While disturbing, cannibalism is mentioned in the Bible as a sign of dire times. Today, we’ll explore what these verses mean, understanding the context and lessons they provide.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Siblings Fighting
Bible Verses About Cannibalism
John 6:53
Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.”
This verse is a metaphorical statement made by Jesus during the Last Supper, referring to the act of partaking in the Eucharist. It symbolizes the spiritual nourishment and eternal life that comes from having a personal relationship with Christ.
While the language used may seem shocking, it is important to interpret it within the context of communion and not as an endorsement of cannibalism. Jesus is emphasizing the importance of faith and participation in the sacraments as means of receiving spiritual sustenance and experiencing a deep connection with Him.
Leviticus 26:29
“You will eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters.”
This verse is found in the context of God’s warning to the Israelites of the consequences of disobeying His commandments and turning away from His ways. It describes a horrific scenario where the people will face extreme famine and desperation, leading to cannibalism as a consequence of their disobedience.
It serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that can result from forsaking God and His guidance. The verse emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands, as well as the need to seek His forgiveness and turn back to Him in times of difficulty.
Deuteronomy 28:53-57
“Because of the suffering your enemy will inflict on you during the siege, you will eat the fruit of the womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters the Lord your God has given you. Even the most gentle and sensitive man among you will have no compassion on his own brother or the wife he loves or his surviving children, and he will not give to one of them any of the flesh of his children that he is eating.”
These verses are part of the blessings and curses outlined in the book of Deuteronomy. They describe the consequences of disobedience, including a devastating siege that leads to extreme famine and cannibalism within the community.
This passage serves as a powerful warning against turning away from God’s commands and falling into wickedness. It highlights the profound consequences of living in rebellion against God, including the loss of compassion and the breakdown of familial relationships. It is a reminder of the importance of obedience and the necessity of seeking God’s guidance and grace.
Lamentations 4:10
“With their own hands compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food when my people were destroyed.”
This verse is part of the book of Lamentations, which laments the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people. It describes the horrific scene of mothers resorting to cannibalism during the siege of the city.
It serves as a graphic portrayal of the extreme suffering and desperation that occurs in times of great calamity and judgment. It highlights the devastating effects of sin and the consequences of turning away from God’s ways. The verse reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s mercy and repenting from our sins to avoid such devastating outcomes.
2 Kings 6:28-29
“Then he asked her, ‘What’s the matter?’ She answered, ‘This woman said to me, “Give up your son so we may eat him today, and tomorrow we’ll eat my son.” So we cooked my son and ate him. The next day I said to her, “Give up your son so we may eat him,” but she had hidden him.'” “
These verses recount a tragic event that occurred during a severe famine in Samaria. The scarcity of food led to cannibalism, with two women making a horrifying pact to eat their own children.
This passage underscores the devastating consequences of disobedience and God’s judgment. It serves as a poignant reminder of the extreme measures people may resort to in times of desperation and their need for divine intervention and provision. It also highlights the importance of trusting in God’s faithfulness and seeking His guidance in every situation.
Jeremiah 19:9
“I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and they will eat one another’s flesh because their enemies will press the siege so hard against them to destroy them.”
This verse is part of Jeremiah’s prophecy against Judah and Jerusalem due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry. It describes the severe consequences that will befall the people, including cannibalism during the siege as a result of their enemies’ relentless attack.
It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the destructive nature of sin. The verse highlights the severity of God’s judgment and the need for repentance and turning back to Him. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the avoidance of idolatry.
Ezekiel 5:10
“Therefore in your midst parents will eat their children, and children will eat their parents. I will inflict punishment on you and will scatter all your survivors to the winds.”
These verses contain part of the prophecy given to Ezekiel concerning God’s judgment upon Jerusalem and the people of Israel. They describe the horrific consequences of disobedience and rebellion, including the practice of cannibalism within families.
This passage serves as a stark warning against the devastating effects of turning away from God and embracing wickedness. It highlights the severe judgment that can befall a nation or community that forsakes God’s commands. It underscores the need for repentance, reconciliation, and restoration in order to avoid such catastrophic outcomes.
Micah 3:3-4
“Who eat the flesh of my people, flay their skin from them, break their bones in pieces and chop them up like meat in a pot, like flesh in a cauldron.” Then they will cry out to the Lord, but he will not answer them.”
These verses form part of the prophetic condemnation of Israel’s leaders for their corruption and exploitation of the people. It metaphorically describes their actions as devouring the flesh of the people and treating them as mere objects to be exploited and discarded.
This passage demonstrates the consequences of societal injustice and the abuse of power. It highlights the severity of God’s judgment against those who oppress and exploit others. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of justice, compassion, and the responsibility of leaders to serve and protect those under their care.
Isaiah 9:20
“On the right they will devour, but still be hungry; on the left they will eat, but not be satisfied. Each will feed on the flesh of their own offspring.”
This verse is part of Isaiah’s prophecy against Israel due to their rebellion and idolatry. It describes the dire consequences that will befall the people, including extreme hunger and cannibalism.
It serves as a warning against the empty pursuit of worldly pleasures and the futility of seeking satisfaction apart from God. The verse emphasizes the destructive nature of sin and its inability to fulfill the deepest longings of the human heart. It calls the people to repentance and turning back to God as the only source of true satisfaction and fulfillment.
Isaiah 49:26
“I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”
This verse is a promise given by God to His people, assuring them of His protection and deliverance from their enemies. It symbolically describes the reversal of fortunes, where the oppressors will suffer the consequences of their wickedness by turning upon themselves.
It serves as a reminder of God’s justice and His commitment to defending His people. The verse highlights the ultimate triumph of God over evil and the vindication of those who place their trust in Him. It assures believers of God’s faithfulness in delivering them from their adversaries and points to His ultimate role as Savior and Redeemer.
Isaiah 33:1
“Woe to you, destroyer, you who have not been destroyed! Woe to you, betrayer, you who have not been betrayed! When you stop destroying, you will be destroyed; when you stop betraying, you will be betrayed.”
These verses form part of Isaiah’s prophecy against Assyria, a nation known for its conquests and invasions. It pronounces a judgment against the nation, warning of their imminent destruction if they continue their destructive acts.
This passage serves as a reminder that those who engage in acts of destruction and betrayal will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. It underscores the principle of reaping what one sows and encourages individuals and nations to choose righteousness and justice rather than engaging in harmful actions. It highlights the role of divine justice in bringing about the downfall of evildoers.
Joel 2:3
“Before them fire devours, behind them a flame blazes. Before them the land is like the Garden of Eden, behind them, a desert waste— nothing escapes them.”
These verses describe the invading army as a devastating force that leaves destruction in its wake. The imagery of fire and desolation emphasizes the severity and thoroughness of their attacks.
It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God’s ways and the price that can be paid for disobedience. The passage highlights the importance of repentance and seeking God’s mercy and protection in times of calamity. It also underscores the need for individuals and nations to align themselves with God’s will in order to avoid destruction and devastation.
Zechariah 11:9
“Then I said, ‘I will not be your shepherd. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish. Let those who are left eat one another’s flesh.'”
These verses are part of a prophecy in Zechariah that describes the rejection of the true shepherd, symbolizing God’s rejection by the people. It speaks of the consequences of their rejection, including the destructive path they will choose for themselves.
This passage serves as a severe warning against rejecting God’s guidance and choosing a path of destruction and self-reliance. It highlights the tragic consequences of turning away from God’s care and choosing to rely on one’s own wisdom and strength. The verse underscores the necessity of surrendering to God and following His leadership in order to avoid disastrous outcomes.
Matthew 24:19
“How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!”
In this verse, Jesus is warning His disciples about the hardships that will come upon the world before His second coming. He specifically mentions the difficulties that pregnant women and nursing mothers will face during that time.
The verse highlights the compassion and concern of Jesus for those who are vulnerable and in need. It serves as a reminder to take care of and support the most vulnerable members of society. It also encourages believers to rely on God’s strength and guidance, especially in times of great tribulation.
Mark 13:17
“How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!”
This verse is the parallel passage to Matthew 24:19 and expresses the same sentiment as Jesus warns His disciples about the difficulties that will accompany the end times.
It serves as a reminder of the need for compassion and support for those who are most at risk during times of great tribulation and hardship. The verse encourages believers to demonstrate love and care for pregnant women and nursing mothers, providing both physical and emotional support. It also points to the hope and strength that can be found in Christ, even in the midst of challenging times.
2 Timothy 3:1-3
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good.”
These verses describe the characteristics and behaviors that will be prevalent in the last days. They depict a society marked by selfishness, materialism, pride, and lack of love and respect for others.
This passage serves as a warning against the moral decay and spiritual darkness that can pervade society, particularly in the end times. It highlights the importance of maintaining a steadfast and faithful walk with God in the face of such moral decline. The verse also underscores the need for believers to stand firm in their convictions and to be a light in a world that is increasingly characterized by darkness.
2 Peter 2:12
“But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.”
In this verse, Peter is describing false teachers and their destructive influence. He portrays them as ignorant and unthinking, driven by their instincts rather than spiritual discernment.
This passage serves as a warning against false teachings and the dangers of following those who twist the truth. It encourages believers to be discerning and to rely on the wisdom and guidance of God’s Word. The verse also highlights the ultimate fate of those who spread false teachings and reject the truth of the Gospel.
Romans 1:31
“They have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.”
These verses describe the downward spiral of humanity as a result of rejecting the knowledge of God. They depict a society marked by a lack of understanding, faithfulness, love, and mercy.
This passage serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and embracing a lifestyle of sin. It underscores the need for individuals to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in order to avoid the destructive patterns of behavior that can characterize a godless society. The verse highlights the importance of cultivating virtues such as understanding, faithfulness, love, and mercy in our own lives and in our interactions with others.
Ephesians 4:18-19
“They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.”
These verses describe those who have rejected God and His ways, emphasizing their hardened hearts, ignorance, and moral decadence.
This passage serves as a reminder of the destructive consequences of rejecting the light of God’s truth and choosing to live in darkness. It calls believers to walk in the light and truth of Christ, guarding against the influences of a sinful and morally corrupt world. The verse also highlights the importance of cultivating sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit and avoiding the indulgence of impure desires and greed.
1 Timothy 4:1-2
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.”
In this passage, Paul warns Timothy about the apostasy that will occur in the last days. He describes the influence of deceiving spirits and false teachings propagated by hypocritical liars.
These verses serve as a reminder of the importance of discernment and spiritual vigilance. They highlight the need for believers to test and evaluate every teaching against the truth of God’s Word. The passage also underscores the destructive nature of deception and false doctrine, urging believers to remain firmly rooted in their faith in Christ.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
These verses list a range of sinful behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to the Spirit-led life that believers are called to lead. They highlight the importance of living in submission to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and avoiding the works of the flesh.
This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It underscores the need to shun sinful behaviors and attitudes that can hinder our relationship with God and hinder our witness to the world. The verse also emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance and transformation, as those who persist in such behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
In these verses, Paul is warning against various forms of sinful behavior and their consequences. He specifically lists behaviors such as sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, theft, greed, drunkenness, slander, and swindling.
This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of holiness and living in alignment with God’s commands. It calls believers to reject and abstain from behaviors that are contrary to God’s design for human flourishing. The verse also highlights the need for repentance and transformation, as those who persist in such behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 6:7-8
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
These verses highlight the principle of reaping and sowing, emphasizing that the choices and actions we take have consequences.
This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of living with intentionality and seeking to please God in all aspects of life. It underscores the need for believers to sow seeds of righteousness and obedience to the Holy Spirit, while avoiding behaviors and attitudes that please the flesh. The verse also points to the ultimate outcome of our choices, with destruction being the result of sowing to please the flesh and eternal life being the reward of sowing to please the Spirit.
Hebrews 10:26-27
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”
In this passage, the author of Hebrews is warning against willful and deliberate sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth. He emphasizes the severity of judgment and the consequences that will follow such actions.
This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of living in obedience to God’s commands and the seriousness of willfully continuing in sin. It highlights the need for repentance and turning back to God when we fall short. The passage also underscores the reality of divine judgment for those who persist in rebellion against God.