12 Bible Verses About Eating Pork

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
Published on:

This article explores Bible verses about eating pork, including Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, which provide guidelines on what types of animals are considered clean or unclean for consumption according to Jewish dietary laws.

While these laws were given specifically to the Jewish people, some Christians still follow them as a matter of personal conviction or cultural tradition.

However, many Christians believe that these laws were fulfilled and abolished by Jesus Christ, and that all foods are now clean and permissible to eat.

Bible verses about eating pork

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about eating pork:

1. Leviticus 11:7-8 – “And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.”
2. Deuteronomy 14:8 – “And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.”
3. Isaiah 65:4 – “Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;”
4. Isaiah 66:17 – “They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.”
5. Acts 10:14 – “But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.”
6. Romans 14:14 – “I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.”

7. Proverbs 23:20-21 – “Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”
8. 1 Corinthians 8:13 – “Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”
9. 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.”
10. 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.”
11. 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?”
12. 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.”

What does the Bible say about eating pork?

The Bible prohibits the consumption of pork in the Old Testament, specifically in Leviticus and Deuteronomy.

It is considered unclean and impure for consumption.

However, in the New Testament, Jesus declared all foods clean and the dietary restrictions were no longer necessary for salvation.

Christians are free to eat pork, but should still consider the health and ethical implications of their food choices.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about eating pork?

The Bible passages that are relevant to the topic of eating pork include Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. These chapters provide guidelines on what types of animals are considered clean or unclean for consumption according to Jewish dietary laws. Pork is among the animals that are considered unclean and therefore prohibited for consumption by Jews.

In Leviticus 11, the Lord instructs Moses and Aaron to teach the Israelites which animals are clean and unclean, including those that have split hooves but do not chew the cud, or those that chew the cud but do not have split hooves. Among the unclean animals mentioned are pigs, which have split hooves but do not chew the cud.

Deuteronomy 14 reiterates the same dietary laws, providing further details on which animals are considered clean and unclean. The chapter specifically mentions pigs as unclean and prohibits the consumption of their flesh.

While these laws were given specifically to the Jewish people, some Christians still follow these dietary laws as a matter of personal conviction or cultural tradition. However, many Christians believe that these laws were fulfilled and abolished by Jesus Christ, and that all foods are now clean and permissible to eat (Mark 7:19, Acts 10:9-16).

Ideas and concepts related to eating pork that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.

The concept of dietary laws is related to eating pork in the Bible. In Leviticus 11, God gives the Israelites a list of animals that are considered clean and unclean for consumption. Pork is one of the unclean animals that is forbidden to eat. This concept is related to the idea of holiness and obedience to God’s commands.

Another related concept is the idea of purity and cleanliness. In Deuteronomy 14, God commands the Israelites to avoid eating anything that is unclean, including pork. This is because pork is considered unclean and can lead to impurity. This concept is related to the idea of maintaining a pure and holy lifestyle.

Lastly, the concept of sacrifice is related to eating pork in the Bible. In the Old Testament, animals were sacrificed as a way to atone for sins and seek forgiveness from God. However, pork was not an acceptable sacrifice because it was considered unclean. This concept is related to the idea of offering our best and most valuable possessions to God as a way to show our devotion and commitment to Him.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.