“For I am Yahuah your God: you shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44).

In a world filled with various dietary options, many believers are rediscovering the importance of eating biblically clean, as outlined in the Scriptures. But why did Yahuah, our Creator, give us these commands? What do they mean for believers today? And how does following them honor both our physical and spiritual health? Let’s explore why eating biblically clean was commanded by Yahuah and how it still applies to us, even in modern times.

Yahuah, our loving Father, did not give us arbitrary commands. Every law He set forth was meant for our well-being, both spiritually and physically. He created us and knows what is best for our bodies. The dietary laws found in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 are examples of divine wisdom that reveal which animals are clean and suitable for consumption, and which are unclean and should be avoided. We must first understand that a good God does not give bad laws. Yahuah’s commands are a reflection of His goodness. Just as a parent sets boundaries for a child out of love, Yahuah’s dietary laws are protective, helping us stay healthy, holy, and connected to Him.

According to the Bible, animals are divided into clean and unclean categories. Clean animals include land animals that chew the cud and have cloven hooves, such as cows, sheep, and goats. Fish with fins and scales, like salmon, trout, and herring, are also clean. Certain birds like chickens and turkeys are permissible just to name a few. These animals are considered clean because their digestive systems filter out toxins more efficiently. For example, cows have a complex digestive system that helps remove impurities, making them safe to eat.

On the other hand, unclean animals include pigs, rabbits, and camels, as well as shellfish like shrimp and lobster. Scavenger birds like vultures and eagles are also considered unclean. These animals are either scavengers or have biological traits that make them more susceptible to carrying toxins and harmful parasites. Pigs, for instance, are notorious for harboring parasites and toxins due to their digestive system, which doesn’t efficiently filter out harmful substances.

Many believers point to certain New Testament passages to claim that we can now eat whatever we want. However, these passages are often taken significantly out of context. For instance, in Mark 7:18-19, Yahusha (Jesus) says, “What goes into a person does not defile them.” But in this passage, Yahusha is not overturning the dietary laws. Instead, He is addressing the Pharisees’ obsession with external rituals and pointing out that sin originates from the heart, not from food. Similarly, in Acts 10:9-16, Peter’s vision of unclean animals being lowered from heaven is often misunderstood. The vision was symbolic, showing Peter that the Gentiles were no longer considered unclean and that the Gospel was for all people. Later in the chapter, Peter clarifies the vision’s meaning, saying, “God has shown me that I should not call any person impure or unclean” (Acts 10:28). In Romans 14:14, Paul’s statement that “nothing is unclean in itself” is also often misunderstood. Paul was speaking about issues of conscience regarding food offered to idols, not overturning Yahuah’s dietary laws.

We are called to treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Just as Yahuah commanded cleanliness and purity in His physical temple, we must strive for the same in our bodies by eating foods that are nourishing and pure. This is not just an act of health, but an act of gratitude and love for Yahuah. When we choose to eat clean, we are caring for the temple He has given us.

Unclean animals, such as pigs and shellfish, are known to carry harmful parasites, bacteria, and toxins that can harm our health. Eating these animals has been linked to foodborne illnesses like trichinosis from pork or food poisoning from shellfish. Moreover, the consumption of unclean foods can lead to long-term health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and inflammation. Studies show that people who follow biblically clean diets—focusing on whole, natural, and clean foods—often experience better health outcomes, with fewer issues related to chronic disease and better overall well-being.

It is important to recognize that Yahuah has always cared about what we put into our bodies. The first sin in the Garden of Eden involved eating what was forbidden. Adam and Eve were cast out of the garden for disobeying Yahuah’s command, showing that our relationship with food and obedience to Yah is far more deeper spiritually than we had previously ever believed. What we put into our bodies matters to Yahuah because it impacts our connection to Him and to the world He created.

Eating clean is an act of worship and gratitude. When we choose to honor Yahuah by following His dietary laws, we are acknowledging that He knows what is best for us. This is not about legalism or restriction, but about freedom—freedom from sickness, from harmful toxins, and from living in a way that is contrary to His design. By choosing to eat foods that heal and restore, we align ourselves with Yahuah’s wisdom and show our love and gratitude to Him for the gift He has given us.

In conclusion, Yahuah’s commands regarding clean and unclean foods were not arbitrary and the Word of Yahuah has never been and never will be open to interpretation—these laws were designed to protect and bless us. He has never done away with these commands, and as believers, we should seek to honor Him with our choices, including the foods we eat. By eating biblically clean, we align ourselves with His wisdom, care for our bodies as His temple, and reflect His goodness in our daily lives.

2 𝘾𝒐𝙧𝒊𝙣𝒕𝙝𝒊𝙖𝒏𝙨 6:16-18 

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as Yahuah hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith Yahuah Almighty.