Showing posts with label what does the Bible say about food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label what does the Bible say about food. Show all posts

What is Biblically Clean Eating?

What is Biblically clean eating? | Land of Honey


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.

What it means to eat Biblically clean definition | Land of Honey

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.

God is honored when we follow his commandments about eating - what is Biblically clean eating? | Land of  Honey



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
What does the Bible teach us about GE/GMO plants? Are they okay to eat? | Land of Honey

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

10 Times the Bible Talks About Clean Eating

Ten Passages in Scripture that Talk About Biblically Clean Eating | Land of Honey

The Bible has a lot to say about what we eat! From Adam and Eve being kicked out of Eden because of their consumption choices, to enumerating animals that shouldn't be eaten, to New Testament debates about eating with unwashed hands, food is a topic that comes up a lot. Here I want to focus on Biblically clean eating. The Creator gave us many delicious things to eat that he calls clean, while certain animals he forbids us to eat, calling them unclean. I use clean eating to mean eating in the way that Scripture instructs us to.

Ten Times the Bible Talks About Clean Eating:

1. Genesis 1:29

"I have given you every seed-yielding plant on the earth, and the fruit trees to you as food."

This is the second recorded thing that the Creator speaks following the creation of mankind. And it's instructions about eating!

2. Genesis 2:16-17

"And YHWH commanded the man saying, 'Eat of every tree of the garden, but do not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for if you eat of it you will certainly die.'"

We know that Adam and Eve were not obedient to this instruction and as a result they were sent out of the paradisaical garden of Eden. In Eden they walked with YHWH; something they ate literally took them away from his presence.

3. Genesis 7:2

"Of the clean animals take with you seven pairs, a male and female, and of the unclean animals take two, a male and female."

The distinction of clean and unclean animals began way before the list of dietary instructions in Leviticus. Noah was instructed to take different amounts of clean and unclean animals on board the ark. This tells us that Noah and his family knew which types of animals were considered clean.

4. Genesis 9:3

"The living creatures I give to you for food. I have given them to you as I gave you the green plants." 

Mankind is now allowed to eat meat. But wait a minute, what was that fuss about the clean versus unclean animals just a few chapters prior?  Is YHWH now saying that any animal is okay to eat? Let's not miss the catch here: as I gave you the green plants. Mankind was not permitted by the Creator to eat every single plant that grew on earth. They were restricted to plants that were green and bear seed, as well as the fruit trees. They did not consume every plant, just as we don't eat Kentucky bluegrass or poison ivy. In both cases of eating plants and animals distinctions are made.

5. Leviticus 11:2-8

"These are the living creatures which you eat: whatever has a split hoof completely divided, and chews the cud, you may eat. These you do not eat: the camel, the rabbit, the hare, the pig. Their flesh you do not eat, and their carcasses you do not touch. They are unclean."

This chapter in Leviticus plainly lays out which animals are forbidden as food. There is the guideline that the hoofs of animals need to be divided, and they need to chew the cud. But just to be doubly clear we are specifically told not to eat things like camels, rabbits, and pigs. It's interesting to me that eating something like camel or horse is very repulsive in Western culture, but most people think nothing of eating a pig. In many places in the Middle East that thinking is reversed as camel is considered food, but eating pig would be abhorrent. That abhorrence is how the entire list of unclean animals in Leviticus 11 is meant to be understood. If the Bible says not to eat something, then it shouldn't even cross our minds to do so.

If you're familiar with the Chronicles of Narnia you may remember that the characters eat meat on their adventures, but eating an animal that talks is anathema. When the giants serve a talking stag in The Silver Chair it is a major sign that something is wrong; and the true Narnians are horrified. Something similar I've noticed in the dietary laws of Scripture is that the unclean animals tend to be much smarter creatures than the clean. Cows are clean but their intelligence doesn't touch that of unclean horses. Pigs are incredibly smart and I've heard many stories of small-scale farmers being unable to butcher them after looking them in the eyes. My dog is much more intelligent than clean sheep and goats. I'm not saying clean animals don't have their own strengths, but it really interesting to think about.

6. Leviticus 11:9

"Of the fish in the water you may eat any that have fins and scales. If a water creatures does not have fins and scales it is an abomination."

Fish like trout, perch, salmon, whiting, tuna, sea bass, pollock, halibut, and mahi mahi all have scales and fins and are permissable to eat according to Scripture. Fish without fins and scales (such as catfish, swordfish, and monkfish) we are told are unclean for us to eat. Crustaceans such as lobster, crab, clams, and shrimp are also off-limits according to Scripture since they don't have fins or scales.

7. Daniel 1:8

"Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's food."

Why would Daniel reject the food he was provided with in captivity? Because he was being served animals that we are commanded not to eat! He wasn't just being picky, he knew that if he ate those things it would be polluting and defiling to him and a dishonor to YHWH. 

8. Daniel 1:15

"At the end of ten days their appearances looked better than all the young men who ate the portion of the king's food."

Fitting with Biblical dietary instructions, Daniel asked the chief eunuch if he and three others could eat only vegetables. The chief was initially concerned that this diet would provide inadequate nutrition for Daniel and his companions and didn't want to get in trouble with the king, but he agreed to let them try this for ten days. At the end of this time the difference was so noticeable, and Daniel and his friends looked so much better than those eating a Biblically unclean diet that the chief put everyone on same diet as Daniel. Don't miss that eating a Biblically clean diet made Daniel and his companions stand out in the crowd. The difference in their health was noticeable!

9. Acts 10:14

"I have never eaten food that was unclean."

Peter made this statement probably ten years after the Messiah ascended into heaven; he was still following Scripture's instructions for how to eat. This tells us that all the meals he shared with Yahusha were clean. It also tells us that Peter and the rest of the disciples and leaders didn't think these commandments were done away with.

10. 1 Corinthians 10:31

"Whether you eat or drink, do it to the glory of YHWH."

Our choices about what we eat can glorify YHWH - or not. Here is a New Testament verse that calls for us to eat in a way that honors YHWH. It doesn't say that anything we eat glorifies him. It is a reminder that in every thing we do - including how we nourish ourselves - we should work to be obedient to Scripture's instructions.

Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself by eating the king's meat. -Daniel 1:8 + clean eating in Scripture | Land of Honey

These are just ten passages where the Bible talks about clean eating, but there are many more. Throughout Scripture we can see the foods eaten by YHWH's people fit into the clean category (think of Isaac craving goat meat, Jacob making lentil stew, Abigail taking David lamb, roasted grains, and figs, the lovers in Song of Songs talking about pomegranates and apples, the Messiah serving bread and fish, the Israelites desiring quail). In Isaiah 65:4 YHWH himself is lamenting about disobedient people who "provoke me continually...who eat the flesh of pigs." We don't have to participate in the offense of unclean eating! He gives us instructions on how to eat. And we can see from the above stories that there is blessing for us when we live out those instructions.

Learn more details about clean eating here.
More about Daniel's food choices here.
Peter had a vision about eating unclean animals - what did it mean?

Why Daniel Refused to Eat the King's Meat

Daniel refused to eat the meat served to him in Babylon. Find out why he was committed to Biblically clean eating | Land of Honey

"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.


Daniel 1:12 - give us only vegetables to eat - Biblically clean eating and the Daniel fast | Land of Honey

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.

Daniel refused to eat the meat served in Babylon because he wanted to follow Biblical commandments! | Land of Honey
More on Biblical eating:
Did the Messiah Declare All Foods Clean?
Understanding Peter's Vision

What does Scripture say about what we eat?

Adam and Eve were kicked out of the garden because of something they ate. Make sure you know what the Bible says about our food choices! | Land of Honey

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.

Did the Messiah really make "all food clean"? Find out what Scripture says about what we eat | Land of Honey

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.

Adam and Eve were kicked out of the garden because of their food choices. Make sure you know what the Bible really teaches about what we eat. | Land of Honey

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