The Bible is full of wisdom on various aspects of life, including the practices and traditions surrounding food. One area of interest is the consumption of meat, a subject that has stirred much debate among Christians for centuries. The Bible presents various perspectives on eating meat, from the Old Testament laws to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles in the New Testament. Some passages highlight the permissibility of eating meat, while others emphasize the importance of spiritual discernment and conscience when making food choices.
This article explores 20 Bible verses related to eating meat, providing a deeper understanding of what the Scriptures say about this practice. Whether you are looking for insight into Old Testament dietary laws or the teachings of the New Testament regarding food, this collection of verses will offer clarity and guidance. By reflecting on these verses, we can better appreciate God‘s provision for us, make wise food choices, and cultivate a heart of gratitude and respect for the food that sustains us.
1. Genesis 9:3 (KJV)
“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.”
After the flood, God makes a significant declaration to Noah and his sons. He tells them that they are now allowed to eat meat, a departure from the original creation when God only gave plants for food (Genesis 1:29). This verse marks the beginning of the allowance for human consumption of meat in the Bible, emphasizing God’s provision for His people.
2. Leviticus 11:1-47 (KJV)
“These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth…” (Leviticus 11:2)
Leviticus 11 provides a comprehensive list of clean and unclean animals, outlining which meats the Israelites were permitted to eat under the Mosaic Law. This chapter divides animals into categories, such as land animals, sea creatures, and birds, specifying the clean ones that can be consumed. For instance, animals that chew cud and have split hooves are considered clean, while those that do not meet these criteria are forbidden. Though this law was specific to the Israelites, it underscores God’s concern for what His people consume.
3. Deuteronomy 14:3-21 (KJV)
“Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.” (Deuteronomy 14:3)
Like Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14 reiterates the dietary laws for the Israelites. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding unclean animals and following God’s commandments regarding what is acceptable to eat. This was a sign of the Israelites’ obedience and holiness, as they were called to be set apart from other nations.
4. Psalm 104:14-15 (KJV)
“He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; and wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.”
Psalm 104 celebrates God’s creation and His provision for mankind. Here, the psalmist acknowledges that God provides both plant and animal life to sustain humanity. The verse hints at the broader understanding that God’s creation is designed to nourish us, whether through plant-based foods or through animals.
5. Isaiah 11:6-9 (KJV)
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid… they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain…” (Isaiah 11:6-9)
While this prophecy in Isaiah looks forward to the Messianic Kingdom, it offers a picture of peace where the natural order is restored. This includes an environment where animals no longer prey on one another. This verse suggests that the consumption of meat and the violence associated with it will cease in the fullness of God’s Kingdom, where harmony reigns.
6. Matthew 15:11 (KJV)
“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
In this passage, Jesus challenges the Pharisees’ understanding of ritual cleanliness, teaching that it is not the food we eat that defiles us, but rather what comes out of our hearts. Jesus’ statement shows that the consumption of meat, in and of itself, is not inherently sinful. The focus shifts to one’s intentions and actions, rather than external observances.
7. Matthew 26:29 (KJV)
“But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Although not directly related to eating meat, this passage refers to the Last Supper where Jesus shares bread and wine with His disciples. The bread, symbolizing His body, and the wine, symbolizing His blood, establish a new covenant in which believers participate. The act of eating and drinking in this context is symbolic and points to the spiritual nourishment that comes through faith in Christ.
8. Mark 7:18-19 (KJV)
“And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught?” (Mark 7:18-19)
This is a parallel passage to the one in Matthew 15. Jesus further explains that foods, including meat, cannot defile a person’s heart or spirit. The context emphasizes that external rituals, such as dietary laws, are not what makes someone pure; it is the state of their heart and the actions that flow from it.
9. Acts 10:13-15 (KJV)
“And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.” (Acts 10:13)
In this passage, Peter has a vision where he is instructed to eat animals that were previously considered unclean under Jewish dietary laws. The voice tells him not to call anything unclean that God has made clean. This vision symbolizes the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, teaching that all people are now accepted into God’s family, regardless of dietary laws. This moment marks a significant shift in the New Testament understanding of eating meat and other foods.
10. Romans 14:2-3 (KJV)
“For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.” (Romans 14:2)
In Romans 14, Paul addresses the issue of food and the different convictions believers may have regarding what they can eat. Some may feel free to eat all things, while others, perhaps due to personal convictions or cultural background, prefer to avoid meat and eat only vegetables. Paul urges Christians not to judge one another over these matters, emphasizing that each person must follow their own conscience.
11. Romans 14:17 (KJV)
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
Paul reminds believers that the kingdom of God is not about physical food or drink, but about spiritual matters—righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. While eating meat is permissible, it is not central to our faith or spiritual well-being. The focus should remain on our relationship with God and our pursuit of holiness.
12. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (KJV)
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)
Paul addresses the idea of Christian liberty and food choices, explaining that while all things, including eating meat, are lawful for believers, not everything is beneficial. In matters of food, Christians are encouraged to consider whether their actions build up others in faith, rather than causing them to stumble.
13. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV)
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
This verse encourages believers to make all their actions—including eating and drinking—a reflection of their devotion to God. If a believer chooses to eat meat, they should do so with gratitude and an awareness that God provides all things for His glory.
14. 1 Timothy 4:3-5 (KJV)
“For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”
Paul writes to Timothy, teaching that all foods, including meat, are good if received with gratitude and prayer. This passage reinforces the idea that eating meat is not inherently sinful, but should be done with a thankful heart, recognizing that all food is a gift from God.
15. Titus 1:15 (KJV)
“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”
This verse speaks to the purity of the believer. For those who are in Christ, all things, including food, are made pure. However, for those outside of the faith, their consciences remain defiled. This highlights the importance of a pure heart and mind in the act of eating and living.
16. Hebrews 13:9-10 (KJV)
“Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.”
The writer of Hebrews warns against getting caught up in strange teachings, particularly those focused on dietary laws. Grace, not food, should be the foundation of a believer’s faith. This serves as a reminder that food—whether meat or otherwise—is secondary to the grace and love of God.
17. James 2:15-16 (KJV)
“If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?”
James highlights the importance of caring for others’ physical needs, including food. While not directly about eating meat, this passage emphasizes the responsibility believers have to meet the needs of others, which can include sharing food, whether meat or otherwise.
18. Revelation 19:17-18 (KJV)
“And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God…” (Revelation 19:17-18)
In this apocalyptic vision, an angel calls the birds to feast on the flesh of the enemies of God after the final battle. While this is a symbolic representation, it speaks to the role of eating meat in the judgment and final victory of God. Even in the end times, meat continues to hold significance in biblical imagery.
19. Matthew 7:9-10 (KJV)
“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?”
Jesus uses the example of a father’s goodness to illustrate how much more God will provide for His children. Whether bread or fish (or meat), God gives what is good to those who ask, reflecting His care and provision.
20. Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
God promises to meet all our needs, including our need for food. Whether meat or other provisions, God is the ultimate provider, and believers can trust in His provision for both spiritual and physical nourishment.
Conclusion
The Bible provides a variety of teachings and principles related to eating meat. From the permissibility of consuming meat after the flood to the teachings of Jesus and Paul in the New Testament, it is clear that eating meat is not inherently sinful. However, the Scriptures also emphasize the importance of thankfulness, spiritual discernment, and consideration for others when making food choices. Ultimately, whether eating meat or not, our focus should be on glorifying God in all that we do, including our dietary practices.
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