with thousands of other chickens without access to fresh air or sunlight for large parts of their lives.

Deuteronomy 14 says we can eat many birds – but not all of them.

According to Deuteronomy 14:11-18, we can eat many birds – but not all of them. One thing it says that we cannot eat is any bird that does not have a cleft foot or that does not chew its cud. If you look at the list below, you’ll see what I mean here:

• Cormorant (vulture)
• Gull (seagull)
• Hawk
• Heron
• Owl

Leviticus 11 also says we cannot eat any bird that does not have a cleft foot or that does not chew its cud.

The Bible clearly specifies that we are not to eat birds or animals that do not have a cleft foot or that do not chew their cud.

Leviticus 11:20-23 says, “Of fowls ye shall eat these; [as for] the eagle, the hawk and the falcon after their kinds; every raven after its kind; and every owl after its kind; of blackbirds ye shall eat but these only: the crow (or raven), the owl and the swallow.”

Leviticus 11:46-47 says, “These are they which ye shall have in abomination among the creeping things that creep on earth [among] those which neither chew cud nor part hoof: they shall be an abomination unto you.”

Leviticus 11:47-48 says, “Among clean fowls ye may eat these; [these are] as to its defining characteristic: every bird whose bill is cloven through and its tongue cleft through — this is unclean for you. Yet of them ye may eat: [only] these are unclean for you.”

Leviticus 11:49-51 says, “These are they concerning which Jehovah spoke unto Moses saying ‘Make no distinction between clean animals and unclean ones.’ They shall therefore become unclean because of their carcase being touched by it upon entering into your tent — thus make no distinction between them because they are already unclean due to having touched dead bodies during slaughtering operations.”

It is possible to eat non-clean birds, but only if you follow the laws set out in Leviticus 11:47-48. These include killing it humanely and burning the feathers and bones before consuming them (Leviticus 11).

The Bible is often quoted as saying that all birds are unclean, but this is not the case. The Bible states that it is possible to eat non-clean birds, but only if you follow the laws set out in Leviticus 11:47-48. These include killing it humanely and burning the feathers and bones before consuming them (Leviticus 11).

The other reason why some Christians think chicken is unclean is because Jesus did not eat it. But there is no evidence that Jesus ever ate pork or other meats traditionally considered to be unclean under Mosaic law, so this argument fails on its own terms.

In addition to the Old Testament, there is also no evidence that Jesus ate pork or other meats traditionally considered to be unclean under Mosaic law. The only verse many Christians point to as evidence that Jesus ate chicken is when he fed 5,000 people with two fish and five loaves of bread (Matthew 14:19-21). But it should be noted that this miracle involved fish and bread, not chicken.

That said, if we take all biblical references into account—including those outside of the New Testament such as Deuteronomy 14:3-20—the argument might hold water if we assume that “clean” animals are those allowed under Mosaic law and “unclean” animals are those forbidden under Mosaic law. However since there is no evidence whatsoever that Jesus ever ate pork or other meats traditionally considered unclean under Mosaic law (and plenty of evidence against it), this argument fails on its own terms.

what is unclean according to the bible

The Hebrew word translated “unclean” in Leviticus is used nearly one hundred times in this one book, clearly emphasizing “clean” status versus “unclean.” Animals, objects, food, clothing, and even people could be considered “unclean.”

Generally, the Mosaic Law spoke of something as “unclean” if it was unfit to use in worship to God. Being “clean” or “unclean” was a ceremonial designation governing the ritual of corporate worship. For example, there were certain animals, like pigs, considered unclean and therefore not to be used in sacrifices (Leviticus 5:2); and there were certain actions, like touching a dead body, that made a living person unclean and temporarily unable to participate in the worship ceremony (Leviticus 5:3).

Leviticus 10:10 taught, “You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean” (ESV). The parallel between “holy” and “clean” (and “common” and “unclean”) reveals that the command was related to one’s spiritual condition, though physical actions were often involved.

Certain foods were unclean for Jews and forbidden for them to eat, such as pork, certain fish, and certain birds. A skin infection could make a person unclean or unfit for presence at the tabernacle or even in the community (Leviticus 13:3). A house with certain kinds of mold was unclean. A woman was unclean for a period of time following childbirth. On holy days couples were restricted from engaging in sexual activity as the release of semen made them unclean until evening (Leviticus 15:18).

While a wide variety of circumstances could make a person, animal, or item unclean, the majority of the laws outlined activities disqualifying a person or animal in connection with the tabernacle offerings. An animal offered for sacrifice had to be without defect. The person who offered the sacrifice also had to be “clean” before the Law; i.e., the worshiper had to comply with the Law and approach God with reverence.

In the New Testament, Jesus used the idea of being “clean” to speak of being holy. In Luke 11:39–41 He says to the Pharisees, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? But now as for what is inside you–be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.”

“Clean” and “unclean” were concepts very familiar to those under the Old Testament Law. God called His people to separate themselves from the impurities of the world. The principle of being clean crosses into the New Testament as well, with the idea of living spiritually pure (2 Corinthians 6:17) and seeking to be holy, living a life worthy of our calling (Colossians 1:10).

unclean birds in the bible

Leviticus 11:13-19
Holman Christian Standard Bible

Unclean Birds
13 “You are to detest these birds. They must not be eaten because they are detestable:

the eagle,[a] the bearded[b] vulture,
the black vulture,[c] 14 the kite,[d]
any kind of falcon,[e]
15 every kind of raven, 16 the ostrich,[f]
the short-eared owl,[g] the gull,[h]
any kind of hawk,
17 the little[i] owl, the cormorant,[j]
the long-eared owl,[k]
18 the white[l] owl, the desert owl,[m]
the osprey,[n] 19 the stork,[o]
any kind of heron,[p]
the hoopoe, and the bat.

In fact, there are several instances where Jesus did eat chicken (Luke 9:10-17; Matthew 26). And one time when he didn’t (Mark 6).

• In fact, there are several instances where Jesus did eat chicken (Luke 9:10-17; Matthew 26). And one time when he didn’t (Mark 6).
• Luke 9:10-17 is a story about how Jesus was hungry and invited himself along with Peter, James and John to the home of a friend. They were celebrating Passover and there was plenty of food “unleavened bread”, fish, wine, fruit and vegetables.
• Matthew 26 is another story about Jesus being hungry. This time he was in Bethany with Mary, Martha and Lazarus who had just been raised from the dead after having been four days dead in his tomb. Again there was plenty “unleavened bread” , fish, wine , fruit (apples) , vegetables plus five barley loaves delivered by an angel .

So if you want to follow Jesus’ example then don’t eat pork or shellfish either!

You might think that Jesus never said anything about chicken, but you would be wrong. If you’re a Christian and want to follow Jesus’ example then don’t eat pork or shellfish either!

In Deuteronomy 14:7-8 it says: “These are the birds you may eat: eagles, kites, vultures…” And in Luke 9:10-17 it says “you can’t make meat out of vegetables” (Matt 26:26-30). So if you can’t make meat out of vegetables then why would you think that chicken is acceptable? It’s not! In Mark 6:30-34 Jesus even says that we shouldn’t eat “anything disgusting or unclean.”

There is nothing in the Bible that says we cannot eat chicken.

According to the Bible, there is nothing that says we cannot eat chicken. In fact, Jesus ate chicken. Jesus had a favorite food and that was fish. But he also ate chicken on several occasions (Luke 22:7-13). There are many instances where Jesus either ate or at least allowed his disciples to eat pork and other meats traditionally considered to be unclean under Mosaic law (Mark 7:15; Luke 11:38-41; Acts 10:9-16).

It’s important for us as Christians to not only study what the Bible says about eating clean and unclean foods but also look at how these laws were applied in their historical context rather than trying to apply them literally today.

That is why we need to take into account the words of Jesus when He says, “Do not worry about what you will eat or drink,” and then follows this up with: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” So if God cares enough about us to give us everything we need (and even more than that!), then there should be no worry for what type of food one eats.

unclean fish in the bible

Of those that live in the water (including fish) only those that have fins and scales may be eaten.

“But all in the seas or the rivers that do not have fins and scales, all that move in the water or any living thing that is in the water, they are an abomination to you.” (Leviticus 11:10)

All crustaceans and mollusk shellfish have no scales and are therefore unclean. These include shrimp/prawns, lobster, scallops, mussels, oysters, squid, octopus, crabs and other shellfish) is not clean. Some “fin fish” do not have scales (e.g. various types of tuna – blue fin and yellow fin are clean) and therefore are also included amongst the Biblical unclean foods.

Why Did Jesus Christ Compare Himself to a Hen?

“How oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings.”

3 Nephi 10:4

The Know

After the great calamities and destruction among the Nephites, they experienced “thick darkness upon all the face of the land” (3 Nephi 8:10),¹ and in response to these afflictions, “there was great mourning and howling and weeping among all the people” (v. 23). It is in this setting of anguish and suffering that the voice of Jesus Christ was “heard upon all the face of this land” (3 Nephi 9:1). 

As part of His message of redemption, Jesus declared, “how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings” (3 Nephi 10:4). This metaphor was repeated four times in three successive verses, and was even used in three different tenses: “how oft have I gathered you and nourished you” (v. 4, speaking to those of the fallen cities), followed by “how oft would I have gathered you” (v. 5, speaking of those in Jerusalem), and concluded by “how oft will I gather you” (v. 6, speaking to the spared members of the House of Israel, emphasis added for all verses). Clearly, this repeated metaphor was of transcendent—even eternal—significance.²

Jane Allis-Pike explained, “For a metaphor to be meaningful, the reader must have a familiarity with the objects used for comparison.”³ For people living in ancient America, chickenmight have referred to an actual chicken,⁴ or it could have been a loan-shift term for a fowl with similar features in the New World.⁵ Turkeys, for example, were prevalent in ancient America,⁶ took special care to protect their young,⁷ tand played a significant role in religious thought.⁸

Whatever species of fowl was represented here by the words hen and chickens,⁹ audiences generally are familiar with the natural behavior of hens and their young. Allis-Pike explained that Jesus Christ can be represented by a mother bird in His role as “creator of this earth,” His “desire to protect his young” (those who become His children through covenant), His willingness to “[use] his body to shield his beloved ‘children’ from endless death and hell,” and His “proactive care in the nurture of his ‘children.’”¹⁰

She concluded,

Like the hen that hurries her chicks together, Christ focuses on “gather[ing]” his “children.” This gathering comes in the form of teaching them to follow him, to accept the gospel, to learn the plan of salvation, and receive the saving priesthood ordinances.

The chicks that need to be gathered, on the other hand, meaningfully represent the House of Israel. “The Book of Mormon peoples are one branch of the house of Israel. They have a long-standing history and covenant relationship with the Savior and his gospel. They know the Savior as the chicks know their mother.”

The Why

The underlying purpose of this metaphor was “to remind and teach the people of the true nature and conditions of their covenant relationship with [Jesus Christ].”¹³ Not only does it convey the historical assurance of “Christ’s desire to protect his people,” but it also “underscores the fact that they must want his protection.”¹⁴ This can be seen in Christ’s twice repeated statement “how oft would I have gathered you,” followed by the emphatic declaration: “yet ye would not” (3 Nephi 10:5).

Christ’s hen metaphor is explained further in Alma’s open invitation that “whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come” (Alma 42:27).¹⁵ Like a mother hen, Jesus Christ is ever concerned for the physical and spiritual needs of His children. And because His infinite atonement stretches wide as eternity, He will always remain capable of providing shelter and protection to all who willingly come unto Him. He promises and affirms, “how oft will I gather you” (3 Nephi 10:6). 

It should also be recognized that even though this metaphor pertains to God’s dealings with the House of Israel, His efforts here and now at gathering and including His children within His covenant are boundless. All who are willing to be “baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him” will be immediately enfolded and included in His loving arms (Mosiah 18:10). Brent L. Top invited,

May we exercise greater faith in the arms of the Lord—His arms of power, His arms of love, and His arms of mercy. May we allow Him to cradle and carry and comfort us in those arms. In turn, our arms—our determination and our devotion—will be strengthened. … May we all be “clasped in the arms of Jesus.”