What Does the Bible Say About Seafood?

The Bible, as a spiritual guide, addresses many aspects of life, including food and what is acceptable for consumption. In biblical times, the consumption of seafood was subject to specific dietary laws, particularly within the context of the Old Testament. The question of what the Bible says about seafood can often lead to confusion, as there are both prohibitions and allowances depending on which part of the Bible you are reading.

For Christians today, understanding what the Bible says about seafood is important not only for those who may follow certain dietary traditions, but also for spiritual reflection on the principles of purity, obedience, and grace. This article will explore the biblical teachings about seafood, including the dietary laws in the Old Testament, the changes in the New Testament, and what this means for Christians today.

Old Testament Dietary Laws and Seafood

The dietary laws in the Old Testament, particularly in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, provide specific guidelines on what is permissible for the Israelites to eat. These laws were given by God to the people of Israel as part of the covenant, and they outlined which animals were considered clean and unclean. These laws were meant to set Israel apart as a holy people and were symbolic of spiritual purity.

Leviticus 11:9-12 – Clean and Unclean Sea Creatures

In Leviticus 11, the Bible lists animals that are clean and unclean for consumption. This includes a specific reference to seafood:

“These you may eat of all that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers, that you may eat. But all in the seas or in the rivers that do not have fins and scales, all that move in the waters or live in them, are an abomination to you.” (Leviticus 11:9-12, ESV)

According to this passage, God allowed the Israelites to eat sea creatures that had both fins and scales. This would include fish like salmon, tuna, and cod. However, any sea creatures without fins and scales, such as shellfish (lobster, shrimp, oysters, clams) and mollusks, were considered unclean and forbidden for consumption.

Deuteronomy 14:9-10 – A Similar Command

Deuteronomy 14:9-10 echoes Leviticus 11, reinforcing the prohibition against certain seafood:

“These you may eat of all that are in the waters: you may eat all that have fins and scales, and whatever does not have fins and scales you shall not eat; it is unclean for you.” (Deuteronomy 14:9-10, ESV)

These dietary restrictions were part of the Mosaic Law, which also included guidelines on what animals could be eaten from land and air. The idea behind these laws was not only for physical health but also as a way to distinguish the Israelites from other nations, maintaining their holiness before God.

The New Testament and Seafood

While the Old Testament provides clear instructions on what seafood is permissible to eat, the New Testament introduces a new understanding of these dietary laws. Jesus Christ and the apostles, through their teachings and actions, made it clear that the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament were no longer binding for Christians. This includes the dietary restrictions related to seafood.

Jesus Declares All Foods Clean

In Mark 7:14-19, Jesus addresses the issue of ceremonial cleanliness. He challenges the traditional views on food, explaining that it is not what enters the body that defiles a person, but what comes out of the heart. He goes on to say:

“There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” (Mark 7:15, ESV)

Jesus’ teaching in this passage reveals that the dietary laws, including those about seafood, were not what truly made someone clean or unclean. In Mark 7:19, the Gospel writer adds a note that Jesus “declared all foods clean,” signaling that the Old Testament food laws no longer applied in the New Covenant.

This declaration marked a significant shift in the understanding of dietary practices for Christians. No longer were believers required to follow the strict dietary laws of the Old Testament. This would include the restriction against eating certain types of seafood.

Peter’s Vision and the Reversal of Old Testament Dietary Laws

A key event that further clarifies the change in dietary restrictions is the vision that the Apostle Peter received in Acts 10:9-16. Peter saw a sheet filled with various animals, including those considered unclean by Jewish law. A voice from heaven told him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” When Peter objected, saying he had never eaten anything unclean, the voice responded:

“What God has made clean, do not call common.” (Acts 10:15, ESV)

This vision was not just about food; it symbolized the acceptance of the Gentiles into the Christian faith. However, the message also applied to the food laws. Through this vision, God declared that the dietary restrictions from the Old Testament, including those regarding seafood, were no longer in force for Christians.

Paul’s Teaching on Food

The Apostle Paul also addressed the issue of food in his letters, particularly in Romans 14 and 1 Timothy 4. Paul encouraged believers to avoid judging one another based on food choices, as the focus should be on living in peace and honoring God. In Romans 14:14, Paul writes:

“I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself.” (Romans 14:14, ESV)

This verse underscores the Christian understanding that no food, including seafood, is inherently unclean. Christians are free to eat any food in gratitude and thanksgiving, as long as it is done in faith and for the glory of God.

In 1 Timothy 4:3-5, Paul writes:

“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” (1 Timothy 4:4-5, ESV)

This teaching further reinforces the idea that Christians are not bound by the Old Testament food laws. Seafood, along with all other foods, is considered good and acceptable when received with thanksgiving.

The Spiritual Meaning Behind Dietary Laws

While the dietary laws in the Old Testament may seem focused on food and health, they also had spiritual significance. For the Israelites, these laws were a way to maintain purity and distinguish themselves as a holy people before God. They were meant to foster a sense of discipline and obedience to God’s commands.

However, the New Testament reveals that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the ceremonial aspects of the law, including dietary regulations. The emphasis shifts from external actions, like food consumption, to the condition of the heart and the intentions behind one’s actions. The Gospel teaches that it is not what we eat, but how we live and what we believe, that matters to God.

What Does This Mean for Christians Today?

For modern-day Christians, the Bible’s teachings about seafood are clear: Christians are no longer bound by the dietary laws of the Old Testament. This means that seafood, both clean and unclean according to the Old Testament, is permissible to eat. Christians can enjoy seafood with thanksgiving, recognizing that all foods are created by God and made good through Christ’s redemption.

However, there are still some important principles to consider:

Respect for Others: While seafood is permissible to eat, Christians should be mindful of the cultural or dietary preferences of others. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul addresses issues related to eating food sacrificed to idols and encourages believers to act in love and not cause others to stumble.

Healthy Eating: While the Bible does not prohibit eating certain types of seafood, it is still wise to make healthy dietary choices. Some seafood, like shellfish, can be high in cholesterol or may carry health risks if not prepared properly. Christians should be wise stewards of their bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Gratitude: The key takeaway from the New Testament teachings on food is to receive everything with gratitude. Christians are called to give thanks for all food, including seafood, as a gift from God.

Conclusion

The Bible’s teachings about seafood are rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting a shift in understanding from ceremonial laws to a focus on spiritual purity. In the Old Testament, dietary laws restricted the consumption of certain seafood, while in the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles made it clear that these dietary restrictions no longer applied to Christians. As such, seafood is permissible for Christians today, as long as it is consumed with thanksgiving and respect for others. Ultimately, it is not the food itself but the condition of the heart that matters most to God.