The topic of eating pork has sparked various discussions among Christians, as the Bible offers guidance on dietary laws and practices. Below are eight perspectives supported by relevant Bible verses to help you understand what Scripture says about eating pork and its spiritual implications.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Eating Meat
God’s Old Testament Dietary Laws
In the Old Testament, God provided specific dietary laws to the Israelites, including restrictions on consuming pork. These laws were part of a covenant designed to set God’s people apart. Below are some Bible verses that discuss these dietary commands.
Leviticus 11:7-8
“The pig has evenly split hooves but does not chew the cud, so it is unclean. You may not eat the meat of these animals or even touch their carcasses. They are ceremonially unclean for you.”
Deuteronomy 14:8
“And you may not eat the pig. It has split hooves, but it does not chew the cud, so it is ceremonially unclean for you. You may not eat the meat of these animals or even touch their carcasses.”
Isaiah 65:4
“At night they go out among the graves, worshiping the dead. They eat the flesh of pigs and make stews with other forbidden foods.”
Isaiah 66:17
“Those who ‘consecrate’ and ‘purify’ themselves in a sacred garden with its idol in the center—feasting on pork and rats and other detestable meats—will come to a terrible end,” says the Lord.”
Ezekiel 4:14
“Then I said, ‘O Sovereign Lord, must I be defiled by using what is unclean? For I have never been defiled before. From the time I was a child until now I have never eaten any animal that died of sickness, was killed by wild animals, or that has been ceremonially unclean.'”
Jesus and the Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus’ coming introduced a new covenant, emphasizing the heart’s condition over external observances. He fulfilled the Law and redefined the purity concept, which impacted dietary restrictions. Here are verses that show how Jesus addressed these issues.
Matthew 5:17
“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”
Mark 7:18-19
“‘Don’t you understand either?’ he asked. ‘Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.’ (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.)”
Luke 11:41
“So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over.”
John 6:35
“Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'”
Romans 10:4
“For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.”
Peter’s Vision on Clean and Unclean Foods
In the New Testament, Peter’s vision revealed God’s command to accept all foods as clean. This marked a significant shift in understanding dietary laws and God’s inclusion of Gentiles in His salvation plan.
Acts 10:13-15
“Then a voice said to him, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.’ ‘No, Lord,’ Peter declared. ‘I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.’ But the voice spoke again: ‘Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.'”
Acts 11:9
“But the voice from heaven spoke again: ‘Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.'”
Acts 15:28-29
“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements: You must abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. If you do this, you will do well.”
1 Timothy 4:4
“Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks.”
Titus 1:15
“Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted.”
Freedom in Christ
The New Testament emphasizes freedom in Christ, encouraging believers to live by faith rather than strict adherence to dietary laws. These verses highlight that what we eat does not define our relationship with God.
Freedom in Christ
The New Testament emphasizes freedom in Christ, encouraging believers to live by faith rather than strict adherence to dietary laws. These verses highlight that what we eat does not define our relationship with God.
Romans 14:3
“Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them.”
Romans 14:14
“I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong.”
Romans 14:20
“Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble.”
1 Corinthians 8:8
“It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do.”
Galatians 5:1
“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Food and Fellowship
Principles of Moderation and Wisdom
While Christians enjoy freedom in Christ, Scripture also calls for moderation and wisdom in all things. These verses encourage thoughtful decision-making when it comes to eating, ensuring actions align with spiritual growth and love for others.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 6:12
“You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is good for you. And even though ‘I am allowed to do anything,’ I must not become a slave to anything.”
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Don’t carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags.”
Philippians 4:5
“Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.”
Ecclesiastes 10:17
“Happy is the land whose king is a noble leader and whose leaders feast at the proper time to gain strength for their work, not to get drunk.”
Honoring God with Our Bodies
The Bible teaches believers to honor God in their bodies, including what they eat. These verses emphasize the spiritual significance of treating our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and living in obedience to God.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
1 Timothy 4:8
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
Romans 12:1
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”
Proverbs 4:23
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Psalm 139:14
“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”
Respecting the Consciences of Others
Scripture calls believers to respect one another’s convictions, especially regarding food. This principle fosters unity and prevents unnecessary disputes among Christians. Below are verses that teach consideration for others’ consciences.
Romans 14:13
“So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.”
Romans 15:1
“We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.”
1 Corinthians 8:13
“So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.”
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
“‘You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.'”
Galatians 6:2
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
Living for God’s Glory
Ultimately, the goal of every believer should be to glorify God in every aspect of life, including food choices. These verses remind us to keep our focus on Christ and live in ways that reflect His glory.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Psalm 34:8
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Philippians 1:20
“For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.”