The consumption of pork has sparked diverse interpretations and debates throughout history, both within and beyond religious communities. Within the Bible itself, we find seemingly conflicting verses regarding this topic, creating a complex landscape for those seeking guidance.
This collection of verses presents a variety of perspectives on eating pork, primarily from the Old Testament. Some verses explicitly forbid its consumption, associating it with “uncleanliness” within specific dietary laws. Others offer seemingly contradictory messages, hinting at a broader understanding beyond these initial restrictions.
It’s important to remember that interpreting these verses requires not only careful reading but also consideration of historical context, evolving interpretations, and personal beliefs.
Also Read: Notable Bible Verses About Eating Meat (with Explanations)
New Testament Bible Verses About Eating Pork
Matthew 15:11 (NIV)
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
In Matthew 15:11, Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ concern about ceremonial cleanliness and dietary restrictions. He teaches that true defilement comes not from external factors like food but from the words and actions that proceed from the heart.
This verse emphasizes the importance of inner purity and spiritual integrity over adherence to dietary laws.
Mark 7:19 (NIV)
“(Thus he declared all foods clean.)”
Mark 7:19 is a parenthetical statement by the Gospel writer, clarifying Jesus’ teaching on dietary restrictions.
By declaring all foods clean, Jesus abolishes the dietary laws of the Old Testament, emphasizing the significance of spiritual purity and the freedom found in His teachings.
Acts 10:15 (NIV)
“The voice spoke to him a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'”
In Acts 10:15, God reveals to Peter through a vision that He has declared all foods clean.
This declaration marks a pivotal moment in the early church, signaling the inclusion of Gentiles into the body of believers and the removal of dietary restrictions as a barrier to fellowship.
Romans 14:14 (NIV)
“I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.”
Paul addresses the issue of food in Romans 14:14, emphasizing the freedom believers have in Christ regarding dietary practices.
While some may still observe certain dietary restrictions out of personal conviction, Paul emphasizes that nothing is inherently unclean, affirming the principle of Christian liberty.
1 Corinthians 10:25 (NIV)
“Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience.”
In 1 Corinthians 10:25, Paul encourages believers to partake of food sold in the market without questioning its origins or adherence to Jewish dietary laws.
He emphasizes the importance of conscience and personal conviction in matters of food consumption, rather than strict adherence to external regulations.
Colossians 2:16 (NIV)
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day.”
In Colossians 2:16, Paul admonishes believers not to allow themselves to be judged by others based on their dietary choices or observance of religious rituals.
He underscores the freedom found in Christ, emphasizing that adherence to dietary laws or religious observances is not a measure of spiritual maturity.
1 Timothy 4:4-5 (NIV)
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
In 1 Timothy 4:4-5, Paul reinforces the principle that all food created by God is good and acceptable for consumption when received with gratitude and prayer.
This passage underscores the spiritual reality that food is consecrated by God’s word and our thanksgiving, rather than by adherence to dietary restrictions.
Romans 14:2-3 (NIV)
“One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.”
In Romans 14:2-3, Paul addresses the diversity of practices within the early Christian community regarding food. He highlights the importance of respecting individual convictions and not passing judgment based on dietary choices.
This passage encourages believers to embrace unity amidst diversity, recognizing that God accepts both those who eat everything and those with more restrictive diets.
1 Corinthians 8:8 (NIV)
“But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.”
In 1 Corinthians 8:8, Paul emphasizes that dietary choices have no bearing on one’s spiritual standing before God.
He dismantles the notion that certain foods have inherent spiritual significance and underscores the principle that our relationship with God is not determined by what we eat or avoid.
Galatians 2:11-14 (NIV)
“When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.”
In Galatians 2:11-14, Paul narrates an incident involving Peter (Cephas) in Antioch. The issue revolves around Peter’s inconsistency in table fellowship, eating with Gentiles but withdrawing when certain Jewish believers arrive.
Paul confronts Peter’s hypocrisy, highlighting the importance of consistent and inclusive fellowship irrespective of cultural or dietary differences.
Ephesians 2:14-15 (NIV)
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace.”
In Ephesians 2:14-15, Paul speaks of Christ’s work in breaking down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles. The reference to “the law with its commands and regulations” encompasses various aspects, including dietary laws.
This passage emphasizes Christ’s role in uniting diverse groups into one new humanity, emphasizing the spiritual unity that transcends cultural and dietary distinctions.
1 Timothy 4:3 (NIV)
“They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.”
In 1 Timothy 4:3, Paul addresses false teachings that advocate for abstaining from certain foods. He rejects the notion that certain foods are inherently impure, emphasizing that God created them to be received with gratitude by believers who understand the truth.
This verse reinforces the positive view of God’s created foods.
Titus 1:15 (NIV)
“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.”
Titus 1:15 speaks to the purity of those who belong to Christ. The perspective on purity extends to all things, including food.
This verse underscores the transformative power of faith in Christ, which purifies the believer’s perception and allows them to partake in various aspects of life with gratitude and righteousness.
Hebrews 13:9 (NIV)
“Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.”
In Hebrews 13:9, the writer warns against being swayed by teachings that focus on ceremonial foods or external regulations.
The emphasis is on the heart being strengthened by grace, highlighting the spiritual benefit that comes from God’s grace rather than adherence to specific dietary rules.
Matthew 15:10-11 (NIV)
“Jesus called the crowd to him and said, ‘Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.'”
In Matthew 15:10-11, Jesus challenges the Pharisees’ emphasis on external rituals, asserting that true defilement comes from one’s words and actions rather than what is consumed.
This passage highlights the importance of inner purity and the transformative power of a renewed heart.
Mark 7:18-19 (NIV)
“‘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.’ (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)”
Mark 7:18-19 captures Jesus’ teaching on the source of defilement. Jesus emphasizes that external factors, including food, don’t defile a person; instead, it is the condition of the heart that matters.
The parenthetical statement, “Jesus declared all foods clean,” marks a significant shift in understanding dietary laws under the new covenant.
Acts 10:9-16 (NIV)
“About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.”
In Acts 10:9-16, Peter receives a vision where he sees a sheet with various animals, including those considered unclean in Jewish dietary laws. God instructs Peter to eat, challenging the traditional understanding of clean and unclean foods.
This event signifies the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community and the removal of dietary restrictions.
1 Corinthians 10:25-26 (NIV)
“Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.'”
In 1 Corinthians 10:25-26, Paul addresses the Corinthian believers, encouraging them to eat meat sold in the market without overthinking or raising concerns about its origin.
He emphasizes that everything belongs to the Lord, reinforcing the freedom Christians have in their dietary choices while maintaining a clear conscience.
Colossians 2:16-17 (NIV)
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
Colossians 2:16-17 underscores the liberty believers have regarding dietary practices. Paul advises against judgment based on food and drink, emphasizing that the essence of Christian living is found in Christ rather than adherence to external regulations.
The dietary laws are portrayed as shadows, with Christ being the ultimate reality.
1 Timothy 4:4-5 (NIV)
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
In 1 Timothy 4:4-5, Paul reinforces the positive view of God’s creation, stating that everything created by God is good.
He encourages believers to receive food with thanksgiving, highlighting the consecration that occurs through the word of God and prayer. This perspective emphasizes the spiritual aspect of receiving and partaking in God’s provision.
Revelation 2:7 (NIV)
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
In Revelation 2:7, Jesus speaks to the church in Ephesus, using the metaphor of eating from the tree of life as a reward for the victorious.
This imagery symbolizes eternal life and fellowship with God. The emphasis is on the spiritual nourishment and blessings that await those who remain faithful to Christ.
Romans 14:1-3 (NIV)
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.”
In Romans 14:1-3, Paul addresses the issue of differing convictions among believers regarding dietary choices. He emphasizes the importance of accepting one another without contention, recognizing that individuals may hold different perspectives based on their faith maturity.
The key is to avoid judgment and contempt, focusing on God’s acceptance of each believer.
1 Corinthians 8:8-9 (NIV)
“But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
In 1 Corinthians 8:8-9, Paul clarifies that food itself does not impact one’s relationship with God. He cautions believers against using their freedoms in a way that might hinder or cause stumbling for those with weaker faith.
The emphasis is on considering the spiritual welfare of others in the exercise of personal liberties.
1 Corinthians 10:28-30 (NIV)
“But if someone says to you, ‘This has been offered in sacrifice,’ then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience?”
In 1 Corinthians 10:28-30, Paul advises believers to be considerate of others’ consciences, especially when it comes to eating food offered to idols.
He highlights the importance of avoiding actions that might negatively impact fellow believers, even if one has the freedom to partake.
1 Timothy 4:1-5 (NIV)
“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. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.”
In 1 Timothy 4:1-5, Paul warns about false teachings that restrict certain foods and practices. He identifies these teachings as influenced by deceiving spirits and emphasizes that God created food to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and understand the truth.
This passage underscores the importance of discerning sound doctrine.
Hebrews 13:9 (NIV)
“Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.”
In Hebrews 13:9, the author cautions against being led astray by unusual doctrines. The focus is on the strengthening of hearts through God’s grace rather than adhering to ceremonial food laws.
This verse reinforces the idea that spiritual growth and strength come from grace, not external rituals or dietary restrictions.
Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Revelation 3:20 contains Jesus’ invitation to individuals to open their hearts to Him. The imagery of sharing a meal signifies intimate fellowship and communion with Christ.
The emphasis is on the spiritual connection and relationship with Jesus rather than adherence to specific dietary regulations.
Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
“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 emphasizes the freedom found in Christ. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in this freedom and not return to legalistic practices or burdensome regulations.
This includes recognizing the liberty they have in matters like dietary choices, as long as they align with a heart focused on Christ.
Matthew 15:11 (NIV)
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
In Matthew 15:11, Jesus addresses the Pharisees who were concerned about ceremonial cleanliness and dietary laws. He emphasizes that true defilement comes from one’s words and actions rather than what is consumed.
This teaching underscores the importance of cultivating a pure heart and demonstrating righteousness in our behavior.
Acts 10:15 (NIV)
“The voice spoke to him a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'”
In Acts 10:15, Peter receives a vision from God, challenging traditional Jewish dietary laws. The Lord instructs Peter not to consider unclean what God has declared clean.
This moment marks a pivotal shift, emphasizing the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community and signaling a departure from certain Old Testament dietary restrictions.
Colossians 2:16-17 (NIV)
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
Colossians 2:16-17 encourages believers not to let others judge them based on dietary choices or observance of religious rituals. The passage highlights that these practices were shadows of the ultimate reality found in Christ.
It reinforces the principle that the essence of Christian faith transcends external observances and is centered on a relationship with Christ.
Also Read: Notable Bible Verses About Eating Meat (with Explanations)
What Does the Bible Say About Eating Pork?
In the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, there are dietary laws outlined in the book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy that dictate what foods are considered clean or unclean for consumption. One of the dietary restrictions mentioned is the prohibition against eating pork.
Old Testament Dietary Laws:
Verses like Leviticus 11:7-8 states that pork, along with other animals that do not chew the cud or have divided hooves, is considered unclean: “And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.
Interpretation and Context:
These dietary laws were part of the religious and cultural practices of ancient Israelites and were meant to set them apart from other nations and maintain their distinct identity as the chosen people of God. The rationale behind these laws was not solely for health reasons but also for spiritual and symbolic purposes.
Pigs were considered unclean animals under the Mosaic Law because they did not meet the criteria of having both cloven hooves and chewing the cud, which were signs of purity in animals that were permissible for consumption.
New Testament Perspective:
In the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the apostle Paul, dietary restrictions like those found in the Old Testament are no longer binding for Christians. Paul emphasizes the freedom believers have in Christ and downplays the significance of adhering to dietary laws as a means of righteousness or holiness (Romans 14:14, 1 Corinthians 10:25-26, Colossians 2:16).
For Christians, the focus shifts from external observances to matters of the heart and living according to the principles of love, grace, and faith in Jesus Christ.
A Short Prayer for Spiritual Discernment in Dietary Choices
Heavenly Father,
We come before you with gratitude for the freedom we have in Christ. As we navigate dietary choices, grant us wisdom and discernment. Help us understand the principles of holiness and purity that go beyond external regulations.
May our choices align with Your will, and may our hearts be filled with gratitude for the freedom found in Christ. Guide us in making decisions that honor You and promote unity among believers.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.