𝑪𝙤𝒏𝙩𝒊𝙣𝒖𝙚𝒅: 𝑨 𝑩𝙞𝒃𝙡𝙞𝒄𝙖𝒍 𝑩𝙧𝒆𝙖𝒌𝒅𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝒇𝙤𝒓 𝑻𝙤𝒅𝙖𝙮 𝒂𝙣𝒅 𝑵𝙚𝒘 𝑻𝙚𝒔𝙩𝒂𝙢𝒆𝙣𝒕 𝑩𝙚𝒍𝙞𝒆𝙫𝒆𝙧𝒔

If you have not read my previous post about:

“𝑾𝙝𝒚 𝒀𝙤𝒖 𝑺𝙝𝒐𝙪𝒍𝙙 𝘾𝒐𝙣𝒔𝙞𝒅𝙚𝒓 𝑬𝙖𝒕𝙞𝒏𝙜 𝘽𝒊𝙗𝒍𝙞𝒄𝙖𝒍𝙡𝒚 𝑪𝙡𝒆𝙖𝒏: 𝙃𝒐𝙣𝒐𝙧𝒊𝙣𝒈 𝒀𝙖𝒉𝙪𝒂𝙝’𝙨 𝘾𝒐𝙢𝒎𝙖𝒏𝙙𝒔

𝒇𝙤𝒓 𝑶𝙪𝒓 𝑯𝙚𝒂𝙡𝒕𝙝 𝙖𝒏𝙙 𝙎𝒑𝙞𝒓𝙞𝒕” please go back and do so as this is a continuation…

𝑹𝙚𝒅𝙞𝒔𝙘𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙧𝒊𝙣𝒈 𝒀𝙖𝒉𝙪𝒂𝙝’𝙨 𝙒𝒊𝙨𝒅𝙤𝒎

The Bible is filled with divine wisdom that reflects Yahuah’s deep love for His people, including instructions on how we should live, worship, and even eat. One of the most overlooked aspects of Scripture is Yahuah’s guidance on clean and unclean foods, found throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Many assume these dietary laws were done away with after Yahusha’s (Jesus’s) death and resurrection, but a careful study reveals otherwise. Let’s explore what the Scriptures say about these food laws and how they remain relevant today.

𝟏. 𝑻𝙝𝒆 𝑪𝙡𝒆𝙖𝒏 𝒂𝙣𝒅 𝑼𝙣𝒄𝙡𝒆𝙖𝒏 𝑭𝙤𝒐𝙙 𝙇𝒊𝙨𝒕𝙨: 𝑼𝙣𝒅𝙚𝒓𝙨𝒕𝙖𝒏𝙙𝒊𝙣𝒈 𝒀𝙖𝒉𝙪𝒂𝙝’𝙨 𝘿𝒆𝙨𝒊𝙜𝒏

Yahuah, as our Creator, established dietary laws to promote health and holiness. The lists of clean and unclean foods are outlined in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, which provide clear instructions on what animals are suitable for consumption and which are not.

𝘾𝒍𝙚𝒂𝙣 𝘼𝒏𝙞𝒎𝙖𝒍𝙨:

• Land animals: Must chew the cud and have split hooves. Examples: Cows, sheep, goats, deer,

and bison (Leviticus 11:3; Deuteronomy 14:4-5)

• Fish: Must have fins and scales.

Examples: Salmon, trout, herring (Leviticus 11:9)

• Birds: Clean birds are not scavengers.

Examples: Chicken, turkey, quail, doves (Leviticus 11:13-19)

𝙐𝒏𝙘𝒍𝙚𝒂𝙣 𝘼𝒏𝙞𝒎𝙖𝒍𝙨:

• Land animals: Those without both chewing the cud and split hooves.

Examples: Pigs, camels, rabbits (Leviticus 11:4-8)

• Sea creatures: Those without fins and scales.

Examples: Shrimp, lobster, shellfish (Leviticus 11:10-12)

• Birds: Predatory and scavenger birds.

Examples: Vultures, eagles, owls (Leviticus 11:13-19)

• Other creatures: Insects that do not have jointed legs for hopping (except locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers) are also unclean (Leviticus 11:20-23).

𝟐. 𝑺𝙘𝒓𝙞𝒑𝙩𝒖𝙧𝒆𝙨 𝙤𝒏 𝑭𝙤𝒐𝙙 𝙛𝒐𝙧 𝙃𝒆𝙖𝒍𝙞𝒏𝙜: 𝒀𝙖𝒉𝙪𝒂𝙝’𝙨 𝙋𝒓𝙤𝒗𝙞𝒔𝙞𝒐𝙣 𝙛𝒐𝙧 𝙊𝒖𝙧 𝙒𝒆𝙡𝒍-𝒃𝙚𝒊𝙣𝒈 Throughout the Bible, Yahuah reveals that He provided not just food for sustenance, but also for healing.

• Genesis 1:29: “And Yahuah said, ‘Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.’” – From the beginning, Yahuah gave humans herbs and plants for food and healing.

• Ezekiel 47:12: “And by the river upon the bank thereof… shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed… the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.” – Yahuah’s provision extends to healing through the plants and herbs He created.

• Psalm 104:14: “He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth.” – Yahuah’s design includes nourishing, medicinal herbs for the purpose of the healing of man.

When we look at Scripture, Yahuah clearly states in Genesis 1:29: “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” This shows that the original diet Yahuah provided for humanity was plant-based, with an emphasis on seeds, fruits, and herbs. The first time we see meat being given for consumption in the Bible is after the flood, during the time of Noah, in Genesis 9:3, where Yahuah says, “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you; as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.”

However, it’s important to understand that the phrase “every moving thing” in Genesis 9:3 comes from the Hebrew term kol-remes (ֶמׂש ֶר ָּכל־ ). The word remes (ֶמׂש ֶר ) is often translated as “creeping” or “moving thing,” and it generally refers to land animals, particularly small creatures that move along the ground. In broader biblical usage, remes can also refer to a variety of animals, specifically those permissible for human consumption. In this context, kol- remes doesn’t mean that every living creature without distinction was now fit for consumption. Yahuah had already introduced the distinction between clean and unclean animals in Genesis 7:2, when Noah was instructed to bring seven pairs of clean animals onto the ark for food and sacrifice, while only two of each unclean animal were brought. If Noah was instructed to only bring two of every animal onto the ark, then what would they eat? Furthermore, if they were consuming meat, how would those species still exist? This clearly indicates that Noah and his family were to eat clean animals, not unclean ones.

Thus, the phrase “every moving thing” in Genesis 9:3 refers to animals that were already deemed suitable for food, specifically the clean animals. This understanding aligns with the pre-existing distinction between clean and unclean animals, which Noah was aware of.

Yahuah’s dietary guidelines, which emphasize balance and holiness, are not a carte blanche permission to eat all creatures indiscriminately.

While meat became part of the human diet after the flood, Yahuah’s original design was rooted in plant life. Everyone’s body is different—some may need more animal protein than others— but we often need far less meat than we think. Our diets should consist predominantly of vegetables, fruits, herbs, legumes, and seeds, as these are essential for our health and healing. It’s not about criticizing anyone’s food choices, but recognizing that balance is key. Yahuah’s holistic plan for nourishment, as laid out in Scripture, provides a foundation for living healthy, thriving lives, with plants and herbs at the core.

𝟑. 𝘼𝒅𝙙𝒓𝙚𝒔𝙨𝒊𝙣𝒈 𝑺𝙘𝒓𝙞𝒑𝙩𝒖𝙧𝒆𝙨 𝙏𝒉𝙖𝒕 𝑺𝙚𝒆𝙢 𝙩𝒐 𝑪𝙤𝒏𝙩𝒓𝙖𝒅𝙞𝒄𝙩 𝘿𝒊𝙚𝒕𝙖𝒓𝙮 𝙇𝒂𝙬𝒔

There are several New Testament passages often cited to claim that Yahuah’s dietary laws no longer apply, but each of these requires closer examination in its proper context.

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝟕:𝟏𝟖-𝟏𝟗

Yahusha said, “What goes into a person does not defile them.”

Explanation: In this passage, Yahusha is addressing the Pharisees’ preoccupation with ritual handwashing, not the dietary laws. The issue here is ceremonial cleanliness, and Yahusha’s point is that defilement comes from sinful actions and intentions of the heart, not merely from food. This passage does not mean all foods are now clean.

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝟏𝟎:𝟗-𝟏𝟔

Peter’s vision of a sheet filled with unclean animals is often interpreted as a command to eat unclean food.

Explanation: This vision was symbolic, showing that Gentiles should no longer be considered unclean or common and excluded from the community. Peter himself clarifies in Acts 10:28, saying, “God has shown me that I should not call any person impure or unclean.” The vision was about people, not food, and does not suggest a revocation of Yahuah’s dietary laws.

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝟒:𝟏𝟒

Paul states, “I know and am persuaded by Yahusha Mashiach that nothing is unclean in itself…”

Explanation: Paul is addressing issues of conscience regarding food offered to idols, not overturning Yahuah’s dietary laws. This chapter is about matters of unity and avoiding disputes over what is clean and unclean, particularly in a context where idols were involved. The Torah’s dietary laws were not the focus here.

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟐:𝟏𝟔-𝟏𝟕

“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days…”

Explanation: Paul is encouraging believers, particularly Pagan converts, to stand firm in their observance of the Torah’s instructions, including dietary laws, Sabbaths, and feast days. The warning is against outsiders—primarily Pagans or those still entrenched in Pagan customs— who would judge them for keeping these biblical practices. These Gentile/Pagan believers had turned away from the Pagan festivals, rituals, and dietary customs of their former lives, and Paul is urging them not to be swayed by those who judge them for embracing Yahuah’s commandments.

Paul further clarifies that it is the “commandments of men” that should be rejected, not Yahuah’s law. In Colossians 2:20-22, he refers to these human traditions as the “rudiments of this world”—earthly, man-made practices that have no place in the life of a believer. He makes it clear that the world did not give us the dietary laws, the Sabbath, or the feast days—these are from Yahuah. The warning is not to abandon Yahuah’s commandments in favor of the cultural or religious expectations of the surrounding society, which were and still are too often rooted in Paganism.

Paul’s use of the phrase “shadow of things to come” (Colossians 2:17) refers to the fact that Yahuah’s laws, including the dietary laws and Sabbaths, are not only beneficial for our current life, but also point to deeper spiritual truths that will be fully realized in the future. The Sabbath points toward the coming rest in the Millennial Kingdom, and the dietary laws reflect the

holiness and purity that Yahuah requires for His people. Therefore, Paul is not abolishing these practices, but emphasizing their ongoing relevance as they connect believers to Yahuah’s eternal plan.

𝟒. 𝙔𝒂𝙝𝒖𝙖𝒉’𝒔 𝑫𝙞𝒆𝙩𝒂𝙧𝒚 𝑳𝙖𝒘𝙨 𝙞𝒏 𝑷𝙧𝒐𝙥𝒉𝙚𝒄𝙮 𝙖𝒏𝙙 𝙩𝒉𝙚 𝙉𝒆𝙬 𝘾𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙣𝒂𝙣𝒕

Even after Yahusha’s death and resurrection, the concept of clean and unclean animals remains significant in prophecy and the New Covenant.

𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐚𝐡 𝟔𝟔:𝟏𝟓-𝟏𝟕

“For behold, the Lord will come with fire… those eating swine’s flesh and the abomination… shall be consumed together.”

Explanation: This prophecy of Yahusha’s return warns that those who defy Yahuah’s commands, including consuming unclean animals like swine, will face judgment. This underscores that the dietary laws are not only about health but also holiness.

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟖:𝟐

“And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen… and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.”

Explanation: The mention of unclean animals in Revelation, long after Yahusha’s resurrection, shows that the distinction between clean and unclean creatures is still relevant, even in the context of end-time prophecy.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐡

The early believers, including Paul, continued to observe the feasts and Torah. In Acts 21:24- 26, Paul participates in purification rituals according to the Torah, showing that he did not teach against Yahuah’s commands. Peter’s behavior in Acts 10 also shows adherence to dietary laws, even after Yahusha’s resurrection. These instances make it clear that Yahusha’s death did not abolish these instructions, but rather fulfilled their deeper spiritual significance.

𝟓. 𝑻𝙝𝒆 𝑺𝙥𝒊𝙧𝒊𝙩 𝙤𝒇 𝒕𝙝𝒆 𝑳𝙖𝒘: 𝙁𝒓𝙤𝒎 𝑺𝙩𝒐𝙣𝒆 𝒕𝙤 𝙊𝒖𝙧 𝙃𝒆𝙖𝒓𝙩𝒔

Yahusha’s mission was not to abolish Yahuah’s law but to deepen our understanding of it. As it says in Jeremiah 31:33 and Hebrews 8:7-13, Yahuah promises a New Covenant that would not replace or nullify His commandments, but instead, internalize them. The key difference between the old and the new covenant is not the content of the law itself, but where it is

written. In the old covenant, Yahuah’s laws were written on tablets of stone, external to the people. Under the new covenant, Yahuah says, “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” This is the only change mentioned—the law remains the same, but now it is internalized, becoming a part of who we are, rather than just an external code.

This shift makes the new covenant better because it moves us beyond mere legalism, where following the law could become ritualistic or superficial. With Yahuah’s law written on our hearts, we are called to live out His commandments with a deeper spiritual intent. Yahusha came to teach us how to live according to the heart of Yahuah’s law, focusing not just on outward obedience, but on transforming our inner motives and desires to align with Yahuah’s will. This is the true essence of the new covenant—a relationship with Yahuah that is built on love, understanding, and internal devotion, where His commandments guide us from within.

Just as Yahuah’s dietary laws help us care for our bodies as His temple, these laws reflect His eternal wisdom and love. They guide us toward health, holiness, and a closer relationship with Him, showing that Yahuah’s instructions are not burdensome but life-giving.

𝑯𝙤𝒏𝙤𝒓𝙞𝒏𝙜 𝙔𝒂𝙝𝒖𝙖𝒉 𝒂𝙣𝒅 𝒀𝙖𝒉𝙪𝒔𝙝𝒂 𝑻𝙝𝒓𝙤𝒖𝙜𝒉 𝑶𝙗𝒆𝙙𝒊𝙚𝒏𝙘𝒆

Yahuah’s dietary laws were given out of love to protect us and guide us toward a healthy, holy life. These commands were not random or temporary, but rather, they reflect Yahuah’s unchanging nature and eternal wisdom. Yahuah has never done away with anything that He deems holy. As it is written in Psalm 119:89, “Forever, O Yahuah, Your word is settled in heaven.” His laws are as enduring as He is, and they continue to serve as a guide for how we should live in alignment with His will. When we follow these commandments, we not only honor Yahuah, but also show our love and devotion to our Savior, Yahusha, who came to teach the deeper spiritual intent of Yahuah’s laws. Yahusha upheld the holiness of Yahuah’s commandments and showed us how they should be lived out in spirit and truth. By following these guidelines, we honor both Yahuah and Yahusha, embracing the physical and spiritual blessings that come from walking in the ways Yahuah has ordained for His people.

Thank you for taking the time to read these posts on biblical eating. My hope is to encourage you to take the time for yourself to study this important topic more deeply. Don’t just take my word for it—explore the Scriptures yourself and seek Yahuah’s wisdom. In a world where false doctrines can easily lead us astray, it’s crucial to develop an understanding for yourself of the Bible. One excellent resource if you are new to in-depth study is Blueletterbible.org.

This website offers a range of tools to help you dig deeper into the Word.

𝑻𝙝𝒂𝙣𝒌 𝒚𝙤𝒖 𝒂𝙜𝒂𝙞𝒏 𝒂𝙣𝒅 𝑯𝙖𝒑𝙥𝒚 𝑭𝙚𝒂𝙨𝒕 𝒐𝙛 𝙏𝒂𝙗𝒆𝙧𝒏𝙖𝒄𝙡𝒆𝙨 𝙤𝒓 𝑺𝙪𝒌𝙠𝒐𝙩!