Eating bugs? It’s not as bizarre as it sounds, especially when we dive into what the Bible says about it.
You might be surprised.
The Bible isn’t silent on this crunchy topic. In fact, it’s got some pretty clear guidelines.
Curious? Keep reading. We’re about to explore an aspect of Biblical teachings that might just make you see bugs in a whole new light.
What Does the Bible Say About Eating Bugs?
When we think about the Bible, eating bugs isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But believe it or not, the Good Book has something to say about this.
Let’s start in Leviticus. This book is known for its detailed laws on what Israelites were and weren’t allowed to eat. It turns out, some insects were on the menu! Specifically, locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers. These were considered ‘clean’ and okay to eat.
But why? Well, back then, dietary laws were about more than just health. They were deeply tied to being set apart and holy. Eating ‘clean’ was a way to obey and honor God. But it wasn’t just about following rules. These laws were a part of their identity and relationship with God.
Now, fast forward to the New Testament. Things shift a bit. Jesus, in his teachings, focuses more on what comes out of a person’s mouth (in terms of words and actions) than what goes in.
Peter’s vision in the Book of Acts is particularly telling. He sees a sheet full of unclean animals and hears a voice saying, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This vision is often interpreted as a move away from strict dietary laws, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith.
So, where does that leave us with eating bugs? In a nutshell, the Old Testament says certain bugs are okay to eat. The New Testament suggests that what you eat isn’t as crucial as your words and actions.
But what does this all mean for us today?
In a world where sustainable food sources are increasingly important, perhaps these ancient texts have more relevance than we might think. Eating bugs could be seen as an eco-friendly choice, in line with caring for God’s creation.
However, it’s also about freedom and conscience. Paul’s letters remind us that while all things are lawful, not all things are beneficial.
In essence, the Bible doesn’t forbid eating bugs. In fact, it allows for it under certain conditions. But the bigger picture is about our relationship with God, how we treat His creation, and the choices we make based on love and conscience.
Now, let’s look at some specific Bible verses that shed more light on this topic.
Bible Verses About Eating Bugs
- Leviticus 11:22 – “Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper.” This verse specifically lists the types of insects that were considered clean and permissible to eat according to Old Testament law.
- Matthew 15:11 – “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” Jesus’ teaching here indicates a shift from the Old Testament focus on dietary laws to a greater emphasis on words and actions.
- Acts 10:15 – “The voice spoke to him a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'” This verse, from Peter’s vision, is often interpreted as a metaphor for the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith and a move away from strict Jewish dietary laws.
- 1 Corinthians 10:23 – “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.” Here, Paul is reminding the Corinthians that while they have freedom, they should consider what is beneficial and constructive.
- Romans 14:14 – “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.” This verse highlights the subjectivity of what is considered ‘clean’ or ‘unclean,’ emphasizing personal conscience and faith.
- Romans 14:20 – “Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.” This verse reinforces the idea that while all foods are technically clean, consideration for others and their beliefs is important.
- Genesis 1:29 – “Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.'” While this verse doesn’t mention insects directly, it speaks to God’s provision of food sources, which could be interpreted to include all forms of sustenance.
- Mark 7:18-19 – “‘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.)” This passage further supports the New Testament perspective that dietary laws are less critical than the state of one’s heart and actions.
- Leviticus 20:25 – “You must therefore make a distinction between clean and unclean animals and between unclean and clean birds. Do not defile yourselves by any animal or bird or anything that moves along the ground—those that I have set apart as unclean for you.” This verse highlights the Old Testament laws about clean and unclean animals, including the specific mention of creatures that move along the ground, which could encompass certain insects.
- Deuteronomy 14:19 – “All flying insects that walk on all fours are to be regarded as unclean by you.” This verse specifically addresses insects, indicating that certain types were considered unclean, reinforcing the idea of dietary distinctions in the Old Testament.
So, there you have it. A biblical perspective on eating bugs. It’s an interesting mix of ancient laws, practical choices, and spiritual insights. Whether you’re ready to munch on a cricket or not, it’s clear that the Bible’s teachings on food are about more than just what’s on our plates. They’re about our hearts, our faith, and how we live out God’s love in every aspect of our lives.