“These are the animals you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.” – Leviticus 11:2-3
Bible Verses About What Not To Eat
The Importance of Dietary Laws
When we consider what not to eat according to scripture, it reminds us of the importance of making choices that honor God. The dietary laws given in the Scriptures weren’t just about food; they were a means to set apart God’s people. By following these guidelines, we express our commitment to live in a way that pleases God. For us, these laws can serve as a reminder to think about what we consume and how it affects our bodies and spirits. Our choices reveal our values and priorities, and we must remain mindful of how our diet reflects our commitment to faith. This exercise goes beyond just eating; it becomes a reflection of our relationship with God and our understanding of His desires for us.
Leviticus 11:4
“The animals that you may eat are: the ox, the sheep, and the goat.” – Leviticus 11:4
Leviticus 11:5
“You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud.” – Leviticus 11:5
Leviticus 11:6
“The pig is also unclean; although it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud.” – Leviticus 11:6
Leviticus 11:7
“You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.” – Leviticus 11:7
Deuteronomy 14:7
“However, of those that chew the cud or have a divided hoof, you may not eat: the camel, the hare and the coney.” – Deuteronomy 14:7
When we look at what not to eat, we also discover the dangers that come with consuming unclean animals. These guidelines aren’t arbitrary; they reflect an understanding of health, safety, and well-being. Eating certain animals can lead us to physical ailments, which is why God provided us with these dietary rules. It teaches us to respect our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. As we strive to follow these commands, we are reminded to care for our health, which is a crucial part of fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. Making decisions about what not to eat can help us to remain healthy, energetic, and able to serve God and others effectively.
Leviticus 11:8
“You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.” – Leviticus 11:8
Leviticus 11:9
“Of all the creatures living in the water, you may eat any that has fins and scales.” – Leviticus 11:9
Leviticus 11:10
“But all creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales are to be regarded as unclean by you.” – Leviticus 11:10
Deuteronomy 14:10
“But anything that does not have fins and scales you may not eat; for you it is unclean.” – Deuteronomy 14:10
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 animals—they will meet their end together,” declares the Lord. – Isaiah 66:17
As we explore what not to eat, we discover valuable principles of clean and unclean that can be applied to our lives. The idea of clean versus uncleanfgoes beyond food items; it offers insight into holiness and unrighteousness. For us, this serves to encourage discernment of making holy choices in all aspects of life including relationships, entertainment, and activities. By dedicating our lives to God, we create a standard that guides us in choosing the “clean” paths that lead us closer to Him. It’s a chance to live out the essence of our faith in every action and decision.
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.” – Matthew 15:11
Romans 14:14
“I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself.” – Romans 14:14
1 Timothy 4:4
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” – 1 Timothy 4:4
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Colossians 2:16
“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.” – Colossians 2:16
Focusing on what not to eat reminds us of the food for the spirit as well. Just as we must be cautious about our physical diet, we also need to watch what we feed our hearts and minds. In this modern world, there are many influences that can lead us away from God’s truth. It’s essential that we prioritize nourishing our spirits with God’s Word, worship, and fellowship. These spiritual foods build us up, enable us to walk faithfully, and help in resisting temptation. Our spiritual well-being impacts our daily lives, and we must cultivate a healthy diet of faith.
Psalm 119:103
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” – Psalm 119:103
Matthew 4:4
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:4
John 6:35
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” – John 6:35
Isaiah 55:2
“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.” – Isaiah 55:2
1 Peter 2:2
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” – 1 Peter 2:2
As we learn what not to eat, we also see God’s care in provision. God has given us instructions for our nourishment so that we may thrive. His commands protect us and guide us toward making wise choices. In many ways, these dietary guidelines illustrate His love for us, revealing a God who desires our well-being and joy. Following these paths allows us to experience the fullness of life designed by Him. Our bodies deserve the best care, and through obedience, we find that our lifestyle can enhance our physical and spiritual health.
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Psalm 104:14
“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth.” – Psalm 104:14
Matthew 6:31-32
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” – Matthew 6:31-32
Psalm 147:9
“He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.” – Psalm 147:9
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17
Choosing what not to eat guides us towards wisdom in our daily decisions. God encourages us to seek wisdom, and this extends to how we approach our diets. By focusing on what is beneficial for our health, we align ourselves with His advice for living a fruitful and fulfilling life. We should feel empowered to make wise choices that honor our bodies and reflect our faith. This faith-driven approach can inspire us to explore and create healthy meal plans while enjoying the blessings of God’s creation. Ultimately, our actions regarding food can either draw us closer to God or lead us astray, and we must choose wisely.
Proverbs 2:6
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Ephesians 5:15-16
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
Proverbs 25:27
“It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.” – Proverbs 25:27
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
Final Thoughts
As we explore the topic of what not to eat, we see it isn’t merely a matter of dietary regulations but a reflection of our relationship with God. We learn that these guidelines help us honor our bodies, maintain our health, and align our choices with God’s will for us. By considering the principles of clean and unclean, we can make wise decisions, not just in our diets but also in other aspects of our lives. Cherishing what nourishes our spirit is equally important, as we are reminded to seek spiritual sustenance through God’s Word and fellowship. Overall, opting to eat wisely reflects both our faith and our respect for God’s creation.
We encourage you to explore more topics related to God’s teachings by checking out Leviticus 11:33 and Deuteronomy 14:3-21. May your journey in faith continue to inspire you towards a life filled with joy and purpose.