Clean and Unclean: Understanding Leviticus 11 Through Coptic Orthodox Eyes

Executive Summary ✨

Leviticus 11 presents a detailed list of animals deemed clean or unclean, impacting the dietary laws and ritual purity of the Israelites. This chapter isn’t merely a set of archaic rules; it’s a profound theological lesson about holiness, discernment, and our relationship with God. We must ask ourselves, “What does it truly mean to be set apart?” The Coptic Orthodox tradition, drawing on patristic wisdom and the broader scope of Scripture, interprets these laws as symbolic pointers towards spiritual realities. This chapter forces us to consider the deeper meaning behind these dietary restrictions, exploring how they relate to purity of heart, avoidance of spiritual defilement, and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ that fulfills and transcends the Old Testament Law. Exploring the **clean and unclean animals** described by Moses invites us to a deeper consideration of the things we allow into our lives.

Leviticus 11 is a fascinating, and often misunderstood, passage. It delves into the specifics of which animals are permissible for consumption and which are forbidden, creating a system of ritual purity that significantly shaped the life of ancient Israel. But what does this seemingly strange list of dietary rules mean for us today? Through the lens of Coptic Orthodox theology, we can uncover profound spiritual truths hidden within these ancient commands.

Commentary Sections 📖

Leviticus 11:1-2

(KJV) And the Lord spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.

(NKJV) Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them, “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘These are the animals which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth:

These opening verses establish the divine origin of these laws. God Himself is instructing Moses and Aaron. This emphasizes the importance of these regulations; they are not mere cultural preferences but divinely ordained guidelines. The phrase “These are the beasts which ye shall eat” highlights a key aspect of the covenant relationship: God provides and defines what is acceptable.

Spiritual Application: God still speaks to us today through His Word and the guidance of the Church. We must be attentive and obedient to His voice, seeking discernment in all areas of our lives, not just dietary habits. This also underscores our reliance on God for sustenance, both physically and spiritually.

Leviticus 11:3-8 – Clean Land Animals

(KJV) Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat. Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.

This section defines the criteria for clean land animals: they must both divide the hoof and chew the cud. Animals like cattle, sheep, and goats meet this criteria. The camel, coney (hyrax), hare, and swine are specifically listed as unclean because they only fulfill one of these requirements.

The reasons behind these specific distinctions are complex and debated. Some suggest practical health concerns (although the ancient Israelites were not privy to modern germ theory), others see symbolic meanings. St. Gregory of Nyssa, for example, offers allegorical interpretations: “Τὰ γὰρ ἄλογα ζῷα, ἅπερ τὴν γαστέρα πλήρουσι μόνον, καὶ οὐκ ἔχουσι νοῦν, οὐκ ἐστιν ἡμῖν ἁρμόδια.” (“For irrational animals, which only fill the stomach, and do not possess reason, are not suitable for us.” – *Contra Eunomium*, PG 45:500). He suggests that these animals, lacking higher faculties, represent a focus on earthly desires over spiritual growth.

Spiritual Application: Just as clean animals were acceptable for sacrifice and consumption, so too should our thoughts and actions be “clean” and acceptable to God. We must ruminate on His Word (chew the cud) and walk a straight path (divide the hoof), avoiding the “unclean” thoughts and behaviors that defile our hearts. The “swine” reminds us of the dangers of outward appearance without inward transformation. A relative service to this is seeking spiritual guidance through Coptic Orthodox Services

Leviticus 11:9-12 – Clean and Unclean Water Creatures

(KJV) These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat. And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you: They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination. Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.

Only aquatic creatures with both fins and scales are considered clean. This excludes shellfish, crustaceans, and other aquatic life. The strong language of “abomination” emphasizes the severity of violating these dietary laws.

This distinction might be linked to the symbolic association of water with chaos and the “deep.” Creatures lacking fins and scales, dwelling in the murky depths, may represent spiritual impurity or a connection to the forces of darkness. Consider the words of St. Athanasius: “Ἡ γὰρ θάλασσα, ἀντὶ τοῦ κόσμου τούτου ἐστί, καὶ οἱ ἰχθύες, οἱ ἐν αὐτῇ κινούμενοι, οἱ ἄνθρωποι οἱ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ζῶντες.” (“For the sea is instead of this world, and the fish moving in it, are the people living in the world.” – *Exposition of the Psalms*, PG 27:116).

Spiritual Application: We must be discerning about the “waters” we swim in – the influences and environments we expose ourselves to. Do they possess the “fins and scales” of truth and righteousness, helping us navigate life’s challenges? Or do they drag us down into the depths of sin and corruption? We must filter the information and influences we allow into our lives, choosing what is spiritually nourishing and rejecting what is harmful.

Leviticus 11:13-23 – Unclean Birds and Insects

(KJV) And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, And the vulture, and the kite after his kind; Every raven after his kind; And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat. All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you. Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth; Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind. But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you.

This section lists a variety of birds considered unclean, mostly birds of prey and scavengers. Insects are generally considered unclean, with the exception of locusts, grasshoppers, and similar insects that can leap.

The unclean birds are often associated with carrion and death, making them symbolic of spiritual decay and uncleanness. St. Cyril of Alexandria notes, “Διὰ τῶν ἀκαθάρτων ὀρνέων, τοὺς πονηροὺς δαίμονας ἐσήμαινε.” (“Through the unclean birds, he signified the evil demons.” – *Commentary on Leviticus*, Fragment 29). The locusts, on the other hand, were permitted, perhaps due to their role as a food source in times of famine.

Spiritual Application: We must guard ourselves against the “birds of prey” – the destructive thoughts, negative influences, and temptations that seek to devour our spiritual lives. The ability to “leap” like the locusts can represent our capacity to rise above earthly concerns and strive for heavenly things. We must cultivate a spirit of vigilance, discerning between what nourishes our soul and what poisons it.

Leviticus 11:24-47 – Laws Regarding Contact with Unclean Animals and Conclusion

(KJV) And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even. And whosoever beareth ought of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even. The carcases of every beast which divideth the hoof, and is not clovenfooted, nor cheweth the cud, are unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean. And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcase shall be unclean until the even. And he that beareth the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: they are unclean unto you. These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind, And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole. These are unclean to you among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even. And upon whatsoever any of them, when they are dead, doth fall, it shall be unclean; whether it be any vessel of wood, or raiment, or skin, or sack, whatsoever vessel it be, wherein any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the even; so it shall be cleansed. And every earthen vessel, whereinto any of them falleth, whatsoever is in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it. All meat which may be eaten, that on which such water cometh shall be unclean: and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean. And every thing whereupon any part of their carcase falleth shall be unclean; it shall be baken in an oven, or have range for pots, it shall be broken down: for they are unclean, and shall be unclean unto you. Nevertheless a fountain or pit, wherein there is plenty of water, shall be clean: but that which toucheth their carcase shall be unclean. And if any part of their carcase fall upon any sowing seed which is to be sown, it shall be clean. But if any water be put upon the seed, and any part of their carcase fall thereon, it shall be unclean unto you. And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcase thereof shall be unclean until the even. And he that eateth of the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: he also that beareth the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even. And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten. Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination. Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby. For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth, To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.

These verses detail the consequences of touching unclean animals, emphasizing the contagiousness of impurity. Contact with carcasses requires ritual cleansing and temporary uncleanness. The chapter concludes with a powerful call to holiness, grounding the dietary laws in the very nature of God. “For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy.”

This emphasis on purity extends beyond the physical realm. As St. Macarius the Great says, “Καθαρὸς ἡ καρδία, ἡ ἐκ τοῦ νοῦ καθαροῦ ἁγιασμένη.” (“Pure is the heart, sanctified from a pure mind.” – *Homily 47*, PG 34:797). Our heart must be purified of all that is unclean – impure thoughts, sinful desires, and worldly attachments. This cleansing is achieved through repentance, confession, and partaking in the Holy Mysteries.

Spiritual Application: We are called to be holy as God is holy. This means striving for purity in all aspects of our lives – thoughts, words, and deeds. We must be mindful of the things we allow into our lives, guarding our hearts and minds against the contamination of sin. This passage also serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and the cleansing power of God’s grace.

Subtopic: Spiritual Interpretation of Clean and Unclean Animals ✨

The distinction between **clean and unclean animals** in Leviticus 11 holds profound spiritual significance. These aren’t simply arbitrary rules; they are symbolic representations of deeper theological truths.

• Discernment: The laws encourage discernment, forcing the Israelites to carefully consider what they consume and with what they associate.
• Holiness: The dietary restrictions served as a constant reminder of God’s holiness and the need for His people to be set apart.
• Spiritual Purity: The avoidance of unclean animals was a symbolic representation of avoiding spiritual defilement.
• Obedience: Following these laws demonstrated obedience to God’s commands and loyalty to the covenant.
• Foreshadowing Christ: Ultimately, these laws foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
• Personal Reflection: They call each of us to reflect on our personal purity, not just in diet, but in all actions and thoughts.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why were certain animals considered unclean?
A: The reasons are multifaceted. Some explanations suggest hygienic concerns, while others emphasize symbolic meanings, associating unclean animals with death, chaos, or pagan practices. Ultimately, these distinctions served to set Israel apart and emphasize the importance of holiness.

Q: Do these dietary laws still apply to Christians today?
A: No, the New Testament teaches that these laws were fulfilled in Christ. As St. Paul writes, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17). We are no longer bound by these specific regulations, but we can still learn from the principles of discernment and holiness they embody.

Q: What is the Coptic Orthodox perspective on these laws?
A: The Coptic Orthodox Church understands these laws as symbolic pointers towards spiritual realities. While we are not bound by the literal dietary restrictions, we are called to cultivate purity of heart and avoid spiritual defilement. The focus shifts from outward observance to inward transformation.

Q: How can I apply these principles to my life today?
A: Reflect on the things you allow into your life – the media you consume, the relationships you cultivate, the thoughts you dwell on. Are they “clean” and nourishing to your soul, or “unclean” and defiling? Strive for purity in all aspects of your life, seeking God’s guidance and grace to overcome temptation and grow in holiness.

Conclusion ✨

Leviticus 11, concerning **clean and unclean animals**, is far more than a list of dietary restrictions. It’s a profound lesson in discernment, holiness, and our relationship with God. While the specific laws may not be binding on Christians today, the underlying principles remain timeless. We are called to cultivate purity of heart, to be mindful of the things we allow into our lives, and to strive for holiness as God is holy. This chapter challenges us to examine our own lives and ask ourselves: what “unclean” things are we allowing to defile our hearts and minds? Through repentance, faith, and the grace of God, we can be cleansed and transformed into vessels of holiness, fit for the Master’s use. Let us strive to embody the spirit of these laws, seeking to be set apart for God’s glory in every aspect of our lives.

Tags

Clean, Unclean, Animals, Leviticus 11, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Dietary Laws, Holiness, Discernment, Spiritual Purity

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Uncover the spiritual meaning of **clean and unclean animals** in Leviticus 11 from a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Explore holiness, discernment, and practical application.