What Defined Clean and Unclean Animals? — A Study of Genesis 7:2

Please Help Us Keep These Thousands of Blog Posts Free for All

$5.00

The Concept of Clean and Unclean Animals Before the Flood

Genesis 7:2 presents the first explicit reference to the distinction between clean and unclean animals:

“You must take with you seven of every clean animal, a male and its mate, and two of the animals that are not clean, a male and its mate.”

This distinction is introduced just prior to the Flood, with a specific requirement that seven pairs of clean animals and one pair of unclean animals be taken aboard the ark. While the Mosaic Law had not yet been given—where the dietary and ceremonial distinctions between clean and unclean animals are clearly delineated (Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14)—Noah was evidently aware of these categories. This awareness points to a divine revelation that predated the Law of Moses.

Origin of the Distinction: Sacrificial Worship

The concept of clean and unclean animals prior to the Flood is not associated with dietary regulations but rather with sacrificial offerings. Sacrifices were an integral part of worshiping Jehovah from the time of Adam. Genesis 4:4 records:

“Abel also brought an offering, some of the firstborn of his flock, even their fat. And Jehovah looked with favor on Abel and his offering.”

Abel’s offering consisted of the firstborn of the flock, which was acceptable to Jehovah, implying that from the earliest times, certain animals were deemed appropriate for sacrifices. This principle was passed down through the patriarchs, including Noah. After the Flood, Noah “built an altar to Jehovah, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.” (Genesis 8:20)

It is clear that the clean and unclean distinction in Noah’s time was rooted in the practice of offering sacrifices. Jehovah had made known to Adam, and subsequently to his descendants, which animals were acceptable for worship. This knowledge was preserved and passed on through the patriarchal line until Noah, who demonstrated his obedience by offering only clean animals after the Flood.

Clean and Unclean Designations Before Dietary Regulations

The designation of clean and unclean animals had nothing to do with dietary restrictions before the Flood. Prior to Genesis 9:3, humans were commanded to maintain a vegetarian diet:

“And God went on to say: ‘Here I have given you all vegetation bearing seed that is on the surface of the whole earth and every tree with seed-bearing fruit. Let them serve as food for you.’” (Genesis 1:29)

It was only after the Flood that Jehovah granted Noah and his descendants permission to eat animal flesh:

“Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.” (Genesis 9:3)

Therefore, the clean and unclean distinction prior to the Flood was relevant only for sacrificial purposes, not for dietary restrictions. Noah’s knowledge of these classifications was not derived from the yet-to-be-established Mosaic Law but from divine instruction passed down from Adam and other patriarchs.

Understanding Clean and Unclean Animals in the Mosaic Law

Although the distinction was later codified in the Mosaic Law, the foundation for understanding clean and unclean animals had already been laid in the early chapters of Genesis. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 later detailed the categories of animals that were permissible and impermissible for consumption, reflecting a broader application of the clean/unclean classification. However, in Noah’s time, the distinction pertained solely to animals that were suitable for sacrificial offerings.

The Law of Moses introduced a comprehensive system of ceremonial cleanliness that governed many aspects of Israelite life, including food, worship, and social interaction. Nevertheless, this system was temporary and “was abolished through Christ” (Ephesians 2:15). Acts 10:9-16 confirms this when Peter is shown a vision of animals and commanded to eat, indicating that the dietary restrictions under the Law had been lifted.

Noah’s Obedience and the Clean/Unclean Designation

Noah’s meticulous adherence to God’s instructions demonstrates his obedience and reverence for Jehovah. Genesis 6:22 states:

“Noah did all that God commanded him; he did just so.”

Noah’s actions in selecting the animals according to their clean and unclean status indicate his familiarity with these divine guidelines. Furthermore, his offering of clean animals after the Flood reinforces the understanding that this distinction was well-established long before the Mosaic Law.

Why Seven Pairs of Clean Animals?

Jehovah commanded Noah to bring seven pairs of clean animals onto the ark. This was likely to ensure that Noah would have an adequate supply of clean animals for sacrificial offerings after the Flood. Genesis 8:20 explicitly states:

“Then Noah built an altar to Jehovah, and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.”

The surplus of clean animals would also ensure that these animals survived and reproduced, enabling the earth to be replenished with animals suitable for future worship and sacrifices. This points to the primary role of clean animals as acceptable sacrifices to Jehovah, which continued even after the Flood.

The Role of Divine Revelation

Since there was no written law at this time, it is evident that divine revelation played a role in making the distinction between clean and unclean animals known. Jehovah communicated His will directly to the patriarchs, and Noah faithfully followed the instructions given to him.

Genesis 7:5 underscores Noah’s obedience:

“And Noah did everything that Jehovah had commanded him.”

This obedience extended to carefully selecting the animals according to God’s established guidelines, which were passed down through generations of faithful worshipers.

The Abolition of Clean and Unclean Distinctions in the Christian Era

With the arrival of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ, the distinction between clean and unclean animals was abolished. The vision given to Peter in Acts 10:11-15 illustrates this change:

“And he saw heaven opened and something descending like a great sheet being let down by its four corners on the earth. In it were all sorts of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth and birds of heaven. Then a voice said to him: ‘Get up, Peter, slaughter and eat!’ But Peter said: ‘By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything defiled and unclean.’ And the voice spoke again to him, the second time: ‘Stop calling defiled the things God has cleansed.’”

This vision confirmed that the Mosaic dietary laws had been rendered obsolete. As Ephesians 2:15 states, Jesus “abolished the law of commandments expressed in ordinances.”

Conclusion: A Distinction Rooted in Sacrificial Worship

The clean and unclean distinction that Noah observed was not based on dietary concerns but rather on sacrificial requirements passed down through divine revelation. Noah, as a righteous man who walked with God, was fully aware of what was acceptable and pleasing to Jehovah in worship. His actions demonstrate obedience to God’s instructions and a clear understanding of the requirements for offering clean animals in worship.

Although the distinction between clean and unclean animals was later codified in the Mosaic Law, Noah’s knowledge of this distinction predates that law and highlights his role as a faithful servant of Jehovah who followed divine guidance in preparing for the Flood and offering acceptable sacrifices thereafter.

Please Help Us Keep These Thousands of Blog Posts Free for All

$5.00

You May Also Enjoy

How Do You View Bible Difficulties?

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).