What Does Sugar Symbolize in The Bible (Biblical Symbolism and Meaning)?

I have always had the biggest sweet tooth, but I never understood why. Growing up, my mother would reward us with cookies and fruit candy when my brother and I excelled in school.

I didn’t know it then, but subconsciously, I learned that sugar was a sort of reward. I mean, she wouldn’t let us have candy or sugary foods any other time.

Now that I’m a fully grown adult, I still have that habit, but I only have sugar when I want to pat myself on the back. Did you know that people in the Bible did the same thing? It was considered a luxury during that time.

So, what does sugar symbolize in the Bible?

In this article, I took a deep look at the Biblical symbolism placed on sugar. I also covered the spiritual meaning of sugar. Additionally, I included helpful resources and Bible verses to give better context to the topic. I hope you enjoy it!

What Is the Biblical Meaning of Sugar?

According to the Bible, sugar was a food for the elite. It represents wealth, happiness, and a joyous life. From Bible story illustrations, sugar was seen as a sign of victory and celebration.

It was viewed as one of God’s gifts and was, therefore, highly respected. So much so that it was eaten on special occasions only.

Sweet cane was also very important during Biblical times. It was used for offerings and sacrifices. The Bible also explains how sugar was seen as a good omen. When it was present, positive things were expected to happen.

What Does the Bible Say About Eating Sugar?

The Bible does not explicitly state the word ‘sugar.’ This is because the sugar that we have today did not exist during Biblical times. But that does not mean that they didn’t have a form of sweetener.

Honey was the most common form of sugar. Certified Christian life coach Kimberly Taylor opinions that even though the Holy Book does not directly say anything about sugar, there is still Biblical wisdom that we can gather from other verses.

According to her, Scripture can tell us more about how eating sugar affects our bodies and minds.

Bible Verses About Sugar

Despite the Bible not directly discussing sugar, here are some Bible verses that are believed to allude to the sweet substance. Some of these verses talk about honey which is the closest thing to sugar in Scripture.

Genesis 1:29 – “And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.'”

This verse speaks of how God made all the fruit, plants, and herbs for us to enjoy. Most of these plants, such as sugar cane and oranges, have natural sugar in them. It is from these fruits that the regular sugar we are familiar with is extracted.

Proverbs 25:27 – “It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.”

Here, Christians are advised not to eat too much honey. This verse likens eating excess honey to a prideful spirit.

Proverbs 25:16 – “If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.”

This scripture talks of the consequences of overindulging in honey. It says that too much honey will make you physically ill and can cause you to vomit.

1 Samuel 14:25 – “Now when all the people came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground.”

Saul and the men he was with discover a meadow that is flowing with honey. This is a great example of how sugar can symbolize affluence and luxury.

Psalm 119:103 – “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

In this Biblical text, the word of God is compared to honey. This shows how respected sugar is. It was considered elite.

Isaiah 43:24 – “You have not bought me sweet cane with money, or satisfied me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins; you have wearied me with your iniquities.”

Sweet cane is noted as being a sacrifice offering, illustrating how sugar was held in high regard during the time.

5 Symbolic Meanings of Sugar in The Bible

Although the Holy Book does not overtly refer to sugar, numerous verses have been interpreted to reference it. According to the experts at Dream Astro Meanings, sugar is a highly symbolic Biblical food.

Here are some of the symbolic meanings of sugar in the Bible:

Luxury and Opulence

Sugar and honey appear in the Bible several times as symbols of luxury and wealth. For example, Jeremiah 6:20 and Isaiah 43:24 refer to sweet cane as a sign of opulence.

Isaiah 43:24 reads, “You have not bought me sweet cane with money, or satisfied me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins; you have wearied me with your iniquities.”

It is even used as a sacrifice and offering. In Biblical times, sugary substances like honey and sweet cane were not easily accessible. Only the affluent could afford to indulge in them regularly.

Happiness and Joy

Sugar can also be taken as a symbol of happiness and festivities, according to the Bible. It can be used to demonstrate “sweet moments” or “the sweetness of life.”

1 Samuel 14:25 is a good illustration. It says, “Now when all the people came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground.”

In this verse, Saul and the six hundred men who were with him discover a beautiful meadow with honey on the ground. This brought them extreme joy.

Sugar can also be used to represent a desire to better one’s life and find happiness through self-care.

Good Luck

In line with the happiness and joy that many people believe sugar can symbolize, they also think that it can be a source of good luck.

Biblically, sugar was seen as a positive omen that was capable of bringing luck into one’s space. Particularly, it was thought that seeing honey in one’s dreams was a sign that something good was coming to the dreamer soon.

Success

Additionally, honey and sugar can be used to represent success and triumph. Again, we can look at the story of Saul and Jonathan.

After the victory against the Philistines, Jonathan remarked that his eyes had brightened up because he had got a small taste of honey. This is mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:29, “Then Jonathan said, ‘My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey.'”

The honey was part of their festivities, showing it was celebratory.

Love and Affection

When we look at Bible verses such as Psalm 119:103, we can also conclude that sugar may be symbolic of love. The verse says, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

This Scripture explains how God’s words are “sweeter than honey.”

His laws bring sweetness into our lives. Such words describe a deep love, and for that reason, honey (sugar) is a symbol of strong affection. After all, people who are in a romantic relationship call each other “sugar.”

Spiritual Meaning of Sugar

Not only Christians appreciate sugar. Spiritualists also seem to revere the food item. According to them, the spiritual meaning of sugar is contentment and joy.

It also represents luxury, affluence, and overall success in life and relationships. Sugar also carries a deep sense of love and strong human connections.

Some also believe that it can symbolize romance and affection. Finally, spirituality dictates that sugar represents freedom, relaxation, overcoming problems, and peace.

What Does Sugar Mean in The Spiritual World?

In the spiritual realm, sugar is regarded as a representation of sweetness, happiness, good times, and success. It is also understood to be a symbol of good luck and optimism for the future.

According to spiritualism, sugar dreams are a positive indication that you are a bubbly and sweet person. People may also enjoy being around you because you radiate good vibes and you are good company.

Such dreams could also be a sign that your life is heading in the right direction and amazing things are coming your way.

What Does It Mean When You Keep Dreaming About Sugar?

Famous dream interpreter, Etta Coleman from My Today’s Horoscope believes that dreams with sugary sweet food items like honey, chocolate, or straight-up sugar are linked to emotional relationships.

Depending on the dream and its events, they may carry hidden messages. Here are some common interpretations of dreams with sugar:

Dreams with White Sugar

When you experience dreams with white sugar, it is generally taken to be a sign that good fortune is coming your way. It could be a new beautiful romantic relationship or success in business or at the workplace.

Dreams with White Sugar Dissolved in Water

Dreams with dissolved sugar are taken as signs of happiness and joy. In particular, they may be an indication that your relationships with those closest to you are going well.

There could be shared happiness and love with your close friends, love interest, and family members.

Dreams about Eating Sugar

Dreams about eating sugar are seen as good and lucky signs if the sugar is in a healthy form. If the food is moderately sweet, that is a positive omen.

On the other hand, if you dream of eating excess sugar, it could be an indication that your life is deficient in one way or another. For example, you could be looking for love or a new career path.

Dreaming That Someone Is Taking Your Sugar

If you have such a dream, interpreters suggest that this is a sign of envy and jealousy on your part. The person taking your sugar in the dream may have something you want. It could also mean that they are stealing your credit or ideas.

Dreaming That You’re Getting Sugar from Someone

Dreams, where someone is giving you sugar, maybe a sign that you have bad blood with that person. To be specific, they did something to get under your skin.

You might also think they are boring or annoying. The sugar grains represent the small irritating habits that you don’t like about the person. Dream experts recommend that you talk it out with the person and try to mend things between the two of you.

Dreams with Brown Sugar

If brown sugar features in your dreams, it is thought to be a sign of intellect. It can be an indication that the dreamer has something important on their mind.

For instance, you might be going through something or undergoing major life changes. Brown sugar is also believed to be a sign of patience and endurance. Both of which may be necessary to overcome whatever hurdle you are facing.

Dreams with An Empty Sugar Bowl

These types of dreams could be an indication of bad luck. They are the opposite of dreams with white sugar. Many dream experts hold the opinion that such dreams are a sign that your relationships are not healthy.

You may also be experiencing extreme loneliness. These dreams can be a sign that you need to mend the connections you have with the people around you.

Dreams about Spilling Sugar

Spilled sugar in a dream is not considered a good omen. It may be a sign that you are neglecting yourself. Many believe that these dreams act as reminders to do self-care.

They are also thought to be an indication that you need to address an ailing aspect of your life. It can be spiritual, emotional, or physically.