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What Does the Bible Say About Eating Pork? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Eating Pork?

Introduction

Food is an essential part of our daily lives, and it is something that Christians should pay attention to. The Bible has a lot to say about food, including dietary laws that can be confusing to understand.

One of the most significant dietary laws is the prohibition on eating pork, which has been a topic of debate among Christians for centuries.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about eating pork. We will provide historical context, examine specific biblical passages, and discuss the implications for Christians today.

Our goal is to help Christians gain a better understanding of this topic and to provide guidance on how to apply biblical principles to their own lives.

Whether you are a lifelong Christian or someone who is new to the faith, understanding the Bible’s perspective on food is important. By learning about the dietary laws in the Bible, we can grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with God.

We hope that this blog post will provide clarity and insight into the topic of eating pork and that it will be a helpful resource for Christians who are seeking to honor God in all aspects of their lives.

pork in the Bible

Historical Context of the Bible’s Dietary Laws

To understand the Bible’s perspective on dietary laws, we must first look at the historical context in which they were given. In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites a set of dietary laws that were meant to set them apart from other nations and help them remain faithful to God.

The dietary laws in the Old Testament are outlined in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. These laws include prohibitions on eating certain animals, such as pigs, and requirements for how animals are to be killed and prepared.

The cultural and religious context in which these laws were given is important to consider. At the time, there were many pagan religions that involved eating certain animals or practicing other dietary customs that were not in line with God’s commandments.

It is important to note that the dietary laws were not given as a means of salvation but rather as a means of obedience to God. The Israelites were called to be holy people, set apart for God’s purposes, and the dietary laws were one way in which they could demonstrate their faithfulness.

The Prohibition on Eating Pork in the Old Testament

The specific commandment against eating pork is found in Leviticus 11:7-8 (NKJV), which states:

“And the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. Their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch. They are unclean to you.”

This prohibition is reinforced in Deuteronomy 14:8 (NKJV), which states:

“Also the swine is unclean for you, because it has cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud; you shall not eat their flesh or touch their dead carcasses.”

Other passages in the Old Testament reinforce this prohibition, such as Isaiah 65:4 (NKJV):

“Who sit among the graves, and spend the night in the tombs; Who eat swine’s flesh, and the broth of abominable things is in their vessels.”

The reasons given for why pork was considered unclean include the fact that pigs do not chew their cud and are known to carry diseases. Additionally, in the cultural context in which the dietary laws were given, pigs were often associated with pagan rituals and were considered unclean for this reason.

The New Testament Perspective on Dietary Laws

In the New Testament, there are several passages that address the issue of dietary laws. One of the most significant is found in Mark 7:18-19 (NKJV), where Jesus says:

“Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?”

This statement is significant because it indicates that Jesus was declaring all foods clean, effectively doing away with the dietary laws of the Old Testament.

This is further reinforced in Acts 10, where Peter has a vision in which he is told to “kill and eat” animals that were previously considered unclean. When Peter protests, he is told, “What God has cleansed you must not call common” (Acts 10:15, NKJV).

It is important to note that the dietary laws were not abolished in their entirety. The New Testament does not provide a license to eat anything without restriction. Rather, the focus is on the heart and intention behind what we eat. In Romans 14:2-4, Paul writes:

“For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.”

This passage indicates that Christians have the freedom to choose what they eat, but they should not judge or despise others who have different convictions.

The Implications for Christians Today

There are different interpretations of the biblical passages on dietary laws, and some Christians believe that the Old Testament dietary laws still apply today. However, many Christians believe that the New Testament teaching on clean and unclean foods overrides the Old Testament laws.

It is important to note that the cultural and historical context in which these laws were given should be considered when interpreting them. Additionally, Christians should apply the principles of the biblical dietary laws to their own lives in a way that is consistent with their faith and personal convictions.

For example, some Christians may choose to avoid eating certain foods for health or personal reasons, even if they do not believe that the Bible requires it.

Other Christians may feel that it is important to follow a strict diet in order to remain faithful to God. Ultimately, the decision about what to eat is a personal one that should be made prayerfully and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Christians should also be mindful of how their food choices impact others. In 1 Corinthians 8:9-13, Paul writes about the importance of not causing a weaker brother or sister to stumble:

“But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak… Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.”

This passage indicates that Christians should be mindful of how their food choices impact others and should be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the topic of what the Bible says about eating pork is an important one for Christians to understand. The dietary laws in the Old Testament were given to help the Israelites remain faithful to God and set them apart from other nations.

.However, with the establishment of the new covenant, Jesus’ teachings on clean and unclean foods effectively abolished the dietary laws of the Old Testament.

As Christians, we have the freedom to choose what we eat, but we should do so prayerfully and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is important to be mindful of how our food choices impact others and to be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

By applying the principles of the biblical dietary laws to our own lives, we can honor God and grow in our faith.

Ultimately, the decision about what to eat is a personal one that should be made in consultation with God and with respect for the cultural and historical context in which the dietary laws were given.

As we seek to understand the Bible’s perspective on eating pork, may we be guided by the Holy Spirit and be faithful in all aspects of our lives.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.