The Bible contains clear instructions about eating certain animals, including pigs, in the Old Testament. But how do these teachings apply to Christians today? Today, we’ll look at what Scripture says about dietary laws and how they fit into God’s greater plan.
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What Does The Bible Say About Eating Pigs
Leviticus 11:7
“The pig, because it has a split hoof but does not chew the cud, is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.”
This verse is a commandment from God to the Israelites regarding what is considered clean and unclean when it comes to food. The pig is specifically mentioned as an unclean animal, and they were instructed not to eat its meat or even touch its carcass. This shows the importance of obeying God’s decrees and following His instructions for a holy and set-apart life.
Isaiah 65:4
“Who sit among the graves and spend their nights keeping secret vigil; who eat the flesh of pigs, and whose pots hold broth of impure meat.”
In this verse, Isaiah is prophesying about the wickedness of certain people who engage in detestable practices. This includes eating the flesh of pigs, which is mentioned as impure meat. It serves as a reminder of God’s displeasure with those who indulge in sinful and unclean practices, highlighting the importance of adhering to His standards of righteousness and holiness.
Matthew 8:30-32
“Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, ‘If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.’ He said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.”
In this passage, Jesus encounters demons possessing two individuals. The demons pleaded with Jesus to allow them to enter a nearby herd of pigs, and He granted their request. The herd of pigs then rushed into the lake and drowned. This account demonstrates the demonic realm’s destructive nature and the power of Jesus to deliver individuals from the grip of evil. It also indirectly points to the uncleanliness of pigs and their association with negative spiritual forces.
Mark 5:11-13
“A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, ‘Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.’ He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.”
This parallel account in Mark also depicts the incident where Jesus casts out demons from possessed individuals and allows them to enter a herd of pigs. The outcome is the same, with the pigs rushing into the lake and perishing. It emphasizes Jesus’ authority over the spiritual realm and signifies the deliverance and freedom He can bring to those under the influence of demonic forces.
Luke 15:15-16
“So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.”
In the parable of the prodigal son, one of the low points of the son’s life is when he finds himself in a desperate situation, working in a foreign land and feeding pigs. The reference to pigs emphasizes the son’s dire circumstances and highlights the depth of his despair. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from the father’s path and the need for repentance and restoration.
2 Peter 2:22
“What the true proverb says has happened to them: ‘The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.'”
In this verse, the apostle Peter uses a proverb to describe people who have turned away from the truth and have returned to their sinful and impure ways. The comparison is made between a dog returning to its vomit and a sow (female pig) returning to wallow in the mud. This serves as a warning against the danger of falling back into old sinful habits and the importance of living a transformed and holy life in Christ.
Deuteronomy 14:8
“The pig is also unclean; although it has a split hoof, it does not chew the cud. You are not to eat their meat or touch their carcasses.”
Similar to Leviticus, this verse is part of the dietary laws given to the Israelites by God. It reiterates the prohibition against eating pig meat or coming into contact with pig carcasses due to its classification as an unclean animal. It emphasizes the call for the Israelites to live set apart from the practices and customs of the nations around them, following God’s instructions for holiness and purity.
Psalm 80:13
“The boar from the forest ravages it, and all that move in the field feed on it.”
In this poetic verse from the Psalms, the psalmist speaks of a vineyard being destroyed. The imagery of a boar ravaging the vineyard depicts a destructive force that consumes and destroys. This can be seen figuratively as a representation of the detrimental consequences that can follow when God’s people deviate from His ways and fall into sin. It underscores the need for vigilance and obedience in order to maintain spiritual fruitfulness and avoid being devoured by the enemy.
Luke 8:32
“A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission.”
In this account, Jesus encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons. The demons request to be allowed to enter a nearby herd of pigs, and Jesus grants their request. This demonstrates Jesus’ authority over the spiritual forces of darkness and His power to liberate individuals from demonic oppression. The subsequent fate of the pigs serves as a dramatic illustration of the demons’ destructive nature and their desire to bring harm and chaos.
Matthew 7:6
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
In this verse, Jesus uses figurative language to convey a spiritual truth. He warns against giving what is sacred or valuable to those who will not appreciate or respect it. The mention of pigs symbolizes those who are dismissive of or hostile to the message of the kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder to exercise discernment in sharing spiritual truths and to be cautious of the response and attitude of those we engage with.
Isaiah 66:17
“Those who consecrate and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one who is among those who eat the flesh of pigs, rats and other unclean things—they will meet their end together with the one they follow,” declares the LORD.”
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah speaks of judgment upon those who engage in idolatrous practices and indulge in unclean foods. The specific mention of those who eat the flesh of pigs highlights their disobedience to God’s regulations, which has spiritual and moral implications. It serves as a reminder of the consequences that accompany unfaithfulness and aligning oneself with practices that are contrary to God’s commandments.
Ezekiel 4:14
“Then I said, ‘Not so, Sovereign LORD! I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have never eaten anything found dead or torn by wild animals. No impure meat has ever entered my mouth.'”
In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel is engaged in a conversation with God. He expresses his reluctance to eat defiled food and states that he has always adhered to the dietary laws and regulations. This emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the commitment to maintain a pure and holy lifestyle. It sheds light on the significance God places on His people’s separation from impurity and their dedication to walking in righteousness.
Acts 10:13-15
“Then a voice told him, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ ‘Surely not, Lord!’ Peter replied. ‘I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.’ The voice spoke to him a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'”
In this passage, Peter has a vision where he sees a large sheet containing various kinds of animals, including unclean ones according to Jewish dietary laws. A voice tells Peter to kill and eat, but he objects, stating that he has never eaten anything impure or unclean. However, the voice corrects him, declaring that God has made these previously unclean things clean. This visionary encounter signifies a significant shift in the understanding of dietary restrictions for the early church, highlighting the inclusivity of the Gospel message for all people.
Proverbs 11:22
“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.”
This proverb uses imagery to illustrate the contrast between outer beauty and inner character. A gold ring in a pig’s snout would be out of place and incongruous, highlighting the incongruity between external attractiveness and a lack of inner self-control or wisdom. It serves as a reminder that true beauty is not solely determined by physical appearance but encompasses qualities such as integrity, humility, and discernment.
Isaiah 66:3
“But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a person, and whoever offers a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig’s blood, and whoever burns memorial incense is like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations;”
In this verse, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, condemning the insincere and hypocritical worship of the Israelites. He compares the offering of sacrifices to the killing of a person, the offering of a lamb to breaking a dog’s neck, the making of a grain offering to presenting pig’s blood, and the burning of incense to idol worship. This rebuke addresses the people’s misguided religious practices and their deviation from true devotion to God.
Isaiah 66:17
“Those who consecrate and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one who is among those who eat the flesh of pigs, rats and other unclean things—they will meet their end together with the one they follow,” declares the LORD.”
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah speaks of judgment upon those who engage in idolatrous practices and indulge in unclean foods. The specific mention of those who eat the flesh of pigs highlights their disobedience to God’s regulations, which has spiritual and moral implications. It serves as a reminder of the consequences that accompany unfaithfulness and aligning oneself with practices that are contrary to God’s commandments.
Matthew 15:26-28
“He replied, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.’ ‘Yes it is, Lord,’ she said. ‘Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.’ Then Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed at that moment.”
In this account, a Gentile woman comes to Jesus, pleading for her demon-possessed daughter to be healed. Initially, Jesus responds with what seems like a dismissive statement, referring to Gentiles as dogs. However, the woman responds with great faith, acknowledging her place as a Gentile and expressing her trust in Jesus’ compassion and power. Jesus commends her faith and grants her request, demonstrating that His saving work is not limited to any particular group but encompasses all who come to Him in faith.
Malachi 3:3
“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness,”.
In this verse, the prophet Malachi speaks of the coming Messiah and His refining work. The imagery of refining silver and purifying the Levites refers to a process of purification and consecration. It signifies the need for God’s people to undergo refinement and purification in order to present offerings in righteousness. This is a spiritual purification that is necessary for true worship and devotion to God, reflecting His holiness and righteousness.
Matthew 8:28-32
“When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. ‘What do you want with us, Son of God?’ they shouted. ‘Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?’ Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, ‘If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.’ He said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.”
In this passage, Jesus encounters two violent demon-possessed men in the region of the Gadarenes. The demons recognized Jesus as the Son of God and pleaded with Him to send them into a nearby herd of pigs. Jesus granted their request, and the demons left the men and entered the pigs, causing the entire herd to rush into the lake and drown. This display of Jesus’ power over the demonic realm serves as a testimony to His authority and ability to bring deliverance and freedom from evil forces.
Proverbs 26:11
“As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.”
This proverb uses the symbolism of a dog returning to its vomit to illustrate the foolishness of individuals who repeatedly engage in foolish and destructive behavior. It brings to light the tendency of some to repeat their past mistakes without learning from them. It serves as a cautionary reminder to seek wisdom, learn from past experiences, and avoid falling into the same patterns of folly and self-destruction.
Hebrews 10:26
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,”
In this verse, the writer of Hebrews emphasizes the seriousness of continued deliberate sinning, especially after coming to know and understand the truth of the Gospel. It highlights the importance of repentance, acknowledging the forgiveness and redemption provided through Christ. It serves as an exhortation to live a life of holiness and righteousness, not taking lightly the grace and mercy extended to us, but rather honoring and valuing the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf.
Proverbs 26:3
“A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!”
This proverb uses vivid imagery to illustrate the need for discipline and correction. Just as a whip is used to guide a horse and a bridle to control a donkey, discipline is necessary for fools who persist in foolish behavior. It underscores the importance of correction and guidance in order to bring about wisdom, growth, and maturity. It serves as a reminder to value discipline and be open to correction for personal development and spiritual growth.