The Bible offers wisdom on every part of life—even what we eat. One topic that has stirred both curiosity and conviction is the question of whether eating pork aligns with biblical teachings.
For many, this issue goes beyond diet—it touches on obedience, holiness, and honoring God’s instructions. Whether you’re examining your lifestyle choices or seeking clarity for spiritual growth, the Scriptures offer direct insights.
This blog post brings together 35 Bible verses about not eating pork, along with simple, clear explanations. Whether you follow biblical dietary laws or simply want to deepen your understanding of God’s word, these verses can offer inspiration, reflection, and guidance.
Let’s explore what the Bible really says.
Bible Verses About Not Eating Pork
1. Leviticus 11:7
And the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean to you.
Explanation:
This verse clearly identifies pigs (swine) as unclean animals. In ancient Israel, dietary laws were part of maintaining purity and holiness before God.
2. Deuteronomy 14:8
Also the swine is unclean for you, because it divides the hoof but does not chew the cud; you shall not eat their flesh or touch their dead carcasses.
Explanation:
Moses repeats the law to the Israelites, emphasizing not only avoidance of eating pork but also contact with pig carcasses.
3. Isaiah 65:4
Who sit among the graves, and spend the night in the tombs; who eat swine’s flesh, and the broth of abominable things is in their vessels.
Explanation:
This verse portrays eating pork as part of defiant, unholy behavior. It connects the act with rebellion and spiritual uncleanness.
4. Isaiah 66:17
Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, to go to the gardens after an idol in the midst, eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse, shall be consumed together,” says the Lord.
Explanation:
God warns that those who combine idolatry with eating unclean foods like pork will face judgment, reinforcing the seriousness of these actions.
5. Leviticus 11:8
Their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch. They are unclean to you.
Explanation:
The command is not just about consumption but about maintaining ritual cleanliness by avoiding contact with pigs.
6. Leviticus 20:25
You shall therefore distinguish between clean animals and unclean, between unclean birds and clean; and you shall not make yourselves abominable by beast or by bird, or by any kind of living thing that creeps on the ground.
Explanation:
God commands His people to make clear distinctions between clean and unclean animals, including pigs, as part of living a holy life.
7. Leviticus 11:1-2
Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them, “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘These are the animals which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth.'”
Explanation:
This introduction to dietary laws sets the stage for the specific rules about clean and unclean animals, including the ban on pork.
8. Leviticus 11:46-47
This is the law of the animals and the birds and every living creature that moves in the waters and of every creature that creeps on the earth, to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.
Explanation:
God provides these laws so His people can discern what is holy and acceptable, including abstaining from unclean meats like pork.
9. Ezekiel 4:14
So I said, “Ah, Lord God! Indeed I have never defiled myself from my youth till now; I have never eaten what died of itself or was torn by beasts, nor has abominable flesh come into my mouth.”
Explanation:
Ezekiel affirms his faithfulness by declaring he has never eaten abominable foods—pork being one of them.
10. Daniel 1:8
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies.
Explanation:
While not directly about pork, this verse shows Daniel’s commitment to remaining undefiled by food that might go against God’s laws.
11. Proverbs 23:20-21
Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty.
Explanation:
Though not specific to pork, it warns against overindulgence in meat, promoting moderation and spiritual mindfulness.
12. Romans 14:21
It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.
Explanation:
Paul highlights the importance of considering others’ spiritual well-being over personal dietary choices.
13. Acts 10:14
But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”
Explanation:
Peter resists eating unclean food, including pork, reflecting the ongoing significance of dietary laws even in the New Testament.
14. Acts 10:28
But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Explanation:
Though this refers to people, it reveals a broader shift in how laws were being understood in the early church.
15. Isaiah 66:3
He who slaughters a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; he who offers a grain offering is like one who offers swine’s blood.
Explanation:
Offering swine’s blood is shown as an abomination, placing pork-related offerings alongside detestable acts.
16. Leviticus 7:23
Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘You shall not eat any fat, of ox or sheep or goat.’
Explanation:
Though about fat, it supports broader dietary laws that would include unclean animals like pigs.
17. Hosea 9:3
They shall not dwell in the Lord’s land, but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and shall eat unclean things in Assyria.
Explanation:
Eating unclean foods, likely including pork, is presented as a consequence of exile and disobedience.
18. Leviticus 11:3
Among the animals, whatever divides the hoof, having cloven hooves and chewing the cud—that you may eat.
Explanation:
This rule clarifies what animals are clean—pigs, which don’t chew the cud, are excluded.
19. Deuteronomy 12:23
Only be sure that you do not eat the blood, for the blood is the life; you may not eat the life with the meat.
Explanation:
This underscores the sacredness of dietary rules, including laws about specific animals.
20. Ezekiel 22:26
Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy.
Explanation:
Neglecting dietary laws, including eating pork, was part of a larger spiritual decline.
21. Isaiah 65:3
A people who provoke Me to anger continually to My face; who sacrifice in gardens, and burn incense on altars of brick.
Explanation:
This verse precedes God’s anger at those who eat swine’s flesh, highlighting rebellious behavior.
22. Leviticus 17:15
And every person who eats what died naturally or what was torn by beasts, whether he is a native of your own country or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes and bathe in water.
Explanation:
Eating improperly prepared or unclean animals (like pigs) required ritual cleansing.
23. Numbers 11:4
Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat?”
Explanation:
God later punishes them for craving meat unwisely—this warns about disobedient eating.
24. Deuteronomy 14:3
You shall not eat any detestable thing.
Explanation:
A blanket statement that includes pork as one of the detestable, unclean foods.
25. Leviticus 11:9-12
These you may eat of all that are in the water: whatever in the water has fins and scales… But all in the seas or in the rivers that do not have fins and scales… they are an abomination to you.
Explanation:
Though about seafood, it reinforces the idea that God has specific rules on what is clean.
26. Ezekiel 44:23
And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
Explanation:
Priests were to teach dietary distinctions, including avoiding unclean meats like pork.
27. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Explanation:
Every action, even eating, should honor God—encouraging mindful choices.
28. Genesis 9:3-4
Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.
Explanation:
While some see this as permission, others note it doesn’t overrule later laws given to Israel.
29. Matthew 5:17
Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
Explanation:
Jesus affirms the Law’s lasting value, suggesting that dietary laws still hold meaning.
30. Psalm 119:1
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord!
Explanation:
Following God’s law—including food laws—brings blessing and spiritual clarity.
31. Revelation 18:2
Babylon the great is fallen… and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!
Explanation:
“Unclean” is consistently associated with things that defile, including unclean animals.
32. Zechariah 9:7
I will take away the blood from his mouth, and the abominations from between his teeth.
Explanation:
This prophecy includes removing abominable food practices, possibly including pork consumption.
33. Matthew 15:11
Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.
Explanation:
Though often cited as abolishing food laws, Jesus focuses more on the heart’s intentions.
34. Mark 7:18-19
Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him… thus He declared all foods clean.
Explanation:
This verse is debated, but some interpret it as ending dietary restrictions, while others see it as metaphorical.
35. Romans 14:2-3
For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables… Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat.
Explanation:
Paul urges respect for individual conviction, implying the issue of eating pork may be one of personal faith and conscience.
Final Thoughts: Seeking God’s Wisdom in All We Do
Whether you choose to follow biblical dietary laws strictly or seek their deeper meaning, the Bible’s message is clear: God desires obedience, holiness, and thoughtful living. These Bible verses about not eating pork are more than just dietary rules—they reflect God’s desire for a people set apart.
Take time to reflect on what these scriptures mean for your journey. How might honoring God in your food choices draw you closer to Him?
We’d love to hear from you. What are your thoughts on these verses? Do you follow biblical food laws? Share your experiences or favorite Bible verses in the comments!