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The instructions given to Noah in Genesis 7:2 reveal a fascinating and purposeful distinction between clean and unclean animals: “Of every clean beast you must take to yourself by sevens, the sire and its mate; and of the beasts that are not clean, two, the sire and its mate.” This directive, which predates the dietary laws given under the Mosaic covenant, highlights important theological, practical, and cultural dimensions in the historical context of Genesis. Understanding the significance of clean and unclean animals sheds light on Noah’s obedience, Jehovah’s provision, and the continuity of divine principles throughout Scripture.

The Origin of the Distinction Between Clean and Unclean Animals

The distinction between clean and unclean animals in Genesis 7:2 does not appear to be related to dietary practices, as humanity had not yet been permitted to eat animal flesh. Genesis 1:29 records Jehovah’s original provision for human sustenance: “Here I have given to you every seed-bearing plant that is on the surface of the entire earth and every tree with seed-bearing fruit. Let them serve as food for you.” This indicates that humans and animals were sustained by vegetation prior to the flood.

The classification of animals as clean and unclean in Genesis likely relates to their suitability for sacrifice. Genesis 8:20 confirms this when Noah, after exiting the ark, “began to build an altar to Jehovah and to take some of all the clean beasts and of all the clean flying creatures and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar.” Noah’s understanding of clean animals as appropriate for sacrifice demonstrates that this distinction was divinely established before the Mosaic Law.

The Purpose of the Distinction in Genesis 7:2

The inclusion of seven clean animals ensured that Noah had sufficient animals to offer sacrifices after the flood without jeopardizing the species’ survival. Genesis 9:3 later records Jehovah’s expansion of human dietary permissions, stating, “Every moving animal that is alive may serve as food for you.” However, this provision was not yet in effect during Noah’s time. The additional clean animals served a spiritual purpose, providing for the worship and thanksgiving of Jehovah through sacrifices.

The repeated phrase “the sire and its mate” in Genesis 7:2 emphasizes the preservation of animal kinds for post-flood reproduction. The clean animals taken in greater numbers allowed for both the continuation of these species and their use in worship, reflecting Jehovah’s meticulous care in preparing for humanity’s and creation’s restoration.

The Clean and Unclean Distinction in the Mosaic Law

The clean and unclean distinction introduced in Genesis 7:2 finds further elaboration in the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 categorize animals as clean and fit for consumption or unclean and prohibited. Clean animals were those that both chewed the cud and had split hooves, such as cattle, sheep, and goats (Leviticus 11:3). In contrast, animals like pigs, camels, and rock badgers were unclean, as they lacked one or both criteria (Leviticus 11:4-8).

The dietary laws under the Mosaic covenant served several purposes. They distinguished Israel as a holy nation (Leviticus 20:25-26), established practical health benefits, and underscored the principle of obedience to Jehovah’s commands. However, these laws were specific to the Israelites and were not binding on all of humanity. Leviticus 11:8 explicitly states, “They are unclean for you,” indicating the laws’ covenantal nature.

Clean and Unclean Animals After the Flood

Following the flood, Jehovah allowed humans to eat animal flesh, stating, “Every moving animal that is alive may serve as food for you. As I gave you the green vegetation, I give you everything” (Genesis 9:3). This universal provision, which applied to all of Noah’s descendants, mirrors Jehovah’s original provision of vegetation for food. The only restriction was the prohibition of consuming blood, as expressed in Genesis 9:4: “Only flesh with its life—its blood—you must not eat.”

The distinction between clean and unclean animals remained significant for sacrificial purposes, as demonstrated throughout the patriarchal period. For example, in Genesis 22:13, Abraham offers a ram as a sacrifice in obedience to Jehovah’s command. The continued use of clean animals for offerings reflects the theological significance of purity and obedience in worship.

The Clean and Unclean Distinction in Christian Teaching

With the coming of Christ and the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law, the dietary restrictions regarding clean and unclean animals were no longer binding. Colossians 2:13-17 explains that Christ’s sacrificial death abolished the Law’s ordinances, including dietary regulations. The Apostle Peter’s vision in Acts 10:10-15 further illustrates this point, as he is told, “What God has cleansed, you must not call common.” This vision prepared Peter to understand that the gospel was for all people, not just the Jews, and signaled the removal of ceremonial distinctions.

Despite the cessation of dietary restrictions, the principles underlying the clean and unclean distinction remain relevant. The emphasis on purity, obedience, and worship continues to guide believers in their relationship with Jehovah. The historical precedent set in Genesis 7:2 demonstrates that these principles are enduring aspects of Jehovah’s dealings with humanity.

Theological and Practical Insights from Genesis 7:2

Genesis 7:2 highlights several key themes in Jehovah’s interactions with humanity:

Jehovah’s Sovereignty: The distinction between clean and unclean animals reflects Jehovah’s authority over creation and His prerogative to establish standards for worship and obedience.
Preparation for Worship: The inclusion of additional clean animals underscores the importance of worship in Noah’s relationship with Jehovah. Sacrifices offered after the flood acknowledged Jehovah’s mercy and provision.
Obedience to Divine Instructions: Noah’s compliance with Jehovah’s detailed commands demonstrates the principle that obedience is essential to maintaining a relationship with God. Hebrews 11:7 commends Noah’s faith: “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household.”
Jehovah’s Provision: The preservation of animal kinds ensured the continuity of life and the possibility of worship after the flood. This reflects Jehovah’s care for creation and His desire for humanity to fulfill its role as stewards of the earth (Genesis 1:28).

Conclusion

The clean and unclean distinction in Genesis 7:2 reveals profound truths about Jehovah’s character, His expectations for worship, and His provision for creation. While the dietary laws specific to Israel were later fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of purity, obedience, and reverence for Jehovah remain vital for believers today. The account of Noah’s preparation for the flood reminds us of the importance of aligning our lives with Jehovah’s will, trusting in His wisdom and provision, and offering our devotion through obedience and worship.

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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).