The topic of eating pork is addressed in several Bible verses, reflecting cultural, historical, and spiritual perspectives. Understanding these scriptures helps Christians and the general public grasp the reasons behind dietary laws about eating pork and their relevance today. In this comprehensive guide, we explore 33 Bible verses about eating pork, shedding light on God’s instructions and the context in which they were given.
Table of Top Verses:
| Reference | Verse |
|---|---|
| Leviticus 11:7-8 | “And the pig, though it has a divided hoof…” |
| Deuteronomy 14:8 | “The pig is also unclean; although it has a divided hoof…” |
| Isaiah 65:4 | “Who sit among the graves and spend their nights keeping secret vigil…” |
| Mark 7:18-19 | “Are you so dull? Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?” |
What Does the Bible Say About Eating Pork? Understanding Scriptural Dietary Guidelines
Pork consumption is a topic of discussion that has led to long debate among Christians and experts alike. The Bible provides clear directives on the matter, especially in the Old Testament, while the New Testament offers additional perspectives about pork. Let’s explores what the Bible says about eating pork, highlighting key verses and their implications for believers.
1. Old Testament Laws on Pork Consumption
Leviticus 11:7-8
“And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.”
This verse is part of the Mosaic Law, which outlines the dietary restrictions for the Israelites. Pigs are deemed unclean because they do not chew the cud, despite having split hooves.
Deuteronomy 14:8
“And the pig, because it parts the hoof but does not chew the cud, is unclean for you. Their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch.”
Deuteronomy reiterates the prohibition against consuming pork, reinforcing its status as an unclean animal.
2. Prophetic Warnings Against Eating Pork
Isaiah 65:4
“Who sit in tombs, and spend the night in secret places; who eat pig’s flesh, and broth of tainted meat is in their vessels.”
In this verse, Isaiah condemns those who engage in pagan practices, including eating pig’s flesh. It underscores the association of pork consumption with impurity and idolatry.
Isaiah 66:17
“Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig’s flesh and the abomination and mice, shall come to an end together, declares the Lord.”
Isaiah’s prophecy warns of judgment against those who consume pork and engage in abominable practices, highlighting the seriousness of violating dietary laws.
3. New Testament Perspectives on Dietary Laws
Acts 10:12-15
“In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him: ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But Peter said, ‘By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.’ And the voice came to him again a second time, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.'”
Peter’s vision signifies a pivotal change in dietary restrictions, indicating that the distinctions between clean and unclean animals were no longer applicable under the new covenant through Christ.
Romans 14:14
“I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.”
Paul emphasizes that dietary choices are a matter of personal conviction and that no food is inherently unclean, challenging the strict dietary laws of the Old Testament.
1 Timothy 4:4
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.”
Paul further affirms that all foods, including pork, are good and permissible if consumed with gratitude and thanksgiving.
List of 33 Bible Verses:
1. Leviticus 11:7-8 – The Pig is Unclean
And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.
2. Deuteronomy 14:8 – Dietary Restrictions
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.
3. Isaiah 65:4 – Practices of the Rebellious
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.
4. Mark 7:18-19 – Jesus Declares All Foods Clean
“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.)
5. Isaiah 66:3 – Rejection of False Worship
But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a person, and whoever offers a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig’s blood, and whoever burns memorial incense is like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations.
6. 2 Corinthians 6:17 – Touch No Unclean Thing
Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
7. Acts 10:12-15 – Peter’s Vision of Clean and Unclean Animals
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.”
8. Romans 14:14 – Nothing is Unclean in Itself
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.
9. Leviticus 20:25 – Distinguishing Clean and Unclean Animals
You must therefore make a distinction between clean and unclean animals and between unclean and clean birds. Do not defile yourselves by any animal or bird or anything that moves along the ground—those that I have set apart as unclean for you.
10. Genesis 9:3 – God’s Provision of Meat
Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.
11. Leviticus 11:4 – Unclean Animals
There are some that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof, but you must not eat them. The camel, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is ceremonially unclean for you.
12. 1 Timothy 4:4 – Everything God Created is Good
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.
13. Deuteronomy 14:3 – Do Not Eat Any Detestable Thing
Do not eat any detestable thing.
14. Isaiah 66:17 – Judgment on Those Eating Unclean Foods
“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.
15. Acts 11:7-9 – Peter’s Vision Confirmed
Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’
16. Matthew 8:30-32 – The Demons and the Pigs
Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.
17. Deuteronomy 14:21 – Do Not Eat Anything Found Dead
Do not eat anything you find already dead. You may give it to the foreigner residing in any of your towns, and they may eat it, or you may sell it to any other foreigner. But you are a people holy to the Lord your God.
18. Colossians 2:16 – Freedom from Dietary Laws
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
19. Leviticus 11:27 – Unclean Animals
Of all the animals that walk on all fours, those that walk on their paws are unclean for you; whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean till evening.
20. Romans 14:20 – All Food is Clean
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.
21. Leviticus 11:46-47 – Distinguishing Clean and Unclean
These are the regulations concerning animals, birds, every living thing that moves about in the water and every creature that moves along the ground. You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.
22. 1 Corinthians 10:25 – Eat Anything Sold in the Meat Market
Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience.
23. Hebrews 13:9 – Do Not Be Carried Away by Strange Teachings
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.
24. Leviticus 11:44 – Be Holy Because I Am Holy
I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground.
25. Genesis 1:29 – Original Diet in Eden
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.”
26. Leviticus 7:23-24 – Forbidden Fat and Blood
Say to the Israelites: ‘Do not eat any of the fat of cattle, sheep or goats. The fat of an animal found dead or torn by wild animals may be used for any other purpose, but you must not eat it.
27. Matthew 5:17-18 – Jesus Fulfills the Law
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. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
28. Ezekiel 4:14 – Ezekiel’s Diet
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.”
29. Leviticus 19:26 – Do Not Eat Meat with Blood
Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it. Do not practice divination or seek omens.
31. Isaiah 66:3-4 – Rejecting Hypocrisy and Idolatry
But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a person, and whoever offers a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig’s blood, and whoever burns memorial incense is like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations; so I also will choose harsh treatment for them and will bring on them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.
32. 1 Timothy 4:3 – Abstaining from Certain Foods
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.
33. Acts 15:28-29 – The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers
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. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.
Why Does the Bible Say Not to Eat Pork?
The issue of dietary laws, particularly the regarding against eating pork, is of most significant interest and discussion among Christians and experts. The Bible provides strict instructions about food consumption, especially in the Old Testament. Let’s dive into article to find reasons behind these biblical directives and examines their relevance to Christian practice.
1. Old Testament Dietary Laws: The Foundation
Leviticus 11:7-8
“And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.”
The book of Leviticus, part of the Mosaic Law, categorizes certain animals as clean or unclean. Pigs are specifically mentioned as unclean because they do not chew the cud despite having split hooves.
Deuteronomy 14:8
“And the pig, because it parts the hoof but does not chew the cud, is unclean for you. Their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch.”
Deuteronomy reiterates the prohibition, emphasizing the need for the Israelites to avoid pork, thus maintaining ritual purity.
2. Prophetic Warnings Against Pork Consumption
Isaiah 65:4
“Who sit in tombs, and spend the night in secret places; who eat pig’s flesh, and broth of tainted meat is in their vessels.”
The prophet Isaiah condemns those who engage in pagan practices, including eating pork. This association of pork consumption with idolatry and impurity underscores its prohibition.
Isaiah 66:17
“Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig’s flesh and the abomination and mice, shall come to an end together, declares the Lord.”
Isaiah’s prophecy warns of judgment against those who eat pork and engage in other abominable practices, reinforcing the seriousness of adhering to dietary laws.
Conclusion:
The Bible presents a complex and evolving perspective on dietary laws, including the consumption of pork. From the Old Testament’s strict prohibitions to the New Testament’s teachings on freedom and purity, these scriptures provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Reflecting on these verses can help believers navigate their dietary choices with faith and wisdom.
FAQs About What the Bible Says About Eating Pork
1. Why does the Bible prohibit eating pork in the Old Testament?
The Old Testament dietary laws, particularly in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, prohibit eating pork because pigs are considered unclean animals. This distinction is based on the fact that pigs have split hooves but do not chew the cud, thus failing to meet the criteria for clean animals as defined in the Mosaic Law.
2. Are Christians today required to follow the Old Testament dietary laws?
Many Christians believe that they are not bound by the Old Testament dietary laws. This belief is based on New Testament teachings, such as Peter’s vision in Acts 10:12-15 and Paul’s writings in Romans 14:14 and 1 Timothy 4:4, which suggest that all foods are clean and permissible for consumption if received with thanksgiving.
Why is pork forbidden in the Bible?
According to Leviticus 11:3, animals like cows, sheep, and deer that have divided hooves and chew their cud may be consumed. Pigs should not be eaten because they do not chew their cud. The ban on the consumption of pork is repeated in Deuteronomy 14:8.
Does the Bible say not to eat pork?
And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you. “`Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams, you may eat any that have fins and scales.
What does the Bible say about eating pork kjv?
Lev. 11. [7] And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.
Why does the Bible say not to eat animals with cloven hooves?
According to these, anything that “chews the cud” and has a completely split hoof is ritually clean, but those animals that only chew the cud or only have cloven hooves are unclean. Both documents explicitly list four animals as being ritually impure: The camel, for chewing the cud without its hooves being divided.
why is pork considered unclean in the bible
According to Leviticus 11:3, animals like cows, sheep, and deer that have divided hooves and chew their cud may be consumed. Pigs should not be eaten because they do not chew their cud.
Why is pork forbidden in the Bible?
It is only in Leviticus 11:7 that eating pork is forbidden to God’s people for the very first time” and the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean to you.” This is where and when pork in all its forms (including ham, bacon, sausage, etc.)
What does God say about eating pork?
And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you. “`Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams, you may eat any that have fins and scales.
What does the Bible say about eating pork in Deuteronomy?
The pig is also unclean; although it has a split hoof, it does not chew the cud. You are not to eat their meat or touch their carcasses. 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.