What Does the Bible Say About Pork and Seafood?

In the Bible, the Old Testament lays down specific dietary laws. These laws label pork and certain seafood as unclean and not to be eaten. However, in the New Testament, there’s a shift. Jesus declared all foods clean, and Peter’s vision in Acts reiterates this change. The key takeaway? While once prohibited, these foods are no longer considered sinful to eat in the Christian context. The focus shifts from dietary laws to spiritual purity and the state of the heart.

Ever wondered why some religious people avoid pork and seafood? What does the Bible really say about these foods? Is it still relevant for Christians today? Let’s dive into the scriptures and uncover the answers.

What Does the Bible Say About Pork and Seafood?

The Bible’s stance on pork and seafood is a tale of two testaments. It’s a journey from restriction to freedom, from law to grace.

In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites specific dietary laws. These laws are detailed in books like Leviticus and Deuteronomy. They categorize certain animals as ‘unclean’ and not suitable for consumption. Pork falls into this category, along with certain types of seafood. Shellfish, for instance, were off-limits. These laws were part of a broader covenant between God and Israel, setting them apart from other nations.

Fast forward to the New Testament, and the narrative changes. Jesus, during His ministry, emphasized that what goes into a person’s mouth does not defile them. Instead, what comes out of the heart matters most. This teaching suggested a shift from ritual purity to moral and spiritual integrity.

The book of Acts contains a crucial event. Peter has a vision where he sees a sheet lowered from heaven, containing all kinds of animals, including those forbidden under Jewish law. A voice tells him to eat, but Peter protests, citing their unclean status. The voice, God’s, responds, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This vision, occurring three times, symbolizes the breaking down of old barriers, including dietary laws.

This change is further explained by Paul in his letters. He teaches that in Christ, these dietary restrictions are no longer binding. Christians are free to eat all foods with thanksgiving, provided it does not cause another believer to stumble in their faith.

So, what’s the bottom line? In the Old Testament, pork and certain seafood were indeed prohibited. But in the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles clarify that these dietary restrictions no longer apply. Christians are allowed to eat all foods. However, the emphasis is always on spiritual matters over dietary habits. God’s view, as presented in the New Testament, is that dietary choices are a matter of personal conviction and not a sin issue.

Bible Verses About Pork and Seafood

1. Leviticus 11:7-8 – Here, the Bible specifically mentions pigs as unclean. It states, “And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses.”
2. Deuteronomy 14:8 – This verse reiterates the prohibition against eating pork in the Old Testament law: “The pig is also unclean; although it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. You are not to eat their meat or touch their dead bodies.”
3. Leviticus 11:10-12 – Discussing seafood, these verses declare, “But all creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales… are to be regarded as unclean. You must not eat their meat.”
4. Mark 7:18-19 – In this passage, Jesus teaches, “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? … In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.”
5. Acts 10:13-15 – Peter’s vision, where a voice tells him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” When Peter objects, the voice replies, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
6. Romans 14:14 – Paul writes, “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.”
7. 1 Timothy 4:4-5 – “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.”
8. Colossians 2:16 – Paul advises, “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.”
9. 1 Corinthians 8:8-9 – “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.” This verse emphasizes that what we eat does not affect our relationship with God. Yet, it also reminds us to be considerate of others’ beliefs and practices in our dietary choices.
10. Acts 15:19-20 – In this passage, the early church leaders, addressing Gentile believers, advise, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.” While this counsel doesn’t explicitly mention pork or seafood, it shows a move away from strict dietary laws and focuses on broader moral principles.
11. Galatians 2:16 – “Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” This verse underscores the New Testament’s shift from law-based righteousness to faith in Christ, which includes a move away from strict adherence to dietary laws.
12. Matthew 15:11 – Jesus says, “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” This teaching of Jesus further supports the idea that dietary choices are not what make a person ‘unclean’ or sinful in God’s view.
13. Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Paul’s words here emphasize that the focus of God’s kingdom is on spiritual matters rather than on dietary practices.
14. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 – “‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” This passage suggests that while all foods may be allowed, the guiding principle should be what is beneficial and considerate of others.
15. Hebrews 13:9 – “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.” The author of Hebrews highlights that spiritual strength comes from grace, not adherence to dietary rules.

In summary, the Bible’s teachings on pork and seafood, and dietary laws in general, evolve from the Old Testament to the New. While certain foods were deemed unclean in the Old Testament, the New Testament brings a new understanding, emphasizing faith in Jesus and inner purity over adherence to dietary regulations. The focus is on spiritual matters and the intent behind our actions, rather than on the specific foods we consume.