Does the Bible Say Not to Eat Shrimp?
You're at a seafood restaurant, hovering over a pile of shrimp with your fork, when someone says, "Hey, doesn't the Bible say don't eat that?" It's one of those things that puts you in your place. Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp? It’s a question that mixes faith with your dinner plate, and it’s got folks wondering—especially if you’re big on shrimp scampi or lean on the Bible for life’s rules. Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp, and if so, what’s the real scoop behind it?
The Bible’s a hefty book, packed with all kinds of guidance, so let’s dig in and sort it out—does the Bible say not to eat shrimp, and if so, what’s the story behind it? Food's a big part of life, and the Bible's not shy about talking about it. From forbidden fruit to manna from heaven, what you're eating is talked about a lot in the Bible. Shrimp's just one tasty piece of that puzzle, but it's one worth considering—pun intended. Does the Bible forbid eating shrimp? You might’ve caught wind of this from a sermon, a chat with a friend, or some heated online thread. We’re going to break it down, check out the key verses, and see what’s what. Here’s the scoop: it depends on where you’re at in the Bible’s timeline—there’s a yes and a no. Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp in a way that changes how we think about food today?
Let's dive in—does the Bible say not to eat shrimp, and what can we gain from it today?
Does the Bible Tell Us Not to Eat Shrimp: Old Testament Rules
So where do we begin? Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp in the Old Testament? You bet it does. Check out Leviticus 11—it's basically God's food guidebook for the Israelites. Verses 9-12 are quoted as, "Of all the creatures that live in the water of the seas and streams, you may eat any that have fins and scales. But all creatures which have not fins and scales or any other fins—of all swarming things or other living creatures in the water—you must not eat them… they are detestable to you." Shrimp? No shrimp, just a shell. Off-limits. Is the Bible forbidden to eat shrimp here? Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp in a way that’s hard to miss?
Yes, it's a no-way. This was not just a shrimp thing, however—it's a whole list. Leviticus forbids pigs, camels, rabbits, even some birds. Why the hump? Some reason it's because they need to stay pure, others say for health, and much of it is to differentiate the Israelites from the folk around them. Does the Bible tell not to eat shrimp because it's harmful? Perhaps so—shrimp could have gross stuff like parasites if not cooked right—but it's more God's rules. For the Israelites, this was serious business. So, does the Bible tell not to eat shrimp in Leviticus? Crystal clear—it was a rule you didn't mess with. Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp to set a clear boundary for God’s people?
Does the Bible Say Not to Eat Shrimp: Why the Rules?
Let's unpack that a nothing—why in the Old Testament does the Bible instruct us not to eat shrimp? It's not some arbitrary whim. Leviticus 11:44-45 lays it out: "I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.". Don't make yourselves unclean with any creeping thing which goeth on the ground." God wished to distinguish His people from everyone else—eating "clean" foods was a mark of it. Shrimp, lobsters, crabs? No fins, no scales, no go. Is it against the Bible to refrain from eating shrimp in order to save your stomach? Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp because of ancient health concerns?
It might've been a little bit controversial for seafood without scales back in the day, but it's more about being holy. Deuteronomy 14 confirms it, as a second reminder. Verse 10 says, "But anything that does not have fins and scales you may not eat; for you it is unclean." Shrimp's on the list of what not to eat once again, no exception. Does the Bible tell us not to eat shrimp because God's finicky about seafood? Nope—it's about something greater: being an example to the world about who His people were. Skipping the shrimp was how they knew they belonged to God in the eyes of the Israelites. Does the Bible teach them not to eat shrimp in this arrangement? Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp as a sign of obedience?
Yes, it's connected with their agreement with Him.
Does the Bible Say Not to Eat Shrimp: Even More Old Testament Context
Let's go further with the Old Testament—does the Bible instruct us not to eat shrimp somewhere else? Leviticus and Deuteronomy are the big guns, but the "clean" and "unclean" food idea weaves its way all the way through the whole story. In Genesis 7, before the flood, Noah is commanded to load seven pairs of clean animals and two of unclean on the ark. Shrimp isn't specifically mentioned, but the clean-unclean divide was already in place. Does the Bible forbid eating shrimp back then? Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp even before Moses?
Not exactly, but the foundation's in place—God's been dividing up food since ages ago. Later, in Numbers 11, the Israelites grumble about not enjoying Egypt's vegetables and fish—shrimp might’ve been added to that list. They're stuck with manna, and God's not budging on the rules. Does the Bible say anything about not eating shrimp in this story? It's implied—those old habits were off-limits now. The Old Testament's consistent: shrimp's a no-go for God's chosen crew.
Does the Bible Say Not to Eat Shrimp: New Testament Shock
Now let's get intrigued—does the Bible say not to eat shrimp in the New Testament? Stage is set and in comes Jesus—game-changer. The Israelites under the Law of Moses had the old guidelines in the Old Testament, but Jesus opens things wide up. In Mark 7:18-19, he's arguing with some religious people about food and says, "Don't you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? For it doesn't go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body." Scripture goes on, "In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean." Does the Bible command us not to eat shrimp here? Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp after Jesus steps in?
Nope—Jesus just opened up the buffet. And then Acts 10—Peter terrifying when he receives a vision. A sheet descends from heaven, and on it are all sorts of creatures—pigs, shrimp, name them. A voice commands him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." Peter is shocked: "No way, Lord! I have never eaten anything unclean or impure!" Voice of reason gets zapped," The voice retorts, "Don't call anything impure that God has made clean." Is the Bible telling us not to eat shrimp at this moment? No longer—God's flipping the switch.
Does the Bible Say Not to Eat Shrimp: Paul Weighs In
Paul, the New Testament's big gun, chimes in too. Does the Bible tell us not to eat shrimp in his writings? Romans 14:14 states, "I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself." Paul's chill—food's not wrong; it's your heart. If shrimp's right with you, chow down. If it doesn't feel right, pass. Does the Bible tell us not to eat shrimp here? No, it's your decision, no judgment. In 1 Corinthians 10:25-26, he's even more relaxed: "Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, 'The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it.'" Shrimp in the supermarket? You're on. Colossians 2:16 weighs in, "Do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink." Does the Bible forbid eating shrimp in Paul's view? Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp when Paul’s talking? Not on your life—it's all about freedom, not food fights.
Does the Bible Say Not to Eat Shrimp: Why the Big Change?
Why the flip? Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp in the Old Testament but not the New? It's about Jesus finishing the job. Matthew 5:17 says, "Do not suppose that I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to destroy them but to fulfill them." Old regulations—like avoiding shrimp—were on Israel's side of the God covenant. Jesus' birth and death sealed a new covenant, on everyone's side. Does the Bible say you shouldn't eat shrimp after Him? Nope—focus shifts away from rules to faith. Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp once the new deal’s in place?
Peter's vision in Acts 10 wasn't lunch, exactly—it was God declaring that everyone, not just Jews, was welcome in. Shrimp is an aside on that massive shift. Galatians 3:24-25 says the Law was a "guardian" until Christ came along—now faith, not food, is what matters. Does the Bible tell us not to eat shrimp today? Not exactly—it's more about your soul than your belly.
Does the Bible Say Not to Eat Shrimp: What About Today?
So what's the deal today? Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp for today's Christians? Most say no. The New Testament approach is freedom—eat what you want, thank God, and roll with it. 1 Timothy 4:4-5 says, “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” Shrimp’s on the table for most believers. Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp in 2025? Nope, not unless you’re sticking to the old-school rules on purpose.
Others—Messianic Jews, Seventh-day Adventists, and individuals who have a Leviticus thingy—continue not to eat shrimp. It's religion or tradition talking. Is shrimp prohibited from eating according to the Bible for them? Okay, if under the Law, yes. Otherwise, not in most cases an issue at all—spread cocktail sauce.
Does the Bible Say Not to Eat Shrimp: Historical Vibes
Let's step back—does the Bible ever tell us never to eat shrimp from a historical basis? It would be understandable in ancient Israel to have these limitations. No refrigerator, no sophisticated cooking equipment—shrimp could have been hazardous to consume. And neighbors like the Philistines would just eat anything, so refraining from shrimp separated the Israelites. Does the Bible tell us not to eat shrimp for that reason? Partly—it's practical and symbolic. Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp because of ancient customs?
By Jesus' time, times were a-changing. Jews kept the Law, but Gentiles—non-Jews—ate whatever. When Christianity started to take hold, food rules got muddled—Acts 15's council decrees Gentiles don't need the old Law, only the basics. Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp in that case? Nope—it's in the clear for new believers.
Does the Bible Say Not to Eat Shrimp: Practical Takeaways
Where does this land us? Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp in a way that hits home now? If you’re a shrimp fan, you’re golden—Jesus and Paul say it’s fine. But it’s cool to think about why these rules existed—obedience, identity, maybe safety. Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp because it’s nasty? Not really—it’s about God’s bigger story.
If you're unsure, pray it out. Romans 14:22-23 says, "Whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God… everything that does not come from faith is sin." Shrimp bugging you? Leave it out. Does the Bible say don't eat shrimp for everybody? No—it's your faith, your choice.
Does the Bible Say Not to Eat Shrimp: Modern Debates
They still argue it out—does the Bible forbid one to eat shrimp today? Some claim the Old Testament commandments are timeless—God said it, that's it. Others claim Jesus abrogated them, that's it. Online forums are filled with it—vegans, health buffs, and Bible buffs all have their say. Does the Bible forbid the consumption of shrimp in these online forums? Does the Bible say not to eat shrimp in today’s debates? It depends on who one is talking to—but the New Testament has the loudest voice for most.
Science has something to say too—shrimp contain cholesterol, but they're packed with protein. Does the Bible instruct us not to eat shrimp for health reasons now? Not quite—it's not so much dietary as religious.
Wrapping It Up
Does the Bible, then, instruct us not to eat shrimp? Yes, in the Old Testament—Leviticus and Deuteronomy place it on the no-list for Israelites. But the New Testament—Jesus, Peter, Paul—assures us that it's okay; food is clean if God made it. Does the Bible tell us to not eat shrimp today? Not really, unless you're on the Old Testament train for philosophical reasons. It's a transition from do's and don'ts to liberty, and shrimp's just happy to come along for the ride. The next time you find yourself pining over that platter of shrimp, you can indulge—or skip it—aware the Bible has a story to share.
