The New Testament is full of references to food. From Jesus’s famous fish and bread to John the Baptist’s camel and honey, the Bible is full of stories that involve food.
In fact, it’s so common that you may have wondered: why are there so many references to food in the New Testament? Why not just a few?
Along with bread, fish, meat, olives, grapes, and other fruits and vegetables, dairy products were important foods of the Bible. They provided great variety and significant nutrition to the ancient world. Fresh, raw products from grass-fed cows, sheep, and goats constituted the dairy portion of the biblical diet.
Right here on Churchgists, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on miracle foods from the bible,10 powerful healing foods from the bible, and so much more. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics.
Food In The New Testament
It turns out that the Bible was written during a time when eating habits were very different than they are today. People ate frequently and had much shorter lifespans, which meant that their diets were quite different from ours today. We’ll look at three important reasons why these references are so common:
1) The first reason is because the Bible was written during an era when most people lived off of what they grew or hunted themselves. They did not have access to grocery stores or farmers’ markets, which means that they had limited options when it came time to eat dinner. This made it necessary for them to eat simple meals like bread and fish over and over again—and those meals became iconic symbols in biblical texts as a result!
2) The second reason is because religious leaders often interpreted dreams using food as a symbol for something else entirely: either something good or bad depending on how
The Significance of Food in the New Testament
1. Matthew 26:26-28
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
2. John 6:35
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”
3. Mark 7:18-19
So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? 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?”
4. 1 Corinthians 11:25
In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
In the New Testament, food is often used symbolically to represent deeper spiritual truths. In the verses above, we see how Jesus used bread and wine to represent his body and blood, which would be given and shed for the remission of sins. This act of communion continues to be an important sacrament in Christianity today, as believers partake in the bread and wine to remember the sacrifice of Jesus.
Furthermore, Jesus refers to himself as the “bread of life,” highlighting the spiritual sustenance that he provides to those who believe in him. This emphasizes the importance of seeking nourishment and fulfillment in Christ, rather than in earthly pleasures.
In Mark 7:18-19, Jesus also teaches about the purity of foods, emphasizing that it is not what enters the body that defiles a person, but what comes from within. This teaches us to focus on inner purity and righteousness, rather than outward rituals or dietary restrictions.
Overall, food in the New Testament serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual nourishment, redemption, and purity, inviting believers to partake in the life-giving sustenance that Jesus offers.
List Of Clean Foods In The Bible
God Made all animals clean
God made all animals clean. All animals are good to eat and will be eaten by us because God said it was good.
God does not care if we eat pork or seafood, he does not judge us for what we eat. It is not a sin to eat pork or seafood.
Food that makes you unclean
There are several foods that make you unclean in the New Testament. For example, Jesus said in Mark 7:18-19 that those who eat with unwashed hands cannot enter God’s kingdom. This is confirmed by John 13:10 which says that “he who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself.”
The other group of foods that make you unclean are all animal products except for milk and eggs (1 Timothy 4:5).
What is the meaning of food in the New Testament?
Food plays a central role in the New Testament. Jesus’ first miracle was to turn water into wine at a wedding banquet, and he continued to eat with people throughout his ministry, even after his death and resurrection. Yet there is no mention of any food by name or indication of what foods are clean and unclean in the New Testament. Nor do we find any passages that tell us what God thinks about our eating habits today.
What does this mean? It means that we don’t need to worry about whether certain foods are good or bad, more like or less like others—we simply need to be aware that anything we eat can affect our bodies negatively if it isn’t balanced out by proper exercise, rest and sleep (1 Cor 6:19). In fact, it would be wrong for us as Christians not only because it makes us look legalistic but also because it misrepresents the freedom from legalism that Christ gives us through grace alone (Romans 3:21-28). We should remember that all things are lawful for me but not all things edify me; I will not become drunk with wine since being intoxicated leads neither toward wisdom nor moderation (1 Cor 10:23-31).
What does the Bible say about food?
The Bible says that all food is clean, but only some foods are unclean. In fact, it’s a gift from God (Genesis 9:3). The reason for not eating certain foods is also health-related. For example, when Peter got sick after eating pork (Acts 10:13), his companions in the boat asked him if they should call down to the centurion at Caesarea to send up some fish for them to eat instead of the unclean meat they had been offering on a daily basis (10:12).
Food can be morally good or bad depending on how we use it. We need food to survive and we may want to enjoy our meal with friends and family—but this doesn’t mean that there weren’t times when Jesus ate alone or even fasted for 40 days!
What did Jesus say about food?
Jesus said that all animals are clean, but some food makes you unclean (Mark 7:18-19). In the New Testament, we see that Jesus’ statements regarding food as well as other things were not just his personal opinion.
- What is the meaning of food in the New Testament?
- What does the Bible say about food?
Jesus stated that all animals are clean and it is what comes out of a person that makes him unclean (Mark 7:18-19). In Luke 11:39-41, Jesus says that if you claim to be faithful to God but then refuse to listen to Him (i.e., ask for forgiveness), He would rather you eat from His house than destroy yourself with your own hands by refusing food from others! This statement demonstrates how important it was for people at this time period; otherwise, they might not have had enough money or resources available for basic necessities like food which would lead them into poverty if not provided by someone else willing enough help out in such cases where needed most urgently!
Jesus does not care about what we eat but rather loves us for who we are.
As a Christian, you may be surprised to learn that Jesus did not care about what you ate. He said “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” (John 7:24) His love for us was so great that he would eat with anyone who was hungry and needed food.
Jesus ate with sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes because he knew that their hearts were more important than their outward appearance or reputation. Jesus did not see people as they appeared on the outside but rather as they truly were inside their hearts.
Jesus also ate with the Pharisees because he did not want to condemn them even though they were very strict in observing certain laws while ignoring others (Matthew 23:23-26). The Pharisees believed this made them better than everyone else because they followed rules without fault while everyone else messed up sometimes or all the time! But Jesus knew that their hearts had become hardened through sin so much so that they didn’t even feel guilty anymore when they sinned (Romans 1:18-32).
10 Bible Verses About Healthy Eating
The Bible is full of wisdom and guidance for every part of our lives. We can trust God’s Word in everything–including in making the best food choices for you. Use these Bible verses about food and health to guide you into new food freedom you haven’t experienced before!
1. Genesis 1:29 (NLT) Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.
From the beginning, God made us with appetites to be filled. He created us to need His provision. Here we see how He has given us nutrient-dense plant foods. If this was His original plan, we would be wise to honor our health by eating plenty of plants (fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes)!
2. John 6:35 (ESV) Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
Have you ever had an insatiable hunger? You know, the kind that sneaks up on you after a busy day of forgotten meals? When our stomachs are begging for food, it is ALL we can think about.
Have you ever had an insatiable hunger and yet not been physically hungry? Trying to fill that empty void with food will only deprive us of good health— both physically and spiritually. Jesus has promised us that He can FILL that void, no food required. But, we need to ask.
You can learn how to eat only when hungry when your spirit is quenched.
3. 1 Timothy 4:4 (NLT) Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks.
Everything God created is good, period. Filling your plate with whole, unprocessed foods is His design. However, this verse tells us that whether we are eating a hot dog at a ball game or a green smoothie, we need to do so with a heart of thanksgiving.
If you feel guilty about eating certain foods or you have no self-control around them, your heart is probably not overflowing with gratitude (in that moment). Put on an attitude of gratitude in the moments of temptation and watch how the mindset change can turn your struggles around!
4. 3 John 1:2 (NLT) Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.
To thrive spiritually is our first order of business. When our bodies, our values, and our ravenous appetites are surrendered to the Spirit, we will make choices that lead to greater health.
5. 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT) 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.
God has told us “all things” are good. However, with freedom comes responsibility. While we could sustain ourselves on cookies and chips, would it be beneficial? While we could live off sweets and treats, would those foods become our “master”?
The decision about what is “healthy” has to do with more than just the nutrition facts label and even how to eat less sugar.
6. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT) 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.
Our eating choices are about temple care. In the Old Testament, God gave explicit instructions for the masterful construction and occupancy of the temple. No cost was too great, no detail too small.
Now, the Holy Spirit resides in us and we are that temple. When choosing how to eat better, consider the One who resides within you. Then, pray for the strength to honor those convictions.
7. John 6:27 (NLT) But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God, the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”
In this passage, Jesus is speaking to the crowd who followed after Him, seeking His provisions rather than His person. They had missed the mark. I have too…
In my life, there’ve been times where I spent much of my time preoccupied with what I would (or wouldn’t) eat. Healthy food, “junk food,” the avoidance of food– any absorption outside of God can deplete the precious energy we could spend seeking after eternal things.
8. Daniel 1: 8, 15 (NLT) But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.
At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king.
Daniel knew the boundaries that God had given him and he stuck by them, even when his life was possibly at stake. He looked past the delicacies and immediate pleasure and chose to be uncomfortable “now” for the sake of obedience. And, God blessed him richly for it.
We would also be wise to look beyond the next bite, next minute, or next hour to focus on how we want to feel when we lay our heads down at night. Regret far outweighs the fleeting taste of food.
9. 1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV) But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
You’re here because you want to eat healthily– You want to make choices that honor God with your body! But, what is the whole purpose of “good health”?
While having a strong body is of great personal benefit, it is also of great value to the Kingdom of God. When we are well, we can DO well. When we eat like a trashcan, we produce trash. It’s that simple.
In this verse, Paul saw his efforts to be disciplined were to qualify him, to strengthen him, to live out God’s calling on his life.
10. 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT) Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.
What can defile your body and spirit? Certain foods, large amounts of food, and large portions of certain food can certainly defile our bodies, leaving our health and happiness at stake.
In the same way, certain attitudes, mindsets, and “so glad no one can hear that!” thoughts can defile our spirits.
When it comes to making healthy food choices, consider both your physical and spiritual health.
How You Can Use These Bible Verses About Healthy Eating
So, what do you do with all this insight from these Bible verses about healthy eating? It is important to put these verses into practice! We want to move past simply hearing the Word to DOING the Word (James 1:22-25).
- Download the Bible Verses About Healthy Eating devotional cards below and print them out (ideally on cardstock).
- Cut out the scriptures about healthy eating cards and place them around your home. Toss one in your wallet, tape one to the bathroom mirror, and definitely attach one to your fridge and/or kitchen cabinets.
- When temptation hits, grab your Bible verses about healthy eating cards and flee the scene! Remove yourself from the temptation and pray that God will strengthen you. Then crowd out those food thoughts with the verse!