Can you eat cheese in the Bible?

January 10, 2026 •

2 min read

Cheese is mentioned explicitly in several biblical texts, including when David is sent with 'ten cheeses' to his brothers fighting Goliath. So, can you eat cheese in the Bible according to scripture? The short answer is yes, as it was a common and accepted food in ancient times.

Quick Summary

Cheese was a common food in biblical times, produced from the milk of clean animals like goats and sheep. While the Old Testament had specific dietary laws, the New Testament shifts the focus for Christians. This article details the historical evidence for cheese consumption and explores the differing theological perspectives on food purity.

Key Points

Yes, you can eat cheese in the Bible: Multiple Old Testament passages reference cheese as a standard, accepted food item.
Clean animals were used for cheesemaking: The milk used to produce cheese came from animals considered 'clean' (like sheep and goats) under the Old Testament dietary laws.
Ancient cheese was often simple: Cheesemaking in biblical times involved simple methods like curdling milk and pressing the curds, resulting in soft or hard aged cheeses.
New Testament removes ceremonial food laws: For Christians, dietary restrictions were lifted, as seen in Acts 10, meaning all foods are now considered clean.
Modern Jewish tradition prohibits mixing meat and dairy: Rabbinic interpretation of Exodus 23:19 led to the practice of not mixing meat and milk, though cheese itself isn't forbidden.
Food is a matter of conscience for modern Christians: The New Testament (Romans 14) emphasizes exercising personal conscience and avoiding causing a fellow believer to stumble over food choices.

Biblical Evidence for Cheese

Cheese was a recognized and nourishing part of the ancient diet, appearing in several biblical texts.

Specific Mentions of Cheese

1 Samuel 17:18: David brought 'ten cheeses' to his brothers fighting Goliath.
2 Samuel 17:29: Cheese was among the provisions given to David and his men during Absalom's rebellion.
Job 10:10: Job used the process of cheesemaking as a metaphor for his creation.

Dietary Laws and Dairy Products

Old Testament dietary laws (kashrut) did not forbid cheese, as it was made from the milk of clean animals like goats and sheep.

The Prohibition of Mixing Meat and Milk

A law in Exodus and Deuteronomy prohibits boiling a young goat in its mother's milk, which was later interpreted in Jewish tradition to mean not consuming meat and dairy together. This does not mean raw milk or curds were forbidden.

The Practice of Ancient Cheesemaking

Ancient cheesemaking was simple, involving curdling milk, draining whey, pressing curds, and aging. A place in Jerusalem was even called the 'Valley of the Cheesemakers'.

The New Testament Perspective on Food Purity

New Testament teachings emphasize internal spiritual cleanliness over external food regulations for Christians.

Peter's Vision (Acts 10)

Peter's vision in Acts 10, where God declares previously unclean animals clean, is often seen as removing ritual food restrictions for Christians.

Paul's Teaching on Food (1 Timothy 4)

Paul states that 'everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,' affirming the permissibility of all foods for believers.

Conscience and Conviction (Romans 14)

Romans 14 guides believers to make dietary choices based on personal conscience and to respect the convictions of others.

The Shift in Dietary Focus: Old Testament vs. New Testament


Feature	Old Testament (For Israelites)	New Testament (For Christians)
Dietary Rules	Detailed laws (kashrut).	Freedom from ritual food laws.
Clean Animals	Specific animals (e.g., cattle, goats, sheep).	Distinction no longer binding.
Cheese Consumption	Permitted with non-meat meals.	Permissible; personal conscience guides choices.
Focus of Purity	External, ceremonial adherence to laws.	Internal, spiritual state.
Purpose of Rules	Set Israel apart as God's people.	Guide believers in spiritual growth and love.

Conclusion: Can You Eat Cheese in the Bible?

Yes, you can eat cheese in the Bible. It was a common food in ancient Israel. For Christians, the New Testament teaches that all foods are permissible when received with thanksgiving, freeing believers from Old Covenant food laws. While Jewish tradition maintains specific dairy laws, Christians may eat cheese without restriction, guided by conscience. The Bible's mentions of cheese offer insight into daily life.

For more information on cheese in a biblical context, explore the references at Bible Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, cheese is mentioned in the Old Testament. For example, in 1 Samuel 17:18, David is sent with 'ten cheeses' to his brothers, and in 2 Samuel 17:29, cheese is listed as a provision for David's followers.

People in biblical times primarily ate cheese made from the milk of goats and sheep. They produced both soft curds and harder, aged cheeses, which were preserved by drying in the sun.

No, the Old Testament does not forbid eating cheese itself. The animals from which the milk was taken were considered clean. However, the law against boiling a kid in its mother's milk was interpreted by some Jewish traditions as a prohibition against mixing meat and dairy.

Jesus did not specifically mention cheese, but his teachings, particularly his focus on internal purity over external ritual purity, align with the New Testament view that food is not inherently defiling. The apostle Peter's vision in Acts 10 is often cited as God declaring all foods clean.

For Christians, the New Testament indicates that all foods are permissible, including cheese, and the decision is a matter of personal conscience. In contrast, many Jewish traditions follow kashrut, which separates meat and dairy, meaning cheese cannot be eaten with meat.

No, cheese is generally not mentioned in a negative light. In fact, it is consistently portrayed as a normal food source for sustenance and as a form of provision. Job's metaphorical use of cheesemaking is a neutral reflection on the process.

The Bible does not provide scientific commentary on the health effects of cheese. However, it was a practical and important source of protein and sustenance in the ancient diet, especially given the lack of refrigeration.