The Bible addresses food choices in different contexts, including dietary restrictions in the Old Testament. Today, we’ll examine what Scripture says about eating red meat and how these teachings relate to Christian living today.
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What Does The Bible Say About Eating Red 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 emphasizes that God gave permission to eat all types of animals, including red meat. It shows that consuming meat is not inherently wrong or sinful.
While this verse grants the freedom to eat red meat, it is important to remember the principles of moderation, gratitude, and stewardship. We should be mindful of our consumption, express gratitude to God for His provision, and care for His creation.
Leviticus 11:2-3
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud.”
In the Old Testament, God provided specific instructions to the Israelites regarding food consumption. This verse outlines the criteria for permissible animals to be eaten, which includes those that have a divided hoof and chew the cud, such as cattle and sheep.
While this verse may restrict the consumption of certain types of red meat, it serves as a reminder that God cares about our physical well-being and desires for us to make wise and healthy choices in our diet.
1 Timothy 4:4
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.”
This verse reminds us that God created all things, including red meat, and declared them good. It emphasizes that we should not reject or condemn any type of food if we receive it with thanksgiving.
However, it is important to exercise self-control and make wise choices in our dietary habits, considering our health and overall well-being.
Deuteronomy 12:15
“Nevertheless, you may slaughter your animals in any of your towns and eat as much of the meat as you want, as if it were gazelle or deer, according to the blessing the Lord your God gives you. Both the ceremonially unclean and the clean may eat it.”
This verse attests to the freedom to consume red meat without discrimination. It states that people can slaughter their animals and enjoy the meat without restriction, whether it is ceremonially clean or unclean.
While this verse allows for the consumption of red meat, it is essential to acknowledge that our dietary choices should align with God’s principles of stewardship, gratitude, and love for one another.
Proverbs 12:27
“The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.”
This verse encourages diligence and productivity in providing for oneself. It suggests that those who are lazy or idle will not enjoy the benefits of hunting and consuming red meat.
While this verse may not directly address the moral aspect of eating red meat, it underscores the importance of personal responsibility and the rewards that come from diligence in various areas of life, including food provision.
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.”
This verse emphasizes that our dietary choices do not determine our spiritual standing or relationship with God. It states that abstaining from or consuming red meat does not make us more or less righteous.
While this verse highlights the freedom we have in matters of food, it is crucial to approach our dietary choices with wisdom, self-control, and consideration for others.
Romans 14:2-3
“One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.”
This verse addresses the diversity of beliefs and practices regarding food consumption among believers. It highlights that different individuals may have different convictions about eating red meat or abstaining from it.
The key message is to respect one another’s choices, refrain from judgment, and prioritize unity and acceptance within the body of Christ.
Proverbs 27:27
“You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.”
This verse presents an alternative source of sustenance and nourishment through goats’ milk. It suggests that a diet focused on dairy products, like milk, can provide adequate nutrition without relying solely on red meat.
While this verse does not directly discourage the consumption of red meat, it serves as a reminder that there are various dietary options available for sustenance and well-being.
Isaiah 40:11
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”
This verse portrays God’s gentle and caring nature as a shepherd. It symbolizes His provision and protection over His people, as well as His compassion for the vulnerable.
While this verse does not explicitly address the consumption of red meat, it reminds us of God’s character and His desire for us to have compassion and care for all living creatures.
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 John the Baptist’s unconventional diet, which included locusts and wild honey. It highlights that God can sustain and nourish His people through various means, even if it does not include red meat.
While this verse does not specifically address the consumption of red meat, it serves as a reminder that our dietary choices can differ and that God provides for our needs in different ways.
Proverbs 15:17
“Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of love and harmony over indulgent meals. It suggests that a modest meal shared in love is more meaningful than an extravagant feast accompanied by negative emotions.
While this verse does not discourage the consumption of red meat, it highlights the significance of relational values and priorities over material abundance.
Genesis 4:4
“And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering.”
This verse describes Abel’s offering to God, which consisted of the fat portions from the firstborn of his flock. It indicates that God approved of Abel’s offering and considered it pleasing.
While this verse does not explicitly mention red meat, it highlights the importance of offering our best to God and presenting our offerings with a sincere heart.
Mark 7:15
“Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”
This verse focuses on the spiritual aspect of purity rather than the physical. It emphasizes that our actions, thoughts, and words are what truly defile us, not the foods we consume, including red meat.
While this verse may not directly address the topic of eating red meat, it encourages us to prioritize the transformation of our hearts and the cultivation of spiritual purity.
1 Samuel 28:24
“The woman had a fattened calf at the house, which she butchered at once. She took some flour, kneaded it, and baked bread without yeast.”
This verse describes a story in which a woman prepares a meal that includes a fattened calf. It highlights the cultural practice of slaughtering and consuming livestock, in this case, red meat, for special occasions.
While this verse does not directly address the moral implications of eating red meat, it provides historical context and demonstrates the value attributed to celebratory meals.
Hebrews 13:9
“Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.”
This verse encourages believers not to be influenced by false or legalistic teachings regarding dietary restrictions or rituals. It emphasizes that our spiritual strength is derived from God’s grace, not from adhering to specific food regulations.
While this verse may not directly address the consumption of red meat, it emphasizes the importance of focusing on the grace of God rather than external practices.
Luke 15:23
“Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.”
This verse is part of the parable of the prodigal son. It depicts a celebration in which a fattened calf is killed, symbolizing the joy and abundance of the occasion.
While this verse does not provide moral guidance regarding the consumption of red meat, it highlights the significance of festive meals and the joy that can accompany them.
Ecclesiastes 9:7
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.”
This verse encourages a joyful and grateful approach to eating and drinking. It acknowledges that God has already approved and blessed our enjoyment of food and drink.
While this verse does not specifically mention red meat, it reflects the principle of gratitude and enjoyment of God’s provisions, including meals that may include red meat.
Psalm 104:14-15
“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.”
This verse highlights God’s provision of various foods, including plants, wine, and bread. It reinforces the idea that God provides and sustains us through a variety of sources.
While this verse does not directly address red meat consumption, it emphasizes the abundance and diversity of God’s creation that contributes to our nourishment.
Genesis 27:9-10
“Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies.”
This verse describes a moment in which Jacob prepared a meal for his father, Isaac, using choice young goats. It exemplifies the cultural practice of cooking and consuming red meat as a means of celebration and seeking blessing.
While this verse does not directly address the morality of eating red meat, it provides historical context and demonstrates the significance of special meals in certain cultural contexts.
Acts 10:13
“Then a voice told him, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’
This verse recounts a vision experienced by the apostle Peter in which he received instruction from God to eat animals that were considered ceremonially unclean. It signified a shift in dietary regulations and signaled that all foods, including red meat, were now permissible for consumption.
This verse carries significant implications for the interpretation of dietary practices among Christians, highlighting that red meat is not inherently forbidden or unclean.
Matthew 9:10-11
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?'”
This verse depicts a social gathering where Jesus dines with tax collectors and sinners. It underscores Jesus’ inclusive and compassionate nature, highlighting that He did not shy away from sharing meals with those considered outcasts by religious leaders.
While this verse does not explicitly address red meat consumption, it reflects the importance of hospitality, community, and the breaking of bread together.
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.”
This verse focuses on the spiritual dimension of purity and defilement. It emphasizes that it is not the physical food that enters our bodies, such as red meat, that determines our righteousness or moral standing, but rather the words and actions that proceed from our hearts.
While this verse does not directly discuss the consumption of red meat, it highlights the importance of cultivating purity within one’s heart and living in alignment with God’s commandments.
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
This verse warns against excessive consumption, whether it be excessive drinking or indulging in gluttonous eating habits. It highlights that such behaviors can lead to negative consequences, including poverty and laziness.
While this verse does not exclusively focus on red meat, it serves as a reminder to practice moderation and self-control in all aspects of our lives, including our dietary choices.