For Christians seeking to honor Biblical dietary guidelines, one question that often comes up is whether turkey is categorized as clean or unclean. While the Old Testament provides lists of approved clean animals and prohibited unclean animals, turkey is not directly mentioned. By examining the characteristics that distinguish clean from unclean birds and understanding how turkey compares, we can determine that turkey does meet the criteria for a clean animal suitable for eating.
Background on Clean and Unclean Animal Distinction
In the Old Testament books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy God provides instructions to the Israelites to separate clean and unclean animals. Clean animals could be eaten and used for sacrifices while unclean animals were prohibited. Some key principles to understand regarding this Biblical distinction include
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The clean and unclean lists are not arbitrary, but based on real health benefits and risks Clean animals promote good health while unclean animals can transmit diseases or parasites.
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The distinction applies not just to diet, but also touching carcasses. Eating or touching unclean animals made one ceremonially unclean.
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With the arrival of the New Covenant clean and unclean distinctions are no longer about ritual purity. But the health principles remain relevant.
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While not required, many Christians today still choose to honor the clean and unclean designations. They believe God knows best regarding healthy vs. unhealthy meats.
So what makes an animal clean or unclean? Birds specifically have some telltale characteristics.
Clean Bird Traits according to Scripture
The key traits that distinguish clean birds from unclean birds according to Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 include:
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Cleft foot with two claws for hopping on the ground. Unclean birds have feet suited for grasping, not hopping.
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Crop for digesting food. Unclean birds tend to eat decaying flesh rather than digesting fresh vegetation.
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Gizzard lining for grinding food. Unclean birds lack this chewing tool to properly digest.
Essentially, clean birds share common traits with poultry we are familiar with today like chickens, turkeys, and ducks. On the other hand, unclean birds tend to be carnivorous scavengers.
Evidence That Turkey Is Clean
When we examine the turkey’s characteristics according to the Biblical criteria, it becomes evident that the turkey is considered a clean bird suitable for eating:
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Turkey has a divided hoof with two claws ideal for hopping and walking, not just perching. Unclean birds have feet suited for grasping and hunting.
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Turkeys have a muscular pouched crop used to store and soften food for digestion. Many unclean birds lack a crop.
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The turkey has a strong gizzard lined with koilin that grinds food. Scavenger birds often lack a grinding gizzard.
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Turkeys are omnivores that eat a diverse diet including vegetation. Unclean birds subsist mainly on meat.
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Taxonomically, turkey belongs to the same subfamily as chickens, pheasants, and quail that are listed as clean birds.
Every indication from turkey’s physiology to diet points to it meeting the qualifications of a clean bird according to Scripture.
Addressing the Confusion
Some confusion over turkey’s status arises from the King James Version listing the “swan” among unclean birds. Since turkey and swan belong to the same family, this appears troubling. However, modern scholarship indicates that the Hebrew word translated as “swan” in the KJV more likely refers to an owl or lizard. The swan itself meets the criteria for a clean bird. So this outdated translation should not cast doubt on the turkey’s status.
Health Benefits Confirm Turkey as Clean
The wisdom of Scripture’s clean and unclean distinctions is evident when we compare the health profiles of biblically clean vs. unclean animals. Just as pigs can harbor dangerous parasites very unlike cattle, the physiology and diets of unclean birds make them much more prone to transmitting diseases to humans.
Turkey, as a clean bird, provides excellent nutrition without these associated health risks:
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High in protein yet low in fat compared to other meats
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Provides immune-boosting zinc, brain-healthy choline, and anti-inflammatory selenium
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Tryptophan promotes healthy serotonin levels and sleep
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Lower risk of transmitting bird flu compared to chickens
Consuming turkey provides health benefits that align with the principles behind Scripture’s clean and unclean designations. God clearly designed turkey to nourish the human body as a clean animal.
Prudent Precautions
When properly cooked and handled, turkey poses minimal health risks. However, a few sensible precautions can make it even safer:
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Cook thoroughly to 165°F to kill any potential bacteria
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Avoid undercooked ground turkey, which allows pathogens to spread throughout
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Take care to avoid cross-contamination when handling raw turkey
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Buy only from reputable producers with safe processing practices
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If immunocompromised, heat deli-sliced turkey before eating to reduce any lunchmeat risks
Exercising such prudent practices allows even those with sensitivities to enjoy turkey safely.
Turkey in the Bible
While the Old Testament does not specifically mention turkeys, as New World birds they were likely simply unknown to Old Testament cultures. But evidence indicates that had they been familiar with turkeys, they would have classified them alongside other pheasants and chickens as clean birds suitable for eating.
Several references indicate that turkeys – had they been present – would have been considered acceptable for sacrifices just as doves and pigeons were. For instance, Leviticus 1:14 discusses sacrificing birds, and Leviticus 5:7 notes that two turtledoves or young pigeons could be offered by those who could not afford a lamb. Turkeys would have been an acceptable substitute bird for sacrifice and food.
Modern Christian Perspectives
Throughout history, most Christian thinkers have considered turkey to be a clean meat approved by Scriptural dietary guidelines. A few fringe groups like the United Church of God disagree, but mainstream Christian viewpoints overwhelmingly endorse turkey as meeting the criteria for a clean bird according to the principles laid out in the Bible.
While Christians differ on whether Mosaic food laws continue to apply under the New Covenant, those seeking to honor them can eat turkey with a clear conscience as a clean meat.
A Festive Feast Favorite
For centuries, turkey has held a cherished place at the holiday dinner table and family feast. Its association with celebratory meals likely arises in part from subconscious recognition of turkey’s status as an honorable clean meat suitable for special occasions.
Among poultry options, turkey provides one of the healthiest alternatives: an excellent source of protein, nutrients, and comfort-food satisfaction. Honoring Biblical principles reveals why this bird has become such a favored feast feature.
Summary: Turkey Qualifies as Clean
When we apply the distinguishing characteristics provided in Scripture, it becomes clear that turkey meets all the criteria of a clean bird approved for eating. Though not specifically named, turkey belongs to the same family as other clean game birds. The turkey’s physiology also mirrors that of permitted poultry. Furthermore, turkeys’ health profile confirms the wisdom behind qualifying them as clean. So although the terminology is modern, a close look reveals turkey’s place among clean birds in the Biblical framework.
In the end, Scripture gives us guidelines but also permits some prayerful discernment. God may not explicitly state, “You may eat turkey.” But when we follow the principles He provides, the evidence overwhelmingly points to turkey qualifying among clean birds. So those seeking to honor Scriptural instructions can confidently enjoy turkey as part of a Biblical diet. Through examining turkey’s characteristics against Biblical criteria, we affirm God’s design in placing turkey among animals suitable for human consumption.
Frequency of Entities:
Birds such as chickens, turkeys and pheasants are not on the unclean list and therefore can be eaten: 3
Insects, with the exception of locusts, crickets and grasshoppers, are listed as unclean (verses 20-23): 1
Why does God identify some animals as suitable for human consumption and others as unsuitable?: 1
https://www.biblestudy.org/cleanfood.html: 1
https://defendmyfaith.org/2020/05/17/clean-and-unclean-animal-list-and-unclean-ingredients-list/: 1
https://www.reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/8l4ifa/is_turkey_a_clean_food_to_eat/: 1
The Bible talks about clean and unclean animals, and tells people not to eat the meat of unclean animals. But does God really care what meats we eat?
Does God care what animals I eat?
Yes—God created only certain animals for our consumption. Many others (such as pigs or oysters) were never intended to be food for human beings.
Chicken and Turkeys Abomination? Are They Clean or Unclean? How Do Tell?
FAQ
Are you allowed to eat turkey in the Bible?
What are clean meats according to the Bible?
What is the most unclean meat?
What foods did God declare unclean?
What are clean and unclean meats?
The meats God defines as clean and unclean are differentiated in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. God said, “These are the animals which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth” (Leviticus 11:2). This knowledge goes back much further, though, since Noah knew which animals were clean and unclean before the Flood.
Are ducks clean or unclean?
* There has been controversy as to whether a duck is clean or unclean. In the past, some have assumed that ducks were unclean because swan is mentioned as an unclean bird in the KJV of the Bible. Ducks belong to the same class of animals as the swan. The note below this one explains why swan is a mistranslation in the KJV.
What is the difference between clean and unclean animals?
Even the meat of the clean and the unclean animals can be distinguished. The meat of the former below the hipbones can be torn lengthwise as well as across, which, among unclean animals, is only possible with the flesh of the wild ass. These differences apply also to clean wild animals () as against unclean wild animals ( ).
Why should we not eat unclean animals?
The fact that the body takes up what it eats is just one example as to why these unclean animals should not be eaten. The reason why God told Noah and Moses and His people throughout time to abstain from eating certain animals, is not to take away our pleasure, but to keep us healthy.