The Bible’s teachings on pork have historical and spiritual significance. In the Old Testament, certain dietary restrictions were given to guide the Israelites in health and obedience. These rules reflect deeper lessons on purity and faith. Let’s explore what these teachings mean today and how they impact modern beliefs.
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What Does The Bible Say About Pork
The Bible contains several verses that mention or discuss the topic of pork. Here are 25 verses along with a commentary on each:
Leviticus 11:7
“And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.”
This verse is part of the dietary laws outlined in Leviticus. It specifies that pigs are considered unclean animals for the Israelites, and they are not to consume them.
Deuteronomy 14:8
“The pig is also unclean; although it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. You are not to eat their meat or touch their carcasses.”
Similar to Leviticus, Deuteronomy reiterates the prohibition on eating pork and emphasizes that the Israelites should not even touch the carcasses of pigs.
Isaiah 65:4
“…who sit among the graves and spend their nights keeping secret vigil; who eat the flesh of pigs, and whose pots hold broth of impure meat”
In this passage, Isaiah describes certain rebellious individuals who engage in forbidden practices, including eating pork. It highlights the negative consequences of such actions.
Isaiah 66:17
“Those who consecrate and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one who is among those who eat the flesh of pigs, rats, and other unclean things—they will meet their end together with the one they follow,” declares the LORD.”
This verse warns against participating in idolatrous practices that involve consuming unclean animals, including pigs. It emphasizes that there will be consequences for those who associate with such actions.
Matthew 7:6
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet and turn and tear you to pieces.”
Jesus uses figurative language in this verse to teach a deeper lesson about discernment. It suggests being cautious with sharing valuable truths or wisdom with those who are not receptive or will disregard them.
Acts 10:9-16
“About noon, the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 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 happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.”
This passage recounts Peter’s vision, where he initially refuses to eat the animals presented to him on the sheet because they include unclean animals like pigs. However, God instructs him not to consider anything impure that God has made clean, symbolizing the abolishment of dietary restrictions.
Romans 14:1-3
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. 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.”
In this verse, Paul addresses the issue of differing opinions regarding food choices. While some believers may choose to abstain from certain foods, including pork, others are free to eat anything. Paul encourages unity and reminds believers not to judge one another based on dietary preferences.
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.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of self-control and discernment when it comes to our choices. While believers have the freedom to consume various foods, including pork, they should consider whether it is beneficial and exercise self-restraint.
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.’”
Paul teaches that believers can eat any type of meat, including pork, without raising concerns about its source. He reminds them that everything comes from God and is considered acceptable.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Paul encourages believers to approach every aspect of their lives, including their dietary choices, with the intention of glorifying God. This verse applies to the consumption of pork as well, highlighting the importance of honoring God in all our actions.
Colossians 2:16
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink…”
Paul advises the Colossian believers not to allow anyone to pass judgment on them based on their food and drink choices. This verse is relevant to pork consumption, indicating that such matters should not become sources of condemnation within the Christian faith.
1 Timothy 4:3-4
“They… 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.”
Paul addresses false teachings that promote the avoidance of certain foods. He asserts that all food created by God is good, and believers can partake in it with gratitude and understanding.
Hebrews 13:9
“Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings…”
The author of Hebrews instructs believers not to be swayed by unfamiliar or misleading teachings. This verse reminds Christians to anchor their faith in the truth of God’s Word rather than getting caught up in unnecessary dietary regulations.
Mark 7:18-19
“‘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 clarifies that food does not defile a person spiritually. He explains that what is eaten goes through the digestive system but does not affect the heart or one’s purity before God. This declaration sets aside the dietary restrictions of the Old Covenant.
Acts 15:28-29
“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.”
In this passage, the Jerusalem council advises Gentile believers to observe certain restrictions, but it does not mention avoiding pork explicitly. The focus is on avoiding practices associated with idolatry and immorality, rather than specific dietary regulations.
Galatians 2:11-12
“When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself…”
Paul recounts an incident where he confronted Peter for his hypocrisy. Peter initially ate with Gentile believers, including those who consumed pork, but later withdrew due to pressure from others. This incident illustrates the tension between adhering to cultural norms and the freedom found in Christ.
Luke 15:15-16
“So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.”
In the parable of the prodigal son, one of the lowest points for the prodigal son was when he had to feed pigs and desired to eat what they were consuming. This story does not uphold or condemn the act of consuming pork, but rather emphasizes the dire circumstances the son found himself in.
Proverbs 23:21
“for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
This proverb warns about the consequences of excessive indulgences, which can lead to poverty and ruin. While it does not specifically mention pork, it is a reminder to practice moderation in all aspects of life, including food consumption.
Ezekiel 4:14
“Then I said, ‘Not so, Sovereign LORD! I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have never eaten anything found dead or torn by wild animals. No impure meat has ever entered my mouth.’”
In this verse, Ezekiel refuses to eat food that is considered impure according to Jewish dietary laws. This passage highlights his adherence to these rules but is not specifically focused on pork.
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 teaches his disciples that true defilement comes from the words and attitudes that originate from the heart, not from the consumption of certain foods. This verse emphasizes the importance of inner purity over external regulations.
1 Samuel 15:23
“For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.”
This verse points out the sin of rebellion against God’s commands. It does not focus specifically on dietary restrictions or the consumption of pork, but rather highlights the importance of obedience to God’s word in all areas of life.
Romans 14:14
“I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself…”
Paul affirms that, in Christ, nothing is inherently unclean or impure. This verse suggests that the dietary restrictions of the Old Covenant, including those related to pork, are no longer applicable in the new era of grace.
Matthew 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
Jesus clarifies that his purpose is not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. As a result, the dietary restrictions found in the Old Testament, including the prohibition of pork for the Israelites, are fulfilled and superseded in Christ.
Romans 14:20
“Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food…”
Paul cautions believers not to allow their food choices to become a stumbling block or issue of contention that hinders their unity. This verse reminds Christians that the kingdom of God is not about what they eat but about living in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
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 emphasizes that food does not determine one’s standing before God. Eating or abstaining from certain foods, including pork, does not change a believer’s relationship with God or their spiritual state.
In conclusion, the Bible contains various verses that mention or discuss the topic of pork. While the Old Testament prohibits the consumption of pork for the Israelites, the New Testament offers a different perspective. In Christ, the dietary restrictions of the Old Covenant are superseded by grace and freedom. While some early believers may have chosen to abstain from pork for personal or cultural reasons, the overarching biblical teaching is that food choices should not become sources of division or judgment within the Christian community. Ultimately, believers are called to honor God with their choices, pursue unity, and focus on the more significant aspects of faith, such as love, righteousness, and obedience to God’s Word.