The Bible doesn’t specifically mandate dietary choices but offers guidance on gratitude and care for creation. While some scriptures highlight plant-based eating, others show God’s provision of animals for food. A vegan lifestyle can honor God’s creation, but scripture reminds us to focus on faith and respect in our dietary decisions.
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What Does The Bible Say About Being Vegan
Genesis 1:29
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”
This verse highlights God’s original design for humanity to consume plant-based foods. It emphasizes the provision of nourishment from the fruits of the earth, showcasing the compatibility of a vegan lifestyle with God’s intentions.
Choosing a vegan lifestyle aligns with the principles of stewardship and honoring God’s creation, as it promotes compassion towards animals and sustainable practices.
Proverbs 12:10
The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
This verse reminds us of the importance of showing compassion and care towards animals. As vegans, we seek to honor God’s creation by treating animals with kindness, refraining from causing harm or exploiting them for our own gain.
By choosing a vegan lifestyle, we demonstrate our commitment to the principles of righteousness and compassion, reflecting God’s love for all living creatures.
Isaiah 11:6
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.
This verse portrays a future vision of harmony and peace in God’s creation, where even predatory animals will coexist peacefully with their potential prey. It reflects the divine desire for reconciliation and restoration within the animal kingdom.
As vegans, we strive to emulate this vision by advocating for a world where animals are not exploited for food, and where all creatures can live together in harmony.
Psalms 104:14-15
He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth, and wine that makes glad the heart of man.
This verse acknowledges the abundance of vegetation and plants provided by God for the nourishment of humans and animals alike. It emphasizes the sustaining power of plant-based foods and their ability to bring joy and satisfaction.
By choosing a vegan lifestyle, we honor God’s provision of plant-based foods and embrace the nourishing benefits they offer for our physical and spiritual well-being.
Daniel 1:8-16
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink.
Allow us to eat only vegetables and drink only water for ten days,” he said. “Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.”
At the end of the ten days, they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.
So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.
In this passage, Daniel and his companions chose to abstain from the royal food, which would have likely included meat and other non-vegan items. They demonstrated their commitment to honoring God’s dietary laws and were rewarded with improved health and vitality.
By following a vegan lifestyle, we can emulate Daniel’s example of obedience and trust in God’s guidance, knowing that our choices align with His will and can bring blessings to our lives.
Proverbs 15:17
Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fatty calf with hatred.
This verse highlights the importance of having a loving and compassionate attitude, even in our dietary choices. It suggests that a modest and plant-based meal shared with love is more valuable than indulging in lavish and non-vegan feasts without genuine care for others.
Veganism reminds us to prioritize love and compassion towards all individuals, human and animal alike, as we make conscious decisions that reflect our commitment to God’s commandment to love one another.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.
This verse reminds us of the sacredness of our bodies, which are the dwelling places of the Holy Spirit. It calls us to honor and care for our bodies, making choices that align with God’s will.
Veganism can be seen as an expression of stewardship, honoring God’s creation by nourishing our bodies with plant-based foods that promote health, vitality, and well-being.
Matthew 6:25
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
This verse encourages us to trust in God’s provision and not to be overly consumed by worries about food. It reminds us that our lives are more than just what we consume, urging us to focus on spiritual nourishment and seeking God’s kingdom.
Veganism can help shift our perspective towards a simpler and more content lifestyle, where we prioritize spiritual values over material concerns, trusting in God’s care for our well-being.
Romans 14:21
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to stumble.
This verse highlights the importance of considering the impact of our actions on others, especially in matters of conscience. It encourages us to avoid causing others to stumble by making choices that may go against their beliefs or convictions.
By adopting a vegan lifestyle, we show respect for others’ perspectives and promote unity within the body of Christ, demonstrating love and compassion towards those who hold different views on dietary practices.
Genesis 9:3
Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.
Critics may argue that this verse permits the consumption of meat; however, it is important to study the context of this command. After the flood, God granted Noah and his descendants permission to eat meat due to the destruction of vegetation caused by the flood.
While this verse may indicate a temporary provision, subsequent scriptural passages emphasize the original plant-based diet in the beginning, as seen in Genesis 1:29.
Romans 15:1
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
This verse encourages us, as followers of Christ, to demonstrate patience and understanding towards those who may have different convictions or weaknesses in matters of conscience.
By adopting a vegan lifestyle, we can exhibit compassion and sensitivity towards those who struggle with ethical concerns surrounding the consumption of animals, reflecting Christ’s love and understanding.
Isaiah 65:25
The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the LORD.
This verse depicts a future state of peace and harmony within God’s creation. It describes a time when even predatory animals will coexist peacefully with prey and refrain from causing harm.
By adopting a vegan lifestyle, we align ourselves with this vision of a restored and reconciled world, where violence and harm are replaced with compassion and coexistence.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
This verse affirms the goodness of God’s creation and declares that all things created by Him are good. It encourages us to receive His gifts with thanksgiving and consecrate them through prayer.
By choosing a vegan lifestyle, we demonstrate gratitude for the abundance of plant-based foods available to us and honor the sanctity of God’s creation through prayerful stewardship and mindful consumption.
1 Corinthians 8:13
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.
This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others over personal preferences or liberties. It encourages us to abstain from certain actions if they might lead others to stumble.
By choosing a vegan lifestyle, we can avoid becoming stumbling blocks to others who may have ethical concerns about animal welfare or environmental sustainability, displaying love and consideration for their convictions.
Isaiah 11:9
They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah’s prophetic words capture a vision of a future world where violence and destruction will cease to exist, and the knowledge of the Lord will permeate every aspect of creation.
By embracing a vegan lifestyle, we can actively contribute to this vision by embodying the values of non-violence, compassion, and stewardship, fostering a deeper understanding of God’s love for all His creation.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
This verse encourages us to perform every action, whether in words or deeds, with the understanding that we do it in the name of Jesus and to the glory of God.
By adopting a vegan lifestyle, we can integrate our dietary choices into our spiritual practice, seeing them as an act of worship and an opportunity to honor God through our reverence for all of His creation.
Proverbs 14:21
Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
This verse emphasizes the importance of kindness and generosity towards others, particularly those in need. It highlights the blessings that come from showing compassion and meeting the needs of the less fortunate.
By choosing a vegan lifestyle, we can extend our compassion beyond human beings to include animals who are often subject to mistreatment and exploitation, contributing to a more just and compassionate world.
Luke 12:6
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
This verse reassures us of God’s intimate care for every living creature, emphasizing that even the smallest and seemingly insignificant beings are not forgotten or overlooked by Him.
Veganism can be seen as a way to align our actions with this truth, recognizing the inherent value and worth of all living beings and embracing a lifestyle that reflects God’s compassion and concern for every creature.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
These verses highlight the spiritual attributes that should characterize the lives of believers as they are led by the Holy Spirit. They speak of love, kindness, and self-control as essential qualities.
By adopting a vegan lifestyle, we can actively cultivate these attributes, demonstrating love and kindness towards all living beings and exercising self-control in our dietary choices.
Psalm 37:3
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
This verse encourages us to trust in the Lord and to do good, expressing faith in His provision and care for us. It speaks of dwelling safely and enjoying the abundance of His provision, including the nourishing qualities of plant-based foods.
By choosing a vegan lifestyle, we can demonstrate our trust in God’s guidance and provision, finding contentment and satisfaction in the nourishment He provides through plant-based foods.
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.
This verse highlights the importance of showing kindness and generosity towards the less fortunate. It reminds us that our acts of compassion towards others are an offering to the Lord.
By choosing a vegan lifestyle, we can extend our kindness to animals who are often subjected to suffering and exploitation, recognizing that our compassionate choices are acts of service to both God and His creation.
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
In this beatitude, Jesus teaches the value of showing mercy to others. He promises that those who extend mercy will, in turn, receive mercy.
By adopting a vegan lifestyle, we actively practice mercy towards animals, choosing kindness and compassion over their exploitation. In doing so, we reflect the heart of Jesus and receive the blessings of mercy in our own lives.
Deuteronomy 22:6
If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or eggs, do not take the mother with the young.
This verse encourages compassion and respect towards the natural order of creation, specifically regarding the care and preservation of wildlife. It teaches us to leave the mothers with their young and to show consideration for the welfare of animals.
Veganism, as an extension of this principle, allows us to honor God’s design and His care for the well-being of all creatures by abstaining from the exploitation and harm of animals.