“These are the animals you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope and the mountain sheep.” – Leviticus 11:2-3
Bible Verses About Eating Pig
Biblical Dietary Laws
As followers of Christ, we look towards the Bible for guidance on all aspects of life, including our diet. The Old Testament contains many laws that dictate what animals could be eaten, and pigs were listed as unclean. The dietary laws were significant for the people of Israel, shaping their relationship with God and their identity as a nation. These restrictions are reminders of the importance of obedience to God and understanding His reasons for what is deemed clean and unclean. Though some of these laws were fulfilled through Jesus, the wisdom behind them helps illuminate our spiritual journey. They acted as a guide, encouraging us to seek healthier and more sacred choices, which still resonate with us today.
Leviticus 11:7
“And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.” – Leviticus 11:7
Deuteronomy 14:8
“The pig is also unclean; although it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud.” – Deuteronomy 14:8
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 and rats and other unclean things— they will meet their end together.” – Isaiah 66:17
Leviticus 11:8
“You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.” – Leviticus 11:8
Deuteronomy 14:7
“However, of those that chew the cud or have a divided hoof, you may not eat the following: the camel, the hare and the coney.” – Deuteronomy 14:7
Understanding Clean and Unclean
We find ourselves in the tension of tradition and revelation when it comes to dietary laws. In the ancient days, clean and unclean distinctions provided order and understanding to the community. They were a physical representation of spiritual principles. As we delve into the concept of cleanness, we acknowledge how these laws were not just about food but about a relationship with God. These dietary choices often invite reflection on what we allow into our lives—spiritually and physically. This can lead us to reconsider our own habits and how they align with our beliefs. It encourages us to think about choices that draw us closer to God and away from distractions that might lead us astray.
Mark 7:19
“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.)” – Mark 7:19
Acts 10:14
“Surely not, Lord! Peter replied. I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” – Acts 10:14
Acts 10:15
“The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” – Acts 10:15
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
The Heart of the Matter
As we reflect on eating pigs and following the dietary laws set forth in the Bible, we come to understand that the heart of the matter is not merely about food but rather our relationship with God. Our dietary choices can serve as an expression of our faith. We remind ourselves that what we consume must nourish our bodies and reflect our devotion. As we eat, we should be thankful and mindful, cherishing the gifts of creation. It’s also an invitation for us to examine the motives behind our choices and how they align with our walk with Christ. Our habits can either draw us nearer to God or distract us from Him, positioning our hearts in a place of reverence and worship.
Matthew 6:25
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” – Matthew 6:25
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
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” – Proverbs 23:20-21
James 2:26
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” – James 2:26
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
Appreciating God’s Creation
As we explore what we eat, we must also cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Each dietary choice we make can be transformed into an act of worship when we recognize it as part of God’s creation. We celebrate the variety and richness of food while being aware of the nourishment it provides. Each meal provides an opportunity to appreciate God’s abundance and care for us, and we remember to nurture our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Let our choices lead us to honor both God and ourselves as we strive to practice healthier, mindful eating. When we appreciate God’s creation, we become ambassadors of His goodness and love.
Genesis 1:29
“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.” – Genesis 1:29
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
1 Chronicles 29:14
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have comes from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!” – 1 Chronicles 29:14
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 136:25
“He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:25
Choosing Holiness in Dietary Choices
Choosing holiness in our dietary choices is a form of worship. By steering clear of what is considered unclean, we show our commitment to God’s word and intent. As we strive to make conscious choices, we hold ourselves accountable to live according to God’s standards, which impacts our spiritual journey. This commitment can inspire others as well, creating a community that shares similar values. Dietary choices may seem mundane, but they reflect a bigger truth about living in faith. Choosing holiness can ripple through other aspects of our lives, encouraging a pursuit of purity in heart, words, and actions, prompting us to be aligned with God’s will.
Leviticus 20:25
“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.” – Leviticus 20:25
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11
2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord; touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17
1 Peter 1:16
“For it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8
Grace Over Law
In reflecting on eating pigs and dietary laws, we also embrace the movement from law to grace through Jesus Christ. Jesus fulfilled the law, allowing us to live freely under His grace. This transformation invites us to reconsider traditions and rituals while remaining faithful to our devotion. As we strive to follow Christ, the heart of our faith lies not in strict adherence to the law but in a loving relationship with God. We must discern how much of the law we allow to influence our dietary decisions, understanding that faith and our walk with Christ take precedence over mere dietary restrictions. Living under grace offers us a new lens through which we view our choices and relationships.
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
Acts 15:29
“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.” – Acts 15:29
Romans 14:20
“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.” – Romans 14:20
Hebrews 9:10
“They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings; external regulations applying until the time of the new order.” – Hebrews 9:10
Mark 7:18-19
“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.” – Mark 7:18-19
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the topic of eating pigs and dietary laws, we find that these ancient guidelines lead our hearts towards deeper truths. They remind us of our commitment to honoring God with our choices. While the dietary restrictions of the Old Testament serve as important reminders, we also embrace Christ’s fulfillment of the law, placing us under grace. It is a journey of understanding the balance between what we consume and our faith. Our dietary choices can indeed reflect our relationship with God, and they invite us to a life of purity, appreciation, and dedication.
Let us be encouraged to make intentional, mindful choices in our lives, shaping our spirits while being grateful for His abundant provision. We can continue to explore God’s guidance on various topics that resonate with our faith journey. For insights on dietary laws, check out Leviticus 11:33 and for grace and food, visit Acts 10:13.
May our choices, both great and small, glorify Him in all we do!