The prohibition against eating pork is found in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in Leviticus 11:7-8 and Deuteronomy 14:8. These verses state that although the pig has a cloven hoof, it does not chew the cud, and therefore it is considered unclean for consumption.
Leviticus 11:7-8
And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.
Leviticus 11:7-8
Deuteronomy 14:8
And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.
Deuteronomy 14:8
The Bible says we can’t eat pork?
In the heart of the Bible, within the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, there lies a simple yet profound guidance from God concerning what His people should eat and what they should avoid. Specifically, when it comes to pork, the Lord has made His stance clear through His Word.
In Leviticus 11:7-8, the Lord tells us about the swine, or pigs as we know them. He notes that although pigs have split hooves, they do not chew the cud. Because of this, they are considered unclean for His people. The instruction is straightforward: do not eat their meat or touch their dead bodies. This command comes from a place of love and care, as God knows what is best for His children.
Similarly, in Deuteronomy 14:8, the message is reiterated. Despite the pig’s divided hoof, its failure to chew the cud renders it unclean. Again, the Lord advises His people to neither eat the flesh of the pig nor touch its dead body. These verses are not just rules; they are part of a divine dietary guideline meant to keep God’s people in a state of spiritual and physical purity.
Understanding these passages, it becomes clear that the Bible, as the living Word of God, guides us not only in matters of faith and morality but also in practical aspects of life like our diet. The dietary laws presented in the Old Testament were given to the Israelites not only for their health but also to set them apart from other nations, to be holy as God is holy.
It’s essential to approach these teachings with a heart of reverence and obedience, recognizing that they come from our Heavenly Father who desires the best for us. The call to avoid pork, as outlined in these scriptures, is one of the many ways we can honor God in our daily lives. It’s about aligning our choices with His Word and walking in a manner that pleases Him.
As believers, respecting these teachings and applying them to our lives can be a form of worship and devotion. It’s a tangible way to show our love and respect for God, acknowledging His wisdom and sovereignty in all things, including what we eat.