The Bible addresses eating animals in both the Old and New Testaments, offering guidance on God’s provision and care for creation. Today, let’s learn how Scripture approaches this topic and what it means for our choices today.
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What Does The Bible Say About Eating Animals
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 plan for humanity’s diet, which consisted of a plant-based diet. It indicates that God initially intended for humans to consume only plants and fruits.
In this context, it can be inferred that eating animals was not part of God’s original plan. However, it is important to note that after the flood, God granted humans permission to eat meat as well (Genesis 9:3). This permission was given due to the changes in the post-flood world and the need for sustenance.
Proverbs 12:10
The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
This verse emphasizes the importance of treating animals with kindness and compassion. It highlights that those who are righteous genuinely care for the well-being of their animals.
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of God’s creation, which includes animals. This verse serves as a reminder to treat animals with love and compassion, ensuring their well-being and meeting their needs.
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 depicts a future vision of peace and harmony among all creatures. It portrays a time when even natural enemies, such as the wolf and the lamb, will live in peace with each other.
While this verse does not directly address the topic of consuming animals, it reminds us of a peaceful coexistence between different species. It encourages us to reflect on the value and importance of all living creatures in God’s creation.
Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
This verse highlights God’s care and provision for all creatures, including animals. It encourages us to consider the birds of the air, who are provided for by God without their own effort.
While this verse does not explicitly address the consumption of animals, it reminds us of God’s loving and caring nature towards His creation. It encourages us to trust in God’s provision and to acknowledge the value He places on all living beings.
Romans 14:2
One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.
This verse recognizes that individuals have different convictions regarding their diet. While some may have the liberty to eat anything, others may choose a vegetarian or vegan diet due to their faith.
It is important to respect and honor each other’s beliefs and decisions regarding the consumption of animals. This verse emphasizes the importance of not judging or causing stumbling blocks for others based on their personal dietary choices.
1 Timothy 4:3-4
They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.
In this passage, Paul is addressing false teachings that commanded certain dietary restrictions. He emphasizes that all foods created by God are good and can be received with thanksgiving by those who believe.
While this verse does not specifically address the consumption of animals, it highlights the freedom Christians have in their dietary choices. As long as food is received with gratitude and within the parameters of biblical principles, there is no inherent restriction on eating meat.
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.
This verse follows the flood, where God gives humans permission to consume animals as a source of food. It indicates that after the flood, the dietary restrictions originally placed on humanity were lifted.
While this verse allows for the consumption of animals, it is important to note that it does not negate the principles of compassion and responsible stewardship towards animals that are seen throughout the Bible.
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.”
This passage recounts Peter’s vision, in which he was challenged to eat animals that were previously considered unclean according to Jewish dietary laws.
The significance of this vision extends beyond the immediate context of eating animals. It symbolizes God’s inclusion of Gentiles in the gospel and demonstrates the abolition of certain ceremonial laws.
Matthew 15:11
What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.
Jesus spoke these words to emphasize the importance of inner purity over external factors, such as dietary restrictions.
While this verse does not specifically address the topic of consuming animals, it points to the greater significance of one’s words and actions. Instead of focusing solely on external guidelines, Jesus encourages believers to prioritize matters of the heart, such as love, kindness, and integrity.
1 Corinthians 10:25-26
Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
This verse addresses the issue of eating meat that had been previously offered to idols. It advises believers to consume such meat without raising concerns, as everything ultimately belongs to the Lord.
While this verse may not directly speak to the consumption of animals, it affirms the principle that Christians can partake in a variety of foods without being bound by unnecessary restrictions or legalism.
1 Corinthians 8:8
But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.
Paul’s words in this verse emphasize that our dietary choices do not affect our standing before God. Our relationship with Him is not determined by what we eat or abstain from.
While this verse does not specifically address the consumption of animals, it directs our focus away from external practices and towards the heart, highlighting the importance of faith, love, and obedience to God’s commandments.
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 fall.
This verse urges believers to consider the impact of their actions on fellow believers. It encourages them to avoid any behavior, including dietary choices, that may cause another person to stumble or go against their own convictions.
While this verse acknowledges that eating meat is not inherently wrong, it emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the unity and well-being of the body of Christ above personal preferences.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Paul’s instructions in this verse remind believers to live their lives in a way that glorifies God, regardless of their dietary choices.
While this verse does not specifically address the consumption of animals, it highlights the overarching principle of living with the purpose of bringing glory to God in every aspect of our lives, including the choices we make regarding food.
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”
Jesus spoke these words when tempted by the devil to turn stones into bread, emphasizing the importance of spiritual sustenance over physical nourishment alone.
While this verse does not directly address the topic of consuming animals, it reminds believers of the significance of prioritizing their spiritual well-being and seeking sustenance from God’s Word.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.
In this passage, Paul addresses the issue of permissible actions and reminds believers to consider whether their choices are beneficial and do not lead to mastery or addiction.
While this verse does not directly discuss the consumption of animals, it encourages believers to exercise wisdom and self-control in all aspects of their lives, including their dietary choices.
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.
Paul’s instruction in this verse encourages believers to approach all their actions, including their dietary choices, with an attitude of gratitude and in alignment with the name and character of Jesus.
While this verse does not specifically address the consumption of animals, it reminds believers to reflect Christ’s love and values in every aspect of their lives, including their eating habits.
Matthew 15:17-18
“Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.”
In this passage, Jesus explains that what a person consumes as food does not defile them. Instead, it is the words and actions that stem from the heart that reflect a person’s true character.
While this verse does not specifically address the consumption of animals, it emphasizes the significance of inner purity and righteousness, which are more important to God than the specific foods we eat.
1 Timothy 4:1-5
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 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.
In this passage, Paul warns Timothy about false teachings that would impose dietary restrictions on believers. He emphasizes that all foods created by God are good and should be received with thanksgiving.
While this verse addresses specific false teachings regarding certain foods, it affirms the principle that nothing is inherently unclean or impure when received with gratitude and within the parameters of God’s Word.
Romans 14:14
I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.
Paul’s words in this verse recognize that individuals may hold different convictions regarding what they consider clean or unclean when it comes to food.
While this verse does not directly address the consumption of animals, it emphasizes the importance of respecting and honoring the personal convictions of others, even if they differ from our own.
Mark 7:18-19
“Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)
In this passage, Jesus responds to a question about ceremonial washing of hands before eating. He explains that it is not what enters the body from the outside that defiles a person, but what comes out from within their heart.
While this verse primarily addresses the issue of ceremonial cleanliness, Jesus’ declaration that all foods are clean affirms the freedom believers have in their dietary choices.
John 6:55-56
For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.
Jesus spoke these words to emphasize the spiritual nourishment and connection that comes from believing in Him.
While this verse does not specifically address the consumption of animals, it highlights the significance of partaking in the spiritual sustenance found in a relationship with Christ, which transcends physical food.
Romans 14:20
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.
Paul’s instruction in this verse encourages believers to prioritize the unity and well-being of other believers over personal dietary preferences.
While this verse declares that all food is clean, it highlights the importance of considering the impact of our choices on others and avoiding actions that might cause them to stumble in their faith.
Matthew 26:26
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
In this verse, Jesus institutes the practice of the Lord’s Supper, using bread to represent His body.
While this verse does not specifically address the consumption of animals, it reminds believers of the significance of communal meals and the shared fellowship in remembering Christ’s sacrifice.
Luke 24:30
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
This verse recounts one of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, where He shared a meal with His disciples.
While this verse does not directly address the consumption of animals, it highlights the importance of gathering around a table to share and fellowship together, just as Jesus did with His disciples.