Category: Biblical studies

For thousands of years, cultures have understood the connection between diet and well-being, a concept echoing throughout the Bible. Though the exact phrase, "food is medicine," isn't found, scripture offers compelling verses and narratives that support the idea of food's restorative and health-giving properties.

According to the Book of Daniel, chapters 1 and 10, the Hebrew prophet twice abstained from royal foods and meat. The primary motivations for why did Daniel stop eating meat were not about health, but a deeply personal commitment to spiritual purity, faithfulness, and avoiding defilement from Babylonian practices.

In the Old Testament book of Leviticus, God explicitly declares the pig unclean and forbids the Israelites from eating its flesh. This prohibition, though a significant part of ancient Jewish dietary law, has been a subject of theological debate among Christians, with many today not observing it. To truly understand why the biblical mandate was originally given, it is essential to explore the historical and theological context of the covenant God made with Israel.

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.

In Genesis 1:29-30, God initially prescribes a vegetarian diet for humanity, yet this command is later revised. A thorough biblical examination of what does the Bible say about eating meat and cheese reveals a complex narrative of evolving dietary laws and Christian liberty.

In Ecclesiastes 9:7, the writer encourages people to "eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart". So, what does the Bible say about eating for pleasure? This question explores the balance between enjoying God's provision and the sin of gluttony.

According to the Bible, the first humans were instructed to be vegetarians, with God providing 'every herb bearing seed' and 'every tree...yielding seed' for their food. This initial divine instruction was later altered, marking a significant shift in humanity's diet.

According to the Book of Daniel, the prophet and his companions requested a diet of pulse and water instead of the king's rich foods to remain spiritually pure. This biblical food choice prompts many to ask: what is the food called pulse in the Bible, and what was its significance?

The biblical prophet Daniel observed two distinct periods of fasting, consuming different foods on each occasion. Many people wonder what exactly did Daniel eat during his fast, but the answer depends on which fast is being referenced in the Book of Daniel. The details come from two separate accounts, one involving a 10-day test and another a 21-day period of mourning.

As a devout, first-century Jew, Jesus lived in strict accordance with the Torah, which includes the Mosaic dietary laws prohibiting the consumption of pork. This practice, therefore, is a direct reflection of his Jewish heritage and adherence to the sacred law of God.