Dietary choices have been a topic of discussion for centuries, and the Bible offers guidance on various aspects of food consumption. Join us as we look into the scriptures to uncover what it says about pork and dietary laws.
What Does the Bible Say About Eating Pork?
In the Old Testament, specifically in Leviticus 11:7 and Deuteronomy 14:8, God commands His people to avoid eating pork, considering it unclean. This command was part of the dietary laws given to the Israelites to distinguish them from other nations and to promote holiness and obedience to God. However, in the New Testament, specifically in Mark 7:14-23, Jesus declares all foods clean, emphasizing that it is not what enters the body that defiles a person, but what comes out of the heart.
As Christians, we are no longer bound by the Old Testament dietary laws, including the prohibition against eating pork. Our focus should be on the spiritual principles and morality taught in the Bible rather than strict adherence to ceremonial laws. However, we should also be mindful of the principles of self-control, moderation, and honoring God with our bodies, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Therefore, while it is permissible for us to eat pork, we should do so in a way that honors God and our bodies.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Being A Woman Of God
Bible Verses About Pork
Leviticus 11:7-8
“And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.”
In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites dietary laws to follow, which included the prohibition against eating pork. This verse explains that pigs are considered unclean animals and should not be consumed. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and holiness in one’s diet.
Isaiah 65:4
“Who sit in tombs, and spend the night in secret places; Who eat swine’s flesh, And the broth of unclean meat is in their pots.”
This verse speaks of those who engage in idolatrous practices and eat forbidden meats. It highlights the rebellion and disobedience of individuals who partake in eating pork and other unclean foods. It serves as a reminder to God’s people to stay faithful and obedient to His commandments.
Acts 10:13-15
“And there came a voice to him, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But Peter said, ‘By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.’ And the voice came to him again a second time, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’”
In this passage, Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, receives a vision from God in which he sees various unclean animals declared clean. This vision marks a significant shift in dietary restrictions, indicating that the Old Testament dietary laws are no longer binding on Christians. It shows that God’s grace extends to all people and that the distinction between clean and unclean foods is no longer necessary.
Mark 7:18-19
“And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?’ (Thus he declared all foods clean.)”
Jesus teaches that it is not what enters our bodies that defiles us spiritually but what comes out of our hearts. In stating that all foods are clean, Jesus abolishes the dietary restrictions of the Old Testament. This verse underscores the new covenant of grace and emphasizes the importance of internal purity rather than external rituals.
Romans 14:14
“I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.”
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of dietary preferences among believers. He asserts that, in Christ, all foods are considered clean. However, he acknowledges that some individuals may still have personal convictions regarding certain foods. This verse encourages believers to respect one another’s convictions and not cause them to stumble in matters of personal preference.
1 Corinthians 8:8
“Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.”
Paul reiterates that what we eat or don’t eat does not determine our standing with God. Our dietary choices do not make us more righteous or less righteous. Instead, our faith in Christ and our obedience to His teachings are what truly matter. This verse emphasizes the freedom believers have when it comes to matters of food and encourages a focus on what truly pleases God.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”
This verse reminds us that all things created by God are good, including the food we eat. When we receive our meals with thanksgiving and prayer, they are sanctified and made holy. This verse highlights the importance of having a grateful heart and seeking God’s blessing over our meals, recognizing that God provides for our physical needs.
Colossians 2:16-17
“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
Paul reminds the believers in Colossae not to judge or be judged based on their dietary choices or observance of religious rituals. He explains that these practices were only a foreshadowing of the salvation found in Christ. In emphasizing the superiority of Christ and His finished work, this verse encourages believers to live in the freedom and grace that comes from being united with Him.
Hebrews 13:9
“Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.”
This verse warns against being influenced by false teachings that focus on dietary restrictions or specific food practices. It emphasizes that our spiritual well-being comes from being strengthened by God’s grace, not from adhering to strict food regulations. This verse encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and not rely on external practices for spiritual growth.
Matthew 15:11
“It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”
Jesus teaches that the food we eat does not determine our spiritual purity or defilement. Instead, it is our words and actions that reveal the condition of our hearts. This verse reminds us that true holiness is found in our relationship with God and our obedience to His command to love one another, rather than in adhering to specific dietary restrictions.
1 Corinthians 10:25-26
“Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For ‘the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.’”
Paul encourages believers not to question or doubt the purity of the food they purchase in the marketplace. He reminds them that everything belongs to God, and as long as they approach their meals with thankfulness, they can partake in the food without guilt or worry. This verse underscores the freedom and generosity of God and affirms His ownership over all things.
Acts 15:28-29
“For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
This verse records a directive from the early church leaders to Gentile believers, outlining specific practices they should abstain from. Although it mentions avoiding certain practices related to food, such as consuming blood or food sacrificed to idols, it does not mention the prohibition of eating pork. This passage highlights the importance of avoiding practices that could lead to spiritual compromise and encourages believers to live in holiness.
Matthew 15:17-18
“Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.”
Jesus emphasizes that the food we consume does not have a lasting impact on our spiritual condition. Instead, it is our words and actions that are a reflection of our hearts. This verse teaches that true defilement comes from a heart that is filled with sinful thoughts, intentions, and words. It reminds us to guard our hearts and seek transformation from within rather than relying solely on external practices.
Galatians 5:1
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
This verse speaks to the freedom that we have in Christ. It encourages believers to stand firm in the liberty they have been granted through the work of Jesus. It echoes the truth that our righteousness and relationship with God are not based on adherence to dietary laws or any other external restrictions. Instead, our freedom is found in the grace and salvation offered through faith in Christ alone.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
This verse reminds believers of their identity as a temple of the Holy Spirit. It calls them to honor and respect their bodies as dwelling places of God’s presence. While this verse does not directly speak to specific dietary restrictions, it emphasizes the importance of caring for one’s physical and spiritual well-being, including the choices we make regarding our health and nourishment.
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Paul explains that God’s kingdom is not defined by external practices such as dietary regulations. Instead, it is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy that come from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This verse encourages believers to focus on the things that truly matter in their relationship with God and to prioritize spiritual growth and unity over external rules and regulations.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Paul reminds believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, purchased by the sacrifice of Jesus. As such, they are called to honor God with their bodies. While this verse does not exclusively address dietary choices, it underscores the importance of stewarding our bodies well and considering how our choices impact our physical and spiritual well-being.
1 Corinthians 3:17
“If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
This verse warns against causing harm or defiling the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is our body. It reminds believers of the importance of maintaining purity and holiness in all aspects of their lives, including their dietary choices. While it does not specifically mention the consumption of pork, it highlights the responsibility of believers to care for their bodies as vessels of God’s presence.
Romans 14:2-3
“One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.”
Paul addresses the issue of dietary preferences among believers and encourages mutual respect and understanding. He recognizes that some individuals may choose to refrain from certain foods, while others may have more freedom in their choices. This verse teaches believers not to judge or despise one another based on dietary convictions but to receive and welcome one another with love and grace.
Matthew 10:28
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
This verse reminds believers of the eternal significance of their lives and the importance of focusing on spiritual matters rather than physical concerns. While it does not directly address dietary regulations, it encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and seek His kingdom above all else. This verse provides a broader perspective on life and reminds believers that their ultimate fear and reverence should be directed towards God alone.
1 Corinthians 8:13
“Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of considering the beliefs and convictions of others. He acknowledges that personal freedom must be tempered by love and concern for the spiritual well-being of fellow believers. This verse teaches believers to prioritize unity and avoid actions that could cause their brothers or sisters in Christ to stumble. It encourages self-sacrifice and a willingness to set aside personal preferences for the greater good of the body of Christ.
1 Timothy 4:3-4
“…who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.”
Paul warns against teachings that promote legalistic requirements regarding food consumption, emphasizing that all things created by God are good. This verse underscores the importance of recognizing God’s provision and receiving food with gratitude and thanksgiving, rather than engaging in restrictive practices that lead to division or legalism.