The Bible contains various dietary laws, particularly in the Old Testament, regarding what people could and could not eat, including seafood. But do these laws still apply today? Let’s explore what the Bible says about food, including seafood, and how these teachings have evolved throughout scripture.
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What Does The Bible Say About Eating Seafood
Leviticus 11:9
“These you may eat of all that are in the waters: you may eat all that have fins and scales.”
This verse from Leviticus establishes the dietary guidelines for the Israelites regarding seafood. It specifies that seafood with fins and scales is permissible to eat.
The inclusion of this verse in the Bible reinforces the importance of following God’s commandments and respecting the guidelines He has provided for His people.
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.”
In this verse, Jesus clarifies that what a person eats does not defile them spiritually or morally. Instead, it is the words that come out of their mouth that can have a negative impact.
This verse highlights the significance of monitoring one’s speech and the influence that words can have on oneself and others. It reminds us that we should focus on cultivating a pure heart and speaking words that uplift and encourage.
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.”
In these verses, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of food and affirms that all of God’s creations are good. He emphasizes that no food should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving and prayer.
This passage suggests that as followers of Christ, we are not bound by the dietary restrictions of the Old Testament and can enjoy the various foods that God has provided for us. It also encourages gratitude and a prayerful attitude towards our meals.
Acts 10:14
“But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.””
In this verse, Peter expresses his reluctance to eat anything that is considered unclean or prohibited by the Jewish dietary laws.
This encounter serves as a pivotal moment in the New Testament, highlighting the shift from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ. It signifies that the dietary restrictions are no longer binding on believers and emphasizes the inclusivity of the Gospel message.
Mark 7:18-19
“And he 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.)”
This conversation between Jesus and His disciples addresses the misconception that certain foods can defile a person. Jesus clarifies that what goes into a person from the outside does not defile them, as it only affects the physical body.
By proclaiming that all foods are clean, Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner purity and the state of one’s heart. It reinforces the idea that external practices and rituals should not be held above the matters of the heart.
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.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of food sacrificed to idols. He explains that the act of eating or abstaining from certain foods does not affect a person’s standing before God.
This verse highlights the freedom that believers have in Christ, emphasizing that our relationship with God is not based on dietary preferences or restrictions but on faith in Jesus Christ.
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.”
In these verses, Paul addresses the differences in dietary practices among believers. He warns against judgment and urges mutual respect and acceptance regardless of one’s personal dietary choices.
This passage reminds us to embrace diversity within the body of Christ and to prioritize unity and love over minor differences such as dietary preferences. It encourages believers to focus on what unites us rather than what may divide us.
Ecclesiastes 9:7
“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.”
In this verse, the writer of Ecclesiastes encourages enjoying the blessings God has given, including food and drink. It speaks of finding joy and pleasure in God’s provision.
This verse reminds us to appreciate the goodness of God and to approach our meals with gratitude and a joyful heart. It highlights the importance of enjoying the present moment and finding contentment in God’s abundant blessings.
Genesis 9:3
“Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.”
In this verse, God permits Noah and his descendants to eat all living creatures, signifying a change in dietary habits after the flood.
This verse reveals God’s provision and generosity towards His creation, emphasizing that He has given humans authority over the animals and provided various sources of sustenance for their nourishment.
Psalm 104:14-15
“You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.”
This psalm praises God for His providence and the abundance of food He provides. It highlights the significance of food and its role in bringing joy and nourishment to humanity.
This verse reminds us of the goodness of God’s creation and His provision for our physical needs. It encourages us to appreciate the variety of food and the pleasures that come from enjoying a well-prepared meal.
Proverbs 27:27
“And you shall have goats’ milk enough for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your maidens.”
This verse in Proverbs acknowledges the value of goats’ milk as a source of sustenance and nourishment for an individual and their household.
It serves as a reminder of the different food sources that God has provided for humankind and encourages gratitude for the simple but essential blessings that contribute to our well-being.
Deuteronomy 14:9-10
“Of all the creatures living in the water, you may eat any that has fins and scales. But anything that does not have fins and scales you may not eat; for you it is unclean.”
This passage from Deuteronomy reiterates the dietary laws given to the Israelites regarding seafood. It specifies that only seafood with fins and scales should be consumed, while those without fins and scales are considered unclean.
By following these dietary laws, the Israelites were distinct from the surrounding nations, demonstrating their commitment to obey and honor God’s commands.
Genesis 1:29-30
“And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.’”
In the creation account, God grants humans and animals specific foods for nourishment. He provides plants and fruits for humans and green plants for animals.
This passage emphasizes God’s intention for humans and animals to thrive by consuming the resources He has provided. It demonstrates God’s care for His creation and His provision of sustenance for all living beings.
Matthew 11:18-19
“For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’”
In this passage, Jesus contrasts the different lifestyles and public perceptions of John the Baptist and Himself. Despite their opposite approaches to food and drink, both were criticized by people.
This verse reveals the tendency of some individuals to judge others based on external practices or dietary choices. It serves as a reminder to avoid making hasty judgments and instead focus on the heart and character of individuals.
John 6:35
“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’”
Jesus uses a metaphorical language to declare Himself as the source of spiritual sustenance and fulfillment. He compares Himself to bread, saying that whoever comes to Him will never hunger or thirst.
This verse highlights the unique role of Jesus in satisfying the deepest longings of the human soul. It invites individuals to find their ultimate satisfaction and nourishment in a relationship with Him.
Luke 24:30
“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.”
This verse describes Jesus’ actions during the meal with two disciples after His resurrection. He took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, symbolizing His role as the provider of spiritual nourishment.
This passage reminds us of Jesus’ presence in the breaking of the bread, whether it is in the Eucharistic celebration or in the act of sharing a meal with fellow believers. It signifies the deep spiritual significance of communal meals and the unity that can be experienced through the sharing of food.
Luke 15:22
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.’”
This verse is part of the parable of the prodigal son, where the father celebrates the return of his lost son by organizing a feast and sacrificing the fattened calf.
It portrays the father’s joy and generosity in welcoming his repentant son back into the family. It serves as a beautiful illustration of God’s extravagant love and His desire to celebrate and restore those who turn to Him.
Daniel 1:12-14
“‘Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king’s food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.’ So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days.”
In this passage, Daniel and his companions request a diet of vegetables and water instead of consuming the rich food provided by the king’s palace. They propose a test to determine the effects of their chosen diet compared to others.
This verse demonstrates Daniel’s commitment to remain faithful to God’s laws and his wisdom in proposing a solution that respects both his faith and the authorities. It underscores the importance of personal convictions and seeking God’s guidance in making decisions related to food.
Acts 27:33-35
“As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, ‘Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.’ And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat.”
This passage describes Paul’s act of encouraging his companions to eat and assure them of God’s provision and protection during a difficult and prolonged journey.
It reveals the importance of nourishing the physical body to maintain strength and well-being. It also underscores the significance of gratitude and acknowledging God’s presence and blessings when partaking of meals.
1 Corinthians 11:23-24
“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
These verses recount the words of the apostle Paul, reminding the Corinthians of the significance of the Lord’s Supper and the act of partaking in the bread, representing Jesus’ body.
They highlight the importance of remembering and commemorating Jesus’ sacrifice through the shared experience of partaking in communion. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual nourishment and sustenance available through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
John 21:12-13
“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ Now none of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish.”
In this post-resurrection appearance, Jesus invites His disciples to share a meal of bread and fish. His actions confirm His identity, and the disciples recognize Him as the Lord.
This scene emphasizes the significance of communal meals and the presence of Jesus in everyday activities, such as sharing a simple breakfast. It signifies the fellowship and unity that can be experienced through the breaking of bread and the gathering of believers.
Psalm 78:25
“Man ate the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance.”
This verse from Psalm 78 refers to God’s provision of manna, described as the bread of the angels, to the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings.
It emphasizes God’s supernatural provision and sustenance for His people. It serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and ability to meet our every need, even in the most challenging circumstances.
With a diverse selection of Bible verses, it becomes evident that the scriptures address the topic of eating seafood from a variety of perspectives. These verses shed light on God’s provision and guidelines for His people, the distinction between physical and spiritual defilement, the freedom in Christ, and the importance of gratitude and fellowship. They highlight the significance of food in both physical nourishment and spiritual feasting on Jesus, who is described as the bread of life. Overall, these verses encourage believers to approach food with mindfulness, gratitude, and reverence, recognizing that every bite can be an opportunity to honor God.