When I was a theology student, I discovered that some of my Christian friends were very picky
about what they ate. They considered some animals and plants unfit for consumption. We once
had a debate regarding one of the most loved and consumed animals, pigs. Those who felt
these pigs were unclean even quoted bible verses to support this. Some asked, is eating Pork a
sin?
As a Bible scholar, I focus on the Bible and will share what it says regarding eating Pork in this
article. Join me as we look at the old and new testament verses to come up with a sound
judgment as to whether eating Pork is a sin. We will also discuss the teachings of Jesus on
eating such animals. Read on to find out more!
What does the Bible say about eating Pork?
The Bible has split opinions on pork eating as depicted in the old and new testaments. The Old Testament, specifically the Torah, depicted the pig as an unclean animal in front of the eyes of God. Leviticus 11:7-8 says, “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.”
This was the law that God gave to Moses to give the Israelites explaining why the pig was prohibited from being consumed. All the Jews thus ensured that they did not eat Pork or any products from pigs. The Israelites are prohibited from consuming the pig and touching their carcasses, which are also considered unclean. The same is quoted in Deuteronomy 14:1-29 where the clean animals are distinguished from the unclean ones, with the pig being mentioned among the unclean animals.
Isaiah 66:17 says, “Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig’s flesh and the abomination and mice, shall come to an end together, declares the lord.” In this particular verse, the wrath of God is declared upon those who eat the flesh of pigs which is considered a terrible act. The wrath happens to be an end to their lives administered by God Himself.
This is one of the Old Testament verses that shows how disgusted God was with the pig that He could unleash the wrath of death on its consumers. These two verses directly mentioned what God thought about Pork and the animals that produce Pork, pigs.
In the New Testament, Jesus talks about the human consumption of different commodities like food. Mark 7:15-20 says, “There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him since it enters not his heart but his stomach and is expelled?” And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him.”
Several scholars have used this verse to defend the lovers of Pork, as these words were put forward b Jesus himself. They have translated this verse to mean that Jesus had declared all foods clean, including Pork.
1st Corinthians 10:25 says, “Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience.”
This is another verse that seems to suggest that since even Pork is sold in the meat market, it can be consumed by Christians.
The verses above have tried to communicate the bibles take on pork consumption, with the New Testament seemingly supporting its intake while the Old Testament forbids a Christian from consuming.
Why is eating Pork considered a sin?
Many Christians have considered the Old Testament verses with mosaic laws that prohibited Jews from partaking in Pork. Since God regards pigs as unclean animals in the said verses, they consider breaking His instructions a sin. The Bible regards defiance to God as a sin, and some Christians consider eating Pork a sin.
Is eating Pork a sin in the New Testament?
The New Testament does not regard the eating of Pork as a sin. No verse in the New Testament has pointed out the eating of Pork as a sin. Mark 7:15-20 is the verse that talks about human consumption of food. Jesus said in this verse that anything that goes into the man’s body does not defile him. Therefore, the eating of Pork has not been regarded as a sin in the New Testament.
Did Jesus give people permission to eat Pork in Mark 7?
Jesus did not directly give people permission to eat Pork in Mark 7. He only spoke about the many things humans were bound to consume that they thought could defile their bodies. On this, Jesus was clear that nothing a human being consumes can defile them. This includes Pork.
Jesus explained that whatever a man consumes goes to the stomach, not the heart, so it eventually gets expelled from the body. This suggests that it cannot defile a man in any way.
Bible verses about eating Pork?
Leviticus 11:1-47 describes pigs as unclean animals and why they should be avoided.
Deuteronomy 14:1-21 describes pigs as unclean animals and an abomination to even touch their carcasses.
Isaiah 66:17 talks about God’s wrath for those who defy his orders, like pork eaters.
Mark 7 gives Jesus’s assurance that whatever a human consumes cannot defile them since it is not the heart but the stomach that makes the consumption.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
