Are you curious about what the Bible says about eating meat? While the Bible does not explicitly forbid or promote the consumption of meat, it does provide guidelines for the types of animals that are considered clean and unclean for consumption.
This article explores twelve powerful Bible verses about eating meat and provides insight into what the Bible teaches about the topic.
Additionally, it discusses related ideas and concepts, such as treating animals with kindness and respect and making personal choices with consideration for health, well-being, and the environment.
Bible verses about eating meat
Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about eating meat:
1. Genesis 9:3 – “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.”
2. Leviticus 11:1-47 – The entire chapter outlines the laws of clean and unclean animals for consumption.
3. Deuteronomy 12:15 – “Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.”
4. Acts 10:13-15 – “And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.”
5. Romans 14:2-3 – “For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.”
6. 1 Corinthians 10:25-26 – “Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.”
7. 1 Timothy 4:3-5 – “Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”
8. Colossians 2:16-17 – “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”
9. Matthew 15:11 – “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
10. Mark 7:18-19 – “And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?”
11. Genesis 1:29 – “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.”
12. Proverbs 15:17 – “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.”
What does the Bible say about eating meat?
The Bible does not explicitly forbid or promote the consumption of meat.
However, it does provide guidelines for the types of animals that are considered clean and unclean for consumption.
In the Old Testament, certain animals such as pigs and shellfish were considered unclean and not to be eaten.
In the New Testament, Jesus declared that all foods are clean, but Christians are encouraged to be mindful of their actions and not cause others to stumble in their faith.
Additionally, the Bible emphasizes the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect, and not causing unnecessary harm or suffering.
Ultimately, the decision to eat meat or not is a personal choice that should be made with consideration for one’s own health, the well-being of animals, and the impact on the environment.
What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about eating meat?
There are several Bible chapters that mention eating meat, but here are three that provide insight into the topic:
1. Genesis 9 – This chapter discusses God’s covenant with Noah after the flood. In verse 3, God says, “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.” This verse is often cited by Christians who believe that eating meat is acceptable because God gave permission to do so.
2. Leviticus 11 – This chapter outlines the dietary laws that God gave to the Israelites. It lists which animals are considered clean (i.e. can be eaten) and which are unclean (i.e. should not be eaten). This chapter is relevant to eating meat because it shows that God has specific guidelines for what is considered acceptable to eat.
3. Romans 14 – This chapter discusses how Christians should handle disagreements over matters of conscience, including food. In verse 2, Paul writes, “One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables.” This chapter is relevant to eating meat because it emphasizes the importance of respecting others’ beliefs and not judging them based on what they choose to eat.
Overall, these chapters provide different perspectives on eating meat in the Bible. Genesis 9 shows that God gave permission to eat meat, Leviticus 11 provides guidelines for what is considered acceptable to eat, and Romans 14 emphasizes the importance of respecting others’ beliefs about food.
Ideas and concepts related to eating meat that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.
1. Sacrifice – In the Bible, animals were often sacrificed as an offering to God. This concept relates to eating meat because it involves the killing and consumption of animals for religious purposes.
2. Stewardship – The Bible teaches that humans are stewards of the earth and its resources. This includes the responsible use of animals for food. Eating meat can be seen as a way to fulfill this responsibility by using animals as a source of sustenance.
3. Dominion – The concept of dominion in the Bible refers to humans having authority over the earth and its creatures. This can be interpreted as giving humans the right to use animals for food, as long as it is done responsibly and with respect for the animals.
4. Compassion – The Bible also teaches compassion towards animals. This includes treating them with kindness and avoiding unnecessary suffering. This concept relates to eating meat because it encourages the humane treatment of animals that are raised for food.
5. Dietary laws – The Bible contains several dietary laws that dictate what foods are considered clean or unclean. These laws include restrictions on the consumption of certain animals, such as pigs and shellfish. This concept relates to eating meat because it provides guidelines for what types of meat are considered acceptable to eat.
