12 Bible Verses About Vegetarianism

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about vegetarianism

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about vegetarianism:

1. 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.”
2. Genesis 9:3 – “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.”
3. Daniel 1:12 – “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.”
4. Romans 14:21 – “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.”
5. 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.”
6. Isaiah 11:7 – “And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.”

7. Isaiah 65:25 – “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.”
8. Proverbs 12:10 – “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”
9. Genesis 1:30 – “And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.”
10. Leviticus 11:1-47 – (regarding clean and unclean animals for consumption)
11. Romans 14:2 – “For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.”
12. 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.”

What does the bible say about vegetarianism?

The Bible does not explicitly command followers to be vegetarian, but it does emphasize the importance of stewardship of the earth and treating animals with care and respect.

It also teaches the value of compassion and kindness towards all living creatures.

Some passages suggest that a plant-based diet may be ideal, as it was the original diet given to humans in the Garden of Eden.

Ultimately, the decision to be vegetarian is a personal choice that should be made with consideration for one’s own health, beliefs, and values.

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

1. Genesis 1 – This chapter describes God’s original plan for humanity and the animals in the Garden of Eden, where both humans and animals were created to eat only plants. This chapter highlights the harmony and peace that existed between all creatures before the introduction of sin.

2. Daniel 1 – In this chapter, Daniel and his friends choose to follow a vegetarian diet rather than eating the king’s rich food. They demonstrate that a plant-based diet can be both healthy and pleasing to God.

3. Isaiah 11 – This chapter describes a future time of peace and harmony when all creatures, including predators and prey, will live together peacefully. This vision of a restored creation aligns with the principles of compassion and non-violence that are often associated with vegetarianism.

4. Romans 14 – In this chapter, the apostle Paul discusses the importance of respecting the dietary choices of others and not causing them to stumble. This chapter emphasizes the freedom that Christians have in choosing what to eat and the importance of not judging or condemning others based on their dietary practices.

These chapters are relevant to vegetarianism because they provide biblical examples and principles that support the idea of compassion towards animals, stewardship of the earth, and the importance of making conscious and ethical dietary choices. They also highlight the idea of living in harmony with God’s creation and promoting peace and justice for all creatures.

Ideas and concepts related to vegetarianism that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Stewardship of Creation: The Bible teaches that humans are called to be stewards of God’s creation, caring for and protecting the environment and all living creatures. This concept is often cited by vegetarians as a reason for choosing a plant-based diet, as it reduces the environmental impact of food production and promotes sustainability.

2. Compassion and Mercy: The Bible emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and mercy towards all living beings, including animals. Vegetarians often cite this principle as a reason for choosing not to consume meat, as they believe it is a way to show kindness and respect towards animals.

3. Health and Wellness: The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that we are called to take care of our physical health. Some vegetarians choose a plant-based diet for health reasons, as it is often associated with lower rates of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

4. Non-violence and Peace: The Bible promotes the values of non-violence and peace, encouraging believers to live in harmony with others and to seek reconciliation and forgiveness. Some vegetarians choose a plant-based diet as a way to promote non-violence and reduce harm to animals, as they believe that killing animals for food goes against the principles of peace and compassion.

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.