1 Timothy 4 Explained (and why it doesn't mean all animals should be eaten)

A common question related to Biblical eating is what about 1 Timothy 4? Many people believe that this verse not only says that we can eat whatever we want, but that those advocating for following the Bible's dietary laws are following demonic teachings that come from deceptive spirits! Many people think 1 Timothy 4 teaches that the commandments regarding food have been done away with.

Let's take a look at this verse before we discuss how this does not mean that all animals can or should be eaten or that the laws surrounding what we eat are no longer in effect.

"Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer." -1 Timothy 4:1-5

If you come from a background of belief that all the Biblical dietary laws have been done away with, then it's easy to read this passage to mean that literally anything you pray over can be received as food. God created everything to be eaten, right?

But take a closer look at the wording. The issue at hand is not that people are saying it's wrong to eat certain animals. The problem is that they are teaching that certain FOODS are wrong to eat. Big difference here! When the authors of the Bible speak, they do so with the foundational assumption that the Bible has already defined what does and what does not count as "food."

The Bible defines food in:

-Genesis 1:29

"Every seed bearing plant and the fruit trees."

-Leviticus 11

"Of all the animals that live on the land, these are the ones you may eat..."  Which goes on to explain which animals, birds, fish, and insects can and cannot be eaten.

The Bible explains that animals that are considered abominable should not be eaten in Leviticus 11:41. They should not be eaten, because they are not food according to Scripture. So when 1 Timothy 4:3 says that God created foods to be eaten, it's talking about what the Bible considers food. It does not mean that everything on the planet is considered fit for consumption. This passage does not mean that animals like pigs, dogs, cats, or shellfish can be eaten if we give thanks, because Paul, the author, did not consider these animals to be food since the Bible says they aren't.

Think this is a crazy idea? If you invite me over and say, "Help yourself to some snacks on the counter," what you mean is that I can eat the food you have out on the counter - things like apple slices, bread, cheese, carrot sticks, and cookies. You're not saying that I can eat the bouquet of flowers, the dish soap, sponge, potted plant, pet goldfish, the receipt for the groceries or whatever else you have on the counter, because you don't consider those things to be food. YHWH did not say that these things are food, so therefore we shouldn't consume them.

What is 1 Timothy 4 talking about then? This warning from Paul is that false teachers will come along who disagree with the Bible and teach that certain things the Bible says can be eaten, shouldn't be. We should always be on guard against anyone who is saying something that contradicts the teachings and commandments of Scripture! It seems likely that Paul could be referring to those who say that any animal or animal products - ones like cows and sheep that the Bible expressly says may be eaten - should not be eaten. This goes against specific instructions of Scripture that enumerate which animals may be eaten, as well as many examples of godly men and women in the Bible eating and serving these products, like when Abraham and Sarah fed meat and curds to their heavenly visitors and the Messiah served fish to his followers.

This could also have to do with many believers who insist on following not just Bible dietary commands, but Jewish kosher laws which add many manmade rules to the simple directions the Bible gives. As we've discussed in other posts, the Bible does not teach that meat and dairy products can't ever cross paths at all, but Jewish laws say they shouldn't even be used in the same kitchen. This is another undue burden to place on others. These rules may be well-intended, but it's still wrong to put manmade rules on par with Biblical law, or to claim that those manmade traditions are the same as what the Living God commands!

1 Timothy 4:5 supports the idea that these people will teach that certain Biblically permissible foods are off limits (as well as teaching that it's wrong to be married). We see that in the phrasing, "We know it is made acceptable by the word of God." This means that the author is referring to animals/foods that the Bible expressly says we can eat. How can we be sure something is food even if a faith movement, pastor, or author say it's not? We check the Bible and see what it says! Paul is drawing attention to the fact that Scripture decides what is acceptable or not before YHWH. Not religious leaders advocating for extra rules. Not people who are sensitive about eating animals. Not people who think that Jesus did away with the food laws. Not well intentioned people fearful of allergies. Not denominational doctrine. Not people who abuse the Bible and say that Scripture only permits veganism. Just the Bible. Scripture is the only thing that gets to decide what food is.

1 Timothy 4:1-5 explains that we should be leery of anyone changing the Bible's laws around food, not that we shouldn't follow Scripture's instructions!

Related posts:
What the Bible Says about Meat and Dairy
Understanding Mark 7:19 and the Messiah Declaring All Foods Clean
The Difference Between Unclean and Abominable

Understanding Mark 7:19 and the Messiah Declaring All Foods Clean

But the Messiah made all foods clean! 

When I first started learning about Biblically clean eating, Mark 7:19  (and it's counterpart versions in Matthew 15) is a verse that I kept going back to. Sure, many verses in Scripture articulate what we can eat and otherwise talk about eating according to the instructions we are given, but it says right here that the Messiah declared that all foods are clean!

"Don't you understand that the food you put into your body does not defile you? It passes through and doesn't go to your heart." (Thus he declared all foods clean.)
-Mark 7:18-19

These words used to make me think that God wasn't concerned about my dietary choices, because he was only concerned about my heart. And when I first started to feel like I might be called to keep Scripture's dietary commandments, this verse and it's seeming declaration of no rules confused me.

Scripture always lines up with Scripture. If it seems to contradict itself, that is caused by our misunderstanding. By stepping back and looking at the entirety of this chapter we will have a better picture of what this is about.

"Seeing some of his disciples eat bread with unwashed hands they found fault." -Mark 7:2

The setting here is that Pharisees and scribes came to the Messiah, and saw that his followers were eating without a ritual hand washing that was a tradition of the elders (verse 3). That is what they found fault with. Not in what the disciples were eating, since bread is considered Biblically clean, but that they were skipping a manmade tradition!

Mark 7 isn't talking about what is being eaten. If it was, the question would have been, "Why are your followers eating unclean animals?" or, "How come your followers are eating pigs?" But that was not what was going on! Followers of Messiah were skipping the manmade tradition of handwashing before eating and that's what offended these scribes that came to see Yahusha.

The Messiah says that the accusers were, "Forsaking the commands of YHWH, to hold fast to the traditions of men." (Verse 8) He was saying that the accusers were putting their own traditions ahead of the actual commandments of Scripture, which is an instance of the heart issue he brings up. If we give more honor and importance to human rituals than we do to the word of God, then our hearts have a serious problem. Today we often see this when people hold to their family or church's tradition of ignoring the dietary instructions and eating unclean animals. That is putting man's traditions above YHWH's commandment, and something the Messiah warns against in this chapter.

So why does the Messiah say that all foods are clean? Well, he really doesn't. The, "Thus he declared..." statement is in parentheses because it was added to later Bible manuscripts and not a quote from the Messiah. While it's wrong to add to Scripture, this foot-note would make more sense if we understood the context of it.

We hear, "All foods are clean," and assume this means we can eat whatever we want...even what the Bible says not to eat. But to understand this notation correctly we need to be aware that Scripture expressly tells us that unclean animals are not food (Leviticus 11:41, unclean animals are not to be eaten). Scripture never calls any unclean animal "food," it only calls Biblically clean things food. This is similar to our expectations of food today...there are just certain things that we don't eat. If I told you to help yourself to the food on the counter, you wouldn't eat the pile of mail or the houseplant or the pet goldfish there, because those things are not food. My saying, "Eat what you'd like," is not me suggesting or permitting you to eat what I don't consider food.

So why does he say that all foods are clean? He's not being redundant, he's explaining that everything the Bible says we can eat is considered clean...regardless of if you have washed your hands or done any other rituals that someone made up. He's saying that we are not defiled when we set aside manmade traditions, and we don't need to follow the Talmud or church tradition to considered holy in his eyes. The Messiah is declaring that if the item in question fits within the Bible's parameters for food then it is already considered clean without going through any manmade rituals. He is saying that if Scripture says you can eat it, you won't be defiled by skipping any un-Biblical extra steps.

The food you put into your body does not defile you. If we choose to consume something that Scripture calls an abomination, then we are defiled (Leviticus 11:43). The Messiah never said anything negative about Scripture's dietary commandments and he never did away with or changed any of them. This passage upholds the Biblical commandments while giving permission to not adhere to Jewish law (which are not the same as the laws and commandments in Scripture). By declaring all foods clean he encouraged us to stick with Scripture's instructions in place of manmade traditions.

More about Biblically clean eating:
10 Times the Bible Talks About Clean Eating
Understanding Peter's Vision
How To Eat Biblically Clean

What is Biblically Clean Eating?

Biblically clean eating is eating following Scripture's instructions. Deuteronomy 28:2 says that if we are obedient to these instructions we are blessed! Many people switch to a Biblically clean diet and see improvements in their health. Regardless of if you're trying to get healthier, grow in your faith, or simply honor the Creator with how you live (or all three!), there are blessings to be had in this process. Let's delve into more of the particulars of how you can follow the Creator's instructions for your meals.

Biblically Clean Eating Is:
Eating only the foods that Scripture permits. These include vegetables, greens, herbs, berries, fruits, grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, honey, eggs, dairy products, and certain meats (beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, venison, and goat, among others), fish, and poultry. Even grasshoppers and locusts if you're so inclined! 

Personally, I want my food choices to reflect all the teachings of Scripture. Not just the dietary commands, but also other ideas like loving our neighbors, treating our bodies as temples for the Holy Spirit, and being good stewards of the land.

What we do NOT eat on a Biblically clean diet:
Pork, rabbit, shellfish, and fish without scales are the main animals we need to watch out for in the modern Western diet. Many other animals are forbidden including alligator, raccoons, horses, tigers, seagulls, bats, owls, and most insects. See Leviticus 11 for the full list, or take a look at this helpful infographic on clean and unclean animals. It's also important to not eat blood, even the blood of clean animals.

Other Restrictions:

Besides specific animals that are unclean, we have a few other instructions in Scripture to look at.

-We are not to cook an animal in the milk of its mother. People interpret this verse in many ways from literally not cooking a specific cut of meat in the milk of that animal's actual mother to not mixing dairy and meat at all. I would encourage you to pray about how the Creator wants you to live out this instruction.

-During the Feast of Matzah each year we are instructed to not eat leaven or even have it in our homes. You can learn more about that here.

-Occasionally in Scripture people took what is called a Nazarite vow, during which they didn't consume wine or other grape products (see Numbers 6 for more information). This is an optional vow though and if you haven't taken it you are free to enjoy grapes and grape products.

A note about GE/GMO plants:

While the Bible permits us to eat plants, it is my opinion that believers should use considerable caution before consuming anything that has been genetically engineered. Common GE/GMO plants are soybeans, canola, corn (not sweet corn, but field corn that gets turned into corn syrup and other processed forms), and sugar beets (not red beets, but beets used to make granulated sugar). These plants have been engineered by scientists, and have differences from the Creator's design that could never happen on their own in nature or through generations of seed selection by farmers. While there is an outcry in the scientific community that questions the safety of these, my question is: does this fit with how Scripture says to eat?

Leviticus 19:19 tells us that seed should not be mixed. The process of making GE/GMO seeds involves splicing the DNA of the plant with DNA of another species (not just other plants, but bacteria, insects, and even fish). To my thinking, that goes directly against what Scripture says. Additionally the amount of greed in this multi-billion dollar industry that robs government support from small farmers, to say nothing of the possible health concerns, makes me work to avoid consuming these products and supporting this industry.

If I eat something with soy, canola, corn, or sugar beets I make sure that it is organic, and not GE/GMO. (GE/GMO ingredients are not allowed in certified organic products.)

What do you eat on a Biblically clean lifestyle?

You have so many choices! Biblically clean eating doesn't have to be ultra health-food where everything is sprouted or fermented. It doesn't have to be traditional Jewish foods. It does not have to be vegan or include weird things you don't like. You don't have to throw out all your family recipes. It can be meat and potatoes. It can be high-carb or high-protein. It can be home cooking and ordering pizza. It doesn't have to be homegrown or homemade. You are free to enjoy dessert and go out for lunch. You can choose healthy options or eat French fries and beef hotdogs. You can make casserole or make curry.

I think ideally we would all eat well enough that we can feel our best and treat our bodies as the Holy Spirit's temple. The process of learning to eat well does not happen all at once. Focus on eating only food permitted by Scripture, and once you have that down pray and see what else the Creator is calling you to in terms of food.

What Biblically clean eating is NOT:

Following Scripture's instructions for eating does not mean that we don't trust the Messiah or that we are trying to 'earn salvation.' I could eat Biblically clean my whole life, but I am still in need of the Savior, just like everyone else.

But Biblically clean eating is a way to honor God by doing what he told us to do. Trusting in him means I don't have to worry about if there's a reason for his instructions. It's about blessing YHWH with my obedience.

Want some recipe ideas?
I have several posts of meal ideas for the Sabbath and Biblical holidays that are linked below. They are all Biblically clean and great for any day of the week!
Biblically Clean Meal Ideas

20 Grill Recipes with No Pork or Shellfish

Sheet Pan Meals that are Biblically Clean

More about eating the Bible's way:
How to Eat Biblically Clean

Did the Messiah "make all foods clean"?
What Scripture Teaches About Peter's Vision
What the Bible Says about Meat and Dairy

The Meaning of Peter's Vision of the Unclean Animals in Acts 10 (As Explained by Acts 11)

This post explains the meaning of Peter's vision of the sheet of unclean animals descending from the heavens from Acts 10:13. Did you know that Peter himself actually explained the meaning of the words "kill and eat" to mean something besides what we have been told by churches and Bible commentary? Most of Acts chapter 11 addresses it's true meaning to be about people and not once does it say it's about what we eat! 

"Get up, Peter, kill and eat." -Acts 10:13

This passage makes it clear that it's now okay to eat anything and everything, right? Even the animals forbidden in Leviticus 11? I used to think so, but a deeper examination of this passage says otherwise. Are you familiar with Peter's vision of the animals on the sheet in Acts 10?

He became hungry and wished to eat. But while they were preparing, he fell into a trance, and he saw the heaven opened and a vessel like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth, in which were all kinds of four footed beasts, and wild beasts, and creeping creatures, and birds of the heavens. And a voice came and said, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat."
But Peter said, "Not at all, Master! Because I have never eaten anything unclean."
And a voice came to him again and said, "What YHWH has cleansed you do not consider common or unclean." -Acts 10:10-15

Well that's pretty obvious, right? He's looking at animals and being told to eat, so it must be about food. Peter initially thought it was about food too, which is why he responds by saying that he has never violated the dietary instructions of Scripture. That response of itself is very telling. Peter spent more time than perhaps anyone on earth in the presence of the Messiah. If Jesus had taught or believed it was okay to eat things forbidden by Scripture, Peter would have known that. This vision happened around a decade after Yahusha ascended into heaven, and Peter still hadn't eaten anything forbidden. Since he was convinced that nothing had changed, he was very confused by this vision. He was shown this vision of the animals three times (verse 17), and then it says he "doubted within himself" what this might mean. Why was he confused? Because he knew it couldn't have been about what we eat!

Peter was confused. This is a man who heard teachings first hand and received personal instruction from Yahusha the Messiah, son of YHWH for years. Someone who asked the Messiah questions, and had them answered. One of the best preachers of the Gospel in history. Arguably the clearest writer and teacher in the New Testament. He had no idea what that could mean. If Peter was unsure, is it reasonable to assume that we can spend 20 seconds on the text and have the correct understanding?

As you may know, Scripture tells us that while Peter was still trying to figure this out some men came to request that Peter come with them to teach to Cornelius and his household. The same voice that said "Kill and eat," told him to go with them, and he did. Why was a voice from Heaven needed to convince Peter to go? Because Cornelius wasn't Jewish, and going to his home was forbidden by Peter's tribe (Acts 10:28), though permissible according to Scripture. On his way there, the meaning of the vision became clear to Peter.

And he said to them, "You know a Jew is not allowed to associate with, or go to one of another race. But YHWH has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean." -Acts 10:28

Peter himself explains this confusing vision to us. While Scripture is quick to correct Peter, ("Get behind me, Satan!") nothing is ever said to contradict his interpretation. He then reiterates his understanding of this again to the other Disciples in Acts 11, taking up almost an entire chapter to do so. Yes, that's right, there is a chapter of the Bible that explains this vision, showing us people are what we shouldn't call unclean or unfit for redemption. In fact, a fair amount of what happens in the rest of the book of Acts is about Paul and other Disciples going to share the Gospel with people they otherwise wouldn't have, considering them too 'unclean' or common for redemption. This vision corrected bad practices rooted in tradition instead of the word of God!

You see, the Disciples had fallen into some wrong beliefs about who can be grafted into Israel. YHWH wanted to be absolutely certain that no one was excluded from the Good News of the Messiah. He gave Peter this vision to show him that even people who didn't have ancestors in Israel (common), or people that had lived wrongly in sin (unclean), could repent and be welcomed into the family of YHWH.

Having heard this, they were silent, and praised YHWH, saying, "Then YHWH has indeed also given to the nations repentance to life." -Acts 11:18

This vision is about one of the root issues in Scripture...that we can all be grafted into the tree of Israel. It's not about our bloodline or family lineage, or knowing for sure our ancestors were part of ancient Israel. This is about the lost tribes being regathered into YHWH's people. No matter someone's past or where they are from, redemption is possible through the Messiah. 

That's how Peter explained his vision. That's what the other disciples understood this vision to mean. And that's what the Bible says it meant when God showed Peter the unclean animals and he heard the phrase, "Kill and eat!" Even though we have been told that this means God did away with the dietary instructions of the Old Testament, that is not at all what Peter or anyone else in the book of Acts thought about this. Acts 11 explains the meaning and not once does it mention food or what we eat.

More about what the New Testament says about food:
Understanding the Messiah Declaring All Foods Clean
Romans 14 Explained (Key to Understanding New Testament Verses on Food)
Why 1 Timothy 4 Doesn't Mean that All Animals Should Be Eaten

1 Corinthians 8:13 and Not Eating What Causes to Stumble

Paul wrote very plainly that he would not eat something if it caused someone else to stumble in their faith. Are believers today following his example?

"If food causes my brother to stumble, I will not eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble." -1 Corinthians 8:13

My friend Christopher wanted to show others that all things are truly possible with YHWH. So he became a vegetarian. People were floored that he was able to give up eating meat, and that he did so joyfully. His choice to forgo meat eating was a powerful example to his friends and family who felt they couldn't give up the thing that was keeping them back from the Messiah. His vegetarian diet was the spark that ignited freedom from drugs, addiction, sinful relationships, and lies in the lives of many people. Does Scripture teach that you have to be a vegetarian? No, many passages make it clear which animals are permissible for eating. But Chris's choice to not eat those animals helped many encounter the truth and love of YHWH.

I don't share this to say that you have to become a vegetarian, because you don't. Scripture gives you the right not to. But as Paul said, "Watch out that this right of yours doesn't become a stumbling block."

Scripture gives us certain instructions regarding what we are to eat. Mainly we are to avoid unclean animals (pigs and shellfish, as well as other creatures like bats, camels, and ostriches). You can see more on this here or in Leviticus 11.

We are not going to get into the debate of if YHWH's word still stands today or not. So regardless of if you are eating clean or unclean animals and foods, let's look at this verse again: I will not eat what causes my brother to stumble. (1 Corinthians 8:13)

When my husband and I started making changes away from the mainstream Christian faith, many people started working very hard to explain why following Scripture's dietary instructions was unnecessary. To this day, we are regularly questioned, teased, or told we are wrong by well-meaning believers. Even if this were true, how is this a good use of anyone's time? I would so much rather they would spend that time and energy to share the Gospel with the masses who desperately need it, than to to try and give me more dinner options.

The entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 8 explains that people have different sensitivities when it comes to what they eat. It's worth noting that this is in regards to Biblically clean animals that have been offered to idols, not if unclean animals are acceptable to eat. Many translations use the word 'weak' but sensitive better encompasses the meaning of this passage. This entire chapter of Scripture tells us, "Not everyone is going to agree with you on this, be respectful anyway." You know what is not in this passage? Some sort of clause that says if someone is more sensitive than you are about what they eat, just go ahead and explain why they are wrong. Or belittle them until they agree with you or try to trick them into eating bacon. Be kind to those who are sensitive, their faith is on the line.

Is what you're eating causing someone to stumble? Let's look at who your dietary choices can impact:

-The roughly thirteen million Jewish people in the world who have not accepted the Messiah. One of the major set backs is that Jews see Christians representing the Messiah as someone who did not keep the commandments. Additionally many Jewish people are uncomfortable or unwilling to sit at a table with someone who is eating something that Scripture says not to, which obviously hinders relationship development and a chance to share truth. 

-Those frustrated by the confusion and hypocrisy of the faith. While Christians are used to how they do or don't apply certain passages of Scripture, this is truly confusing for someone new or outside the faith. I've been in churches where before the sermon everyone holds up their Bible and says that it is the inerrant word of God, and then the pastor's sermon explains that well, actually a good chunk of it is out of date. We can all think of people who have left the faith because of hypocrisy in others. 

-People who have decided not to eat meat for ethical reasons. In the mass food system there are many horrible things that happen during the factory production of meat. Many believe that the Messiah would not take part in this system, and therefore they choose not to as well. Does anyone benefit by debating this decision? Why try to convince them that the one whose eye is on the sparrow doesn't care about the welfare of his creatures? 

-Those who need to see a demonstration of love and power. Like Christopher's friends and family, who doesn't want a tangible example to point to of the transformation that happens through the Holy Spirit? Who doesn't need to see that change is possible? Being respectful of someone's dietary choices is a great way to show that person love. It is so meaningful to go to a friend's for dinner knowing that they have gone out of their way to make sure the meal is something I am comfortable with. There are too many believers claiming to love others, but aren't willing to give up any of their own rights to support another's faith.

Pick up any cookbook or flip on any food related show and you will hear how food has an amazing power to connect people of different cultures, ages, nationalities, lifestyles, etc. But the quickest way to break that connection is to be disrespectful of someone's dietary restrictions. Don't let your food choices cause someone else to stumble. Make sure your table is one you can invite them to.

More about eating the Bible's way: 

What is Biblically Clean Eating?
Did the Messiah "make all foods clean"?
What Scripture Teaches About Peter's Vision
Understanding 1 Corinthians 10:27

Why Daniel Refused to Eat the King's Meat

"Give us only vegetables to eat." -Daniel 1:12

Scripture regards Daniel very highly. He is described by Yahusha as, "a man greatly beloved," and YHWH specifically mentions the righteousness of Daniel along with Noah and Job (Ezekiel 14:14). He was able to interpret prophecy, pray for the return of Judah from exile, had incredible visions, prayed three times a day, and was supernaturally protected from an execution attempt. Nothing bad about Daniel is spoken of in Scripture.

And this highly regarded man spent at least part of his life as a vegetarian. Do you know why?

Maybe you have heard of the Daniel Fast. It is inspired by the events in the first chapter of the book of Daniel.

"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's food, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested to the chief of the officers permission to abstain that he might not defile himself." -Daniel 1:8

As we see a few verses later the initially hesitant officer decided to let Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah go on a vegetarian diet for ten days. Verse 15 says that after the ten days were up the officer was so impressed with the beauty and health of their faces that he put the rest of the captives on a vegetarian diet as well.

The premise of the Daniel Fast is a simple vegan diet with no dairy, meat, eggs, sugar, or alcohol for a determined amount of time in attempt to grow closer to the Messiah (and for some, lose weight or get their health back on track). I know many people who have been greatly impacted by doing the Daniel Fast, and personally many of my meals fit into these guidelines; so I'm not saying anything against participating in it.

But I do have a question: did Daniel think he was fasting?

We just read that Daniel purposed not to defile himself. The reason he requested vegetables and water wasn't so that he could 'focus on prayer' or 'grow closer to God' like many do when they start a fast. He said he didn't want to defile himself. Daniel wanted to keep Scripture's instructions about what to eat.

In ancient Babylon many animals that YHWH says not to eat were regularly consumed. Pigs, shellfish, and turtle, along with other animals (clean and unclean) were regularly eaten. While Scripture doesn't record exactly what was being served to Daniel and his friends, we can clearly see it was unclean, otherwise Daniel wouldn't have thought it would defile himself. Even if it was a clean animal that YHWH permits us to eat, like beef, there is no reason the pagan Babylonians would have been careful to drain the blood as YHWH tells us to. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah did not eat the king's meat since they didn't want to break a commandment of YHWH.

It would have been easy for them to make excuses. They were prisoners in captivity after all! But Daniel resolved not to defile himself. And YHWH and Yahusha both spoke so highly of him for it.

It can be argued that if Daniel hadn't been faithful to the dietary commandments in chapter 1 the rest of the book wouldn't have taken place. He wouldn't have been given the interpretation to Nebuchadnezzar's dream, seen visions, or been protected in the lions' den. Would Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah have worshiped the image the king set up? While I don't believe that diet alone is what made Daniel righteous, we do know that the action of keeping YHWH's commands is righteous. Daniel wouldn't have gotten credit for knowing he shouldn't eat unclean meat, it is the doing that YHWH esteems (Romans 2:13).

I do not say this to imply that vegetarianism or veganism is superior to all other diets, or the only dietary options that honor YHWH. He permits the consumption of clean meat and dairy throughout Scripture, and even specifically instructs lamb to be eaten at Passover. Daniel's option was unclean meat that Scripture says not to eat, or a vegetarian meal. The answer was easy for him, he wanted to honor YHWH and be obedient to his commands. Whether your next meal is vegetarian or not, make sure that it's one that follows Scripture's instructions.

More on Biblical eating:
Did the Messiah Declare All Foods Clean?
Understanding Peter's Vision

What is Biblically Clean Eating?

What does Scripture say about what we eat?

Does YHWH care what we eat? I admit this was initially a very hard idea to swallow for me. Doesn't God care more about what kind of person I am? Before you get to hung up on that question remember humanity's very first sin. Adam and Eve ate something they weren't supposed to. They were kicked out of Eden because of something they ate.

YHWH cares about every part of our lives. He gave us instructions for food for a reason. And he cares very much if we are willing to be obedient to his word.

Many teach that Yahusha “made all foods clean,” but did He?

Mark 7:19 is the verse that is used to say that, “All foods are clean.” However, that statement was added by translators who misunderstood the text. That sentence is not in original copies of the manuscript. Taking a closer look at the context of the verse helps to clarify this. Chapter 7 isn’t focused on what is being eaten; it discusses eating with unwashed hands.

We should also understand that in the Scriptures if something is not Biblically clean, then it is not called food. Nowhere in the Scriptures will we find something unclean or forbidden referred to as food.

Mark 7:5, The Pharisees and the Torah-teachers asked him, “Why don’t your disciples live in accordance with the Tradition of the Elders, but instead eat with ritually unclean hands?”

Please note: if Yahusha had in fact taught that it was okay to eat any type of meat their question would have been, “Why do you let your followers eat shrimp and bacon?” But that is not what they asked! They inquired why Yahusha and his disciples weren’t following oral tradition—doctrines of men, which required a ceremonial hand-washing before a meal. Yahusha taught that this practice was not required, as it is not written in the Torah. Yahusha never taught against YHWH's directions on what to eat. We know since he never sinned (1 Peter 2:22) he never violated any dietary commandments.

What does Scripture permit us to eat?

-Certain meats including cows, sheep, and goats.
-Milk and milk products from permitted animals.
-Fish with fins and scales. Salmon, cod, tuna, tilapia, perch, etc.
-Certain poultry including chicken, turkey, duck, goose, pigeon, and dove.
-Eggs from permitted poultry.
-Locusts, grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles.
-Fruit, vegetables, grains, and nuts.

What does Scripture tell us not to eat?
-Pigs, rabbits, camels, and horses. (Leviticus 11)

-Ostriches, eagles, bats, swans, pelicans, vultures, and herons. (Leviticus 11)

-Milk or eggs from unclean animals. (Leviticus 11)
-Blood (even from permitted animals) (Deuteronomy 12:23)
-Fat from cows, sheep, or goats. (Leviticus 7:23)
-Meat sacrificed to idols. Including 'halal' certified chicken, beef, etc. (1 Corinthians 10:28)
-Swarming insects. (Leviticus 11)
-Beef, lamb, or goat cooked with dairy. (Exodus 23:19)
-GMOs. (Leviticus 19:19)

The majority of food instructions are found in Leviticus 11, and it's a little gross. Mostly a list of things most of us would never think about eating. Bats, ravens, camels, vultures, uhh no thanks! While it's a little hard to fathom in this culture, YHWH has the same thoughts about pork and shellfish. Gross.

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that eating a lot of these unclean animals is bad for us. Be it from high levels of toxins in shellfish to trichinosis in pigs. But that is really not the point. The point is simply to follow YHWH's instructions. There is some cost to it, perhaps you'll need to give up something you've grown up eating; it takes effort to eat as Scripture instructs. It's not always easy, but it is always worth it to be obedient to the Creator.

More about what Scripture says about what we eat:
10 Times Scripture Talks About Clean Eating

Why Daniel Refused the King's Meat
How to Start Eating a Biblically Clean Diet
A Hebraic Perspective on Peter's Vision of Eating Unclean Animals