What Does the Bible Say About Eating Fish?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Fish has been a staple food in many cultures for thousands of years.

In biblical times, it was a common part of people’s diets, especially in regions near the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean.

The Bible mentions fish frequently, from the Old Testament dietary laws to Jesus’ miracles involving fish.

But what does the Bible actually say about eating fish?

Is it encouraged, restricted, or neutral?

By exploring scripture, we can gain a better understanding of how fish was viewed in biblical times and whether its consumption holds any significance for Christians today.

Fish in the Old Testament: Clean or Unclean?

The Old Testament contains specific dietary laws that distinguish between clean and unclean animals.

Leviticus 11:9-12 provides clear guidelines regarding which sea creatures could be eaten.

“Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams you may eat any that have fins and scales.

But all creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales—whether among all the swarming things or among all the other living creatures in the water—you are to regard as unclean.

And since you are to regard them as unclean, you must not eat their meat; you must regard their carcasses as unclean.”

This means that Israelites were allowed to eat fish like tilapia, trout, and bass, which have both fins and scales.

However, shellfish such as shrimp, crabs, lobsters, and catfish (which do not have scales) were considered unclean and forbidden.

These dietary laws were part of God’s instructions to set Israel apart as His chosen people.

Why Did God Distinguish Between Clean and Unclean Fish?

Many scholars believe that God’s dietary laws were given to protect the Israelites both physically and spiritually.

Some fish without scales, such as bottom-dwelling catfish or scavenger fish, feed on decaying matter, which could pose health risks.

Other sea creatures like shellfish are known to carry toxins, especially in ancient times when food safety was not well understood.

By forbidding certain seafood, God may have been protecting His people from disease.

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The dietary laws also served as a reminder that Israel was to be a holy nation, separate from the surrounding cultures that did not follow God’s commandments.

Following these food laws was an act of obedience and a sign of devotion to God.

Jesus and Fish: A Key Part of His Ministry

In the New Testament, fish is mentioned frequently in Jesus’ ministry.

One of the most famous events involving fish is the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, recorded in Matthew 14:17-20.

“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

Jesus took the fish and bread, blessed them, and multiplied them to feed thousands of people.

This miracle showed Jesus’ divine power and compassion, using a simple meal of fish and bread to provide for a massive crowd.

Another well-known event is Jesus calling His disciples to be “fishers of men.”

In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says to Simon Peter and his brother Andrew,

“Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.”

Since fishing was a common profession at the time, Jesus used it as a metaphor for evangelism.

Just as fishermen gather fish from the sea, believers are called to bring people into the kingdom of God.

The Resurrected Jesus Ate Fish

After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to His disciples multiple times, and on one occasion, He ate fish with them.

Luke 24:41-43 states:

“And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, ‘Do you have anything here to eat?’

They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.”

This moment was significant because it demonstrated that Jesus was not merely a spirit—He had a real, resurrected body.

By eating fish, He reassured His disciples that He had truly risen from the dead.

The Miraculous Catch of Fish

One of the most powerful stories involving fish is found in John 21:4-6, where the resurrected Jesus appears to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee.

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Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”

When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

This miracle was not just about providing food—it was a reminder of Jesus’ power and a symbol of the abundant spiritual harvest His disciples would experience as they preached the gospel.

Are Christians Required to Follow Old Testament Food Laws?

In the New Testament, Jesus and His apostles taught that the Old Testament food laws no longer apply to Christians under the New Covenant.

Mark 7:18-19 records Jesus’ words:

“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 means that dietary restrictions, including those about fish and seafood, are no longer a requirement for believers.

Acts 10:9-16 reinforces this idea through Peter’s vision.

In the vision, Peter saw a sheet filled with all kinds of animals, both clean and unclean.

A voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”

Peter refused, saying he had never eaten anything impure.

But the voice responded, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

This vision symbolized that God was welcoming Gentiles into His family, but it also showed that food laws were no longer in effect for Christians.

Paul also addresses this in Colossians 2:16:

“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.”

This passage emphasizes that believers should not be bound by Old Testament dietary laws.

Fish as a Symbol of Faith

Early Christians used the fish symbol, known as the Ichthys, to represent their faith.

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The Greek letters for “Ichthys” form an acronym meaning “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”

During times of persecution, Christians would use this symbol as a secret way to identify one another.

The fish remains a powerful Christian symbol today, reminding believers of Jesus’ miracles, His call to be fishers of men, and the early church’s commitment to spreading the gospel.

Is Eating Fish Beneficial Today?

From a modern perspective, fish is considered one of the healthiest protein sources.

It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart and brain health.

It provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for many people.

While the Bible does not require Christians to eat fish, it is often seen as a beneficial and natural food choice.

For those who enjoy fish, eating it can be a reminder of biblical stories and Jesus’ connection to this simple but meaningful food.

Final Thoughts

The Bible speaks positively about eating fish, and it played a significant role in both Old and New Testament times.

Under the Old Covenant, Israelites were permitted to eat fish with fins and scales but were forbidden from eating shellfish and other sea creatures.

However, under the New Covenant, Jesus declared all foods clean, meaning Christians are no longer bound by Old Testament dietary laws.

Fish was an important part of Jesus’ ministry, symbolizing faith, provision, and evangelism.

Whether or not a believer chooses to eat fish today is a personal choice, but the Bible presents it as a natural and acceptable part of a healthy diet.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to honor God in all decisions, including what we eat, and to be thankful for His provision.