Eating insects might seem unusual to many, but it has cultural significance in various parts of the world. The Bible mentions dietary laws that can provide insight into this topic. Let’s explore what the Scriptures say about eating insects and how it relates to our understanding of food.
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What Does The Bible Say About eating insects
Leviticus 11:20-23
“All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be regarded as unclean by you. There are, however, some winged creatures that walk on all fours that you may eat: those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground. Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper. But all other winged creatures that have four legs you are to regard as unclean.”
This verse from Leviticus provides specific guidelines on which flying insects are clean to eat. It states that locusts, katydids, crickets, and grasshoppers are permissible for consumption. However, it also mentions that any other type of winged insect with four legs should be considered unclean and not suitable for consumption.
These guidelines demonstrate God’s care for the Israelites’ health and well-being, as certain insects may carry diseases or be harmful to consume. While this specific dietary rule may not apply directly to Christians today, it emphasizes the importance of discerning what we consume and honoring God’s wisdom in our choices.
Matthew 3:4
“John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.”
This verse describes the diet of John the Baptist, which included locusts and wild honey. John’s unconventional dietary choices were likely due to his ascetic lifestyle and focus on spiritual matters. Eating locusts could have been a practical way for John to sustain himself in the wilderness while also demonstrating his commitment to simplicity.
Although this verse does not directly address the consumption of insects by Christians, it highlights the importance of spiritual focus and dedication over material comforts. It reminds believers to prioritize their relationship with God above earthly desires, even in their dietary choices.
Mark 1:6
“John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.”
This verse reiterates the description of John the Baptist’s appearance and diet, emphasizing the simplicity of his lifestyle. Again, this passage serves as a reminder of John’s commitment to his mission and his detachment from worldly comforts.
While it does not directly address the consumption of insects by Christians, this verse encourages believers to examine their priorities and focus on spreading the message of repentance and faith, rather than being entangled in material possessions.
Revelation 9:3-4
“And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.”
This passage from Revelation depicts a symbolic vision of locusts that are given the power to harm those who are without God’s seal. The locusts’ instruction not to harm the vegetation but to target those who do not have God’s seal on their foreheads indicates a form of divine protection for believers.
While this verse does not directly address the consumption of insects, it serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and protection over His people. It underscores the importance of having a spiritual seal or mark from God that distinguishes believers and guarantees their safety amidst tribulations.
Deuteronomy 14:20
“But you may eat the locusts, all kinds of katydids, all kinds of cricket, and all kinds of grasshoppers.”
In this verse, Moses reiterates the permission for the Israelites to consume certain types of insects, specifically locusts, katydids, crickets, and grasshoppers. These specific insects were considered clean for consumption according to the dietary laws given to the Israelite community.
Although these dietary laws were part of the Mosaic covenant and are not binding for Christians today, this verse provides insights into the balanced approach God took in regulating the food choices of His people. It demonstrates His wisdom and care for their well-being while also establishing boundaries for their obedience.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of repentance, prayer, and seeking God’s face as prerequisites for His forgiveness and healing. It encourages believers to humble themselves, acknowledge their sins, and turn away from their wicked ways.
Although this verse does not directly address the consumption of insects, it serves as a reminder of the spiritual significance of our actions and attitudes. It reminds Christians of their constant need for repentance and reliance on God’s forgiveness in all areas of life, including their dietary choices.
Exodus 10:12-15
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over Egypt so that locusts swarm over the land and devour everything growing in the fields, everything left by the hail.” So Moses stretched out his staff over Egypt, and the Lord made an east wind blow across the land all that day and all that night. By morning the wind had brought the locusts; they invaded all Egypt and settled down in every area of the country in great numbers. Never before had there been such a plague of locusts, nor will there ever be again. They covered all the ground until it was black. They devoured all that was left after the hail—everything growing in the fields and the fruit on the trees. Nothing green remained on tree or plant in all the land of Egypt.”
This passage describes the devastating eighth plague sent upon Egypt by God. He commanded Moses to bring swarms of locusts to destroy the crops and vegetation of the land as a judgment against Pharaoh’s refusal to let the Israelites go.
While this verse does not deal directly with the consumption of insects, it serves as a reminder of God’s power and His ability to use any means to accomplish His purposes. It highlights the consequences of rebellion against God and the importance of heeding His commands and warnings.
Psalm 105:34-35
“He spoke, and the locusts came, grasshoppers without number; they ate up every green thing in their land, ate up the produce of their soil.”
This verse from Psalm 105 recounts the same event as the previous passage, emphasizing that God’s spoken word brought the destructive locusts upon Egypt. The locusts devoured all the vegetation and crops, leaving the land barren.
Though this verse does not address the consumption of insects by humans, it highlights God’s control over nature and His ability to use various means to accomplish His purposes. It demonstrates His authority to bring both blessings and judgment through the created world.
Exodus 10:19
“And the Lord changed the wind to a very strong west wind, which caught up the locusts and carried them into the Red Sea. Not a locust was left anywhere in Egypt.”
This verse describes God’s intervention to end the plague of locusts in Egypt. He reversed the wind, causing a strong west wind to carry the locusts away into the Red Sea, completely eliminating their presence in Egypt.
While this verse does not directly discuss the consumption of insects, it reveals God’s sovereignty over nature and His ability to bring about deliverance from calamities. It reminds believers of the power and providence of God, even in seemingly hopeless situations.
Ezekiel 2:6
“And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.”
In this verse, God encourages Ezekiel not to fear the rebellious people he would encounter during his prophetic ministry. Even though Ezekiel would be surrounded by adversity and opposition, God reassures him that he should not be intimidated by their threats.
While this verse does not directly mention the consumption of insects, it reminds believers of the importance of trusting in God’s protection and guidance in the face of challenges. It encourages Christians to stand firm in their faith and not allow fear to hinder their obedience to God’s call.
Matthew 6:30
“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”
This verse is part of Jesus’ teaching on not worrying about material needs, as God provides for His creation. He uses the example of how God clothes the grass of the field for a brief time, highlighting His abundant provision and care.
Although this verse does not directly address the consumption of insects, it reminds believers of God’s faithfulness and His commitment to meeting their needs. It encourages Christians to trust in His provision and prioritize their relationship with Him above worrying about earthly matters.
Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
This famous verse from Psalm 23 conveys the idea that having the Lord as one’s shepherd ensures provision and contentment. It speaks of a deep trust in God’s care and guidance.
While this verse does not discuss the consumption of insects specifically, it highlights the sufficiency and generosity of God in meeting the needs of His people. It encourages believers to find their satisfaction and security in a relationship with Him rather than being preoccupied with material possessions.
John 6:35
“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
In this verse, Jesus refers to Himself as the bread of life, emphasizing that those who come to Him will find ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment. He promises that whoever believes in Him will never experience spiritual hunger or thirst.
Although this verse does not specifically mention the consumption of insects, it speaks to the deeper hunger and longing within every human heart that only Christ can satisfy. It reminds believers that true fulfillment is found in a relationship with Him rather than in material things.
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.’”
In response to Satan’s temptations, Jesus quotes this verse from Deuteronomy 8:3, emphasizing the importance of relying on God’s Word for sustenance and guidance. This statement counters the idea that physical nourishment alone satisfies our true needs.
Though this verse does not specifically discuss the consumption of insects, it highlights the spiritual hunger that can only be satisfied by the Word of God. It reminds Christians of the need to prioritize and nourish their inner life through regular engagement with Scripture.
Proverbs 30:8-9
“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
In these verses, the author of Proverbs offers a prayer for contentment and balance in life. He asks God for neither poverty nor wealth, recognizing the dangers of extremes and their potential to hinder one’s devotion to God.
While this passage does not directly address the consumption of insects, it highlights the importance of contentment and proper perspective in relation to material possessions. It encourages believers to rely on God for their daily needs and seek His guidance to avoid the pitfalls of greed or lack.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse reminds believers to conduct all aspects of life, including eating and drinking, with the central aim of glorifying God. It emphasizes the significance of aligning one’s actions and choices with the desire to honor and please God.
Although this verse does not directly address the consumption of insects, it highlights the importance of considering our motives and intentions even in our dietary choices. It encourages Christians to seek God’s guidance and exercise discernment in all areas to continually bring glory to His name.
Matthew 4:2
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he (Jesus) was hungry.”
This verse depicts Jesus’ state of hunger after a prolonged period of fasting. It serves as a reminder of His humanity and the physical needs that He experienced during His time on earth.
Although this verse does not directly discuss the consumption of insects, it highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing our physical needs. It reminds believers that while our spiritual life is vital, caring for our physical bodies is also important as we seek to live balanced and healthy lives.
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.”
In these verses, the apostle Paul teaches that all things created by God are good and should not be rejected. He emphasizes that when received with thanksgiving and consecrated by the Word of God and prayer, they can be enjoyed by believers.
Although these verses do not explicitly address the consumption of insects, they underline the principle that God’s creation is inherently good and should be received with gratitude and reverence. They encourage Christians to approach food choices with a thankful heart and a commitment to seek God’s guidance in their daily lives.
Proverbs 25:16
“If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.”
In this verse, the author of Proverbs imparts wisdom regarding moderation in eating. He advises not to consume excessive amounts of honey as it can lead to adverse effects such as vomiting.
Although this verse does not directly discuss the consumption of insects, it highlights the importance of setting boundaries and practicing self-control in our eating habits. It reminds believers to exercise moderation and avoid excesses that may harm their physical well-being.
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.”
In these verses, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with honor and respect. He encourages them to recognize the significance of their bodies as vessels of God’s presence.
Although these verses do not directly mention the consumption of insects, they underscore the importance of stewardship over our physical bodies. They remind Christians to consider their health and well-being in their dietary choices, recognizing that their bodies belong to God and should be cared for accordingly.
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 verse, Paul addresses the notion of freedom in Christ and how it should be exercised responsibly. He emphasizes that while believers have the right to do anything, not everything is beneficial, and they should avoid being enslaved by their choices.
Although this verse does not directly address the consumption of insects, it conveys the importance of discernment and self-control in all aspects of life, including dietary decisions. It encourages Christians to evaluate the impact and consequences of their choices, ensuring they do not become enslaved or controlled by anything.
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
In this verse, the author of Hebrews encourages believers to prioritize contentment and trust in God’s provision rather than the pursuit of wealth. They are reminded of God’s promise to always be with them, regardless of their circumstances.
Although this verse does not specifically address the consumption of insects, it emphasizes the need for contentment and gratitude for what God has provided. It reminds Christians to place their trust in God’s faithfulness and not be consumed by the love of material possessions.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
In these verses, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control as one of its facets. He highlights that these qualities are not limited or restrained by any law, illustrating the transformed nature that believers possess through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Although these verses do not specifically address the consumption of insects, they underscore the significance of self-control in all areas of life, including our dietary choices. They encourage Christians to rely on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to make wise and disciplined decisions in honoring God with their bodies.