“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.” – Genesis 9:3
Bible Verses About Eating Meat
Genesis 1:29 – God initially intended for humans to eat plants, but later grants the right to consume meat.
“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.” – Genesis 1:29
Genesis 9:4 – A commandment that specifies not to eat blood, highlighting the significance of life.
“But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.” – Genesis 9:4
Leviticus 11:1-2 – Instructions regarding which animals are clean and suitable to eat.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.” – Leviticus 11:1-2
Leviticus 11:9 – Guidelines about eating of marine creatures.
“These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat.” – Leviticus 11:9
Acts 10:15 – Peter’s vision, indicating that God allows all food as clean.
“And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” – Acts 10:15
1 Corinthians 10:31 – A reminder that whatever we do, including eating, should honor God.
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Romans 14:3 – Advisement against judging others based on their dietary choices.
“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.” – Romans 14:3
1 Timothy 4:4-5 – A declaration that all creation is good and can be received with gratitude.
“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.” – 1 Timothy 4:4-5
Matthew 15:17 – Jesus speaks about the difference between what enters the mouth and what comes from the heart.
“Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?” – Matthew 15:17
Isaiah 25:6 – A beautiful depiction of a feast prepared for all people.
“And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.” – Isaiah 25:6
Colossians 2:16 – Encouragement against letting others judge regarding food and drink.
“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.” – Colossians 2:16
Mark 7:18-19 – Jesus clarifies that it’s not what enters a person that defiles them.
“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;” – Mark 7:18-19
Philippians 4:19 – Assurance that God will meet our needs.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Leviticus 23:14 – Guidelines on the grain offerings along with meat offerings.
“And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.” – Leviticus 23:14
Hebrews 13:9 – A caution against diverse and strange doctrines including dietary restrictions.
“Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” – Hebrews 13:9
Proverbs 12:10 – The righteous care for the needs of their animals.
“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” – Proverbs 12:10
Ecclesiastes 3:13 – A reminder that eating and drinking is a gift from God.
“And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:13
Matthew 11:19 – Jesus’ approach towards responding to those who criticized him for eating and drinking.
“The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold, a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of her children.” – Matthew 11:19
Romans 14:20 – It stresses that our choices should not harm others.
“For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.” – Romans 14:20
John 6:51 – Jesus refers to Himself as the living bread that came down from heaven.
“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” – John 6:51
1 Corinthians 8:8 – Food does not bring us closer to God nor does it separate us from God.
“But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.” – 1 Corinthians 8:8
Proverbs 15:17 – A reminder that a simple meal with love is better than a feast with strife.
“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.” – Proverbs 15:17
Isaiah 66:17 – The Lord warns about certain practices that are detestable.
“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.” – Isaiah 66:17
Deuteronomy 14:6-7 – Lists animals that are permitted to be eaten.
“And every beast which parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that shall ye eat. Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you.” – Deuteronomy 14:6-7
Hebrews 5:14 – Solid food is for the mature, who can discern good from evil.
“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” – Hebrews 5:14
Final Thoughts
Exploring what the Bible says about eating meat helps us understand God’s intentions and guidance for our diets. Whether we’re consuming it or abstaining from it, the focus should be on honoring God with our choices. We are reminded that it’s not just the food that defines us, but our relationship with God and our care for others.
As we look into what we eat or how we treat those who share a meal with us, love should always be our guiding principle. It is essential to find balance and ensure that our actions reflect our values and beliefs.
Always remember to seek wisdom and guidance from the scriptures. If you’re curious about topics that deepen our understanding and faith, feel free to check out related articles about the communication with others or support in tough times.