The Bible's Seafood Sin: What You Need To Know

The consumption of seafood is a topic of debate among biblical scholars, with some arguing that certain shellfish are prohibited in the Bible. In Leviticus 11:9-12, the Bible states: These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat... And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers... they shall be an abomination unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh. This passage suggests that only seafood with fins and scales, such as fish, is permissible to eat, while shellfish like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, which lack fins and scales, are considered abominations and are forbidden. However, interpretations vary, and some argue that this restriction was meant to teach obedience and no longer applies under the New Covenant established by Jesus. Acts 10 and 1 Timothy 4:4 in the Bible also suggest that all foods are cleansed and can be consumed.

Shellfish are an abomination

In the Bible, Leviticus 11:9-12 states:

> And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you: They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcasses in abomination. Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.

This passage clearly indicates that shellfish, which lack fins and scales, are considered "an abomination" and are forbidden for consumption. The use of the word "abomination" here signifies that shellfish are seen as repulsive and detestable in the eyes of God. This sentiment is echoed in Deuteronomy 14:9-10, which also includes shellfish among the "unclean" animals that should not be eaten according to Jewish dietary laws.

The reasoning behind this prohibition likely stems from the unsanitary conditions of the time. In Mosaic times, people did not wash their hands regularly, and there was a lack of running water. Shellfish, which feed on dead fish and other debris, were particularly susceptible to carrying harmful bacteria and parasites. As a result, God prohibited the consumption of shellfish to protect His people from falling ill due to contaminated food.

While some may argue that modern sanitation practices render shellfish safe for consumption, it is important to respect the cultural and religious significance of these dietary restrictions. Additionally, the Bible emphasizes obedience to God's commandments, and eating shellfish directly contradicts His instructions in Leviticus.

In conclusion, the Bible clearly states that shellfish are an abomination and should not be consumed. This directive, like other dietary laws in the Bible, was likely intended to safeguard the health and well-being of God's followers during a time when sanitation practices were limited.

God cleansed all foods

The Bible does not explicitly state that eating seafood is a sin. However, there are passages in the Old Testament that suggest certain types of seafood were considered "unclean" and, therefore, not suitable for consumption according to Jewish dietary laws. For example, Leviticus 11:9-12 and Deuteronomy 14:9-10 list shellfish like shrimp, crab, and lobster among the "unclean" animals.

However, interpretations of these guidelines vary, and it is important to note that Jesus, as a Jew, would have followed these laws. In the New Testament, there is a shift towards declaring all foods clean, suggesting that dietary restrictions are no longer as significant.

In Mark 7:19, Jesus says, "It doesn't go into your heart but into your stomach, and then out of your body." By saying this, Jesus meant that all foods were fit to eat, thereby declaring all foods clean. This idea is further reinforced in Acts 10:15, where God tells Peter, "What God has cleansed, do not call common." This passage is often interpreted as a symbolic vision about the inclusion of Gentiles, but some also apply it to food, understanding it as God cleansing all foods.

Additionally, 1 Timothy 4:4-5 states, "For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer." This verse suggests that all of God's creations are good and can be received with thanksgiving, further reinforcing the idea that God has cleansed all foods.

In summary, while the Old Testament contains dietary restrictions that include certain types of seafood, the New Testament shifts towards declaring all foods clean, suggesting that God has cleansed all foods and that they can be received with gratitude and eaten without restriction.

Dietary rules are for Jews, not Christians

The Bible states that the Jews were not supposed to eat shellfish. In Leviticus, it is written:

> And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you: They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcasses in abomination. Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.

This rule is part of the "Jewish" dietary laws, and different religious interpretations vary in their adherence to these guidelines. The New Covenant, established by Jesus, does not include these dietary restrictions. In Colossians, Paul describes those who are judging the Colossians for their food choices as promoting human traditions and precepts, self-made religion, asceticism, and severity to the body.

In Acts, Peter is commanded by God in a vision to “kill and eat” when presented with a variety of animals he considered unclean. God responds, "What God has cleansed you must not call common". This is interpreted as being about the gentiles, not food.

In Matthew, Jesus says:

> It’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.

This passage is about hand washing before eating, but it also emphasises that it is not food that makes a person unclean.

God was protecting his people from harmful food

In the Bible, Leviticus 11:9-12 states:

> And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you: They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcasses in abomination. Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.

This passage suggests that the Jewish people were forbidden from eating certain types of seafood, specifically those without fins and scales. While some may interpret this restriction as a sin, it is important to consider the context and the cultural practices of the time.

During the time of Moses, the people of Israel had limited access to clean water sources and lacked advanced food preparation techniques. Shellfish, for example, were bottom feeders that consumed dead fish and other contaminated substances. Without proper cleaning and cooking methods, consuming such seafood could pose significant health risks. As a result, God's instruction to abstain from certain seafood can be understood as a means of safeguarding the Israelites from harmful food sources.

In Acts 10, God speaks to Peter in a vision, commanding him to "kill and eat" even what he considers unclean. This passage suggests that God was not only addressing dietary restrictions but also symbolically conveying a message about the inclusion of Gentiles, who were once considered unclean. By declaring that "what God has cleansed, you must not call unclean," God was not only addressing food but also emphasizing the spiritual cleansing of all people, regardless of their background.

Additionally, in 1 Timothy 4:4, the Bible states, "For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused if it is received with gratitude." This verse indicates that all of God's creations, including seafood, are inherently good and can be consumed with thankfulness.

While the Old Testament dietary laws served their purpose in protecting the Israelites from harmful foods, the New Testament brings a shift in perspective. Jesus' sacrifice and the establishment of the New Covenant open up the possibility of interpreting these laws in a new light. As Colossians 2:16-17 states, "Let no one judge you in food or drink," emphasizing that Christians should not be bound by strict dietary restrictions but instead focus on their faith and gratitude for God's provisions.

In conclusion, while the Bible does contain passages that restrict the consumption of certain seafood, the primary purpose behind these instructions was to protect God's people from harmful food sources during a time when sanitation and food preparation methods were limited. With the coming of Jesus and the establishment of the New Covenant, Christians are no longer bound by these restrictions in the same way, recognizing that all of God's creations are good and can be received with thankfulness.

The New Covenant still involves following God's law

The Bible makes it clear that God's law is still relevant under the New Covenant. While Jesus fulfilled the law, this does not mean that God's commandments are done away with or are no longer important. On the contrary, Jesus himself said that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). This fulfillment of the law by Jesus means that he perfectly obeyed all of God's commandments and, in doing so, fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law that we could not fulfill because of our sin.

Under the New Covenant, God's law is written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33), meaning that we are internally motivated to obey God, not just out of obligation but out of gratitude and love for Him. This is the result of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit in our lives when we place our faith in Christ. We are no longer under the curse of the law because Christ redeemed us from that curse (Galatians 3:13). However, this does not mean that the moral principles and commandments of the law are no longer relevant.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul emphasizes that we are not justified by works of the law but by faith in Christ (Galatians 2:16). This does not mean that we are free to disregard the law but that our obedience to the law is now motivated by love and gratitude, not fear of punishment. Paul himself still kept the law, even circumcising Timothy (Acts 16:3), and he regulated his behavior according to its principles (1 Corinthians 9:20-21). So, for Paul, the law was still a standard for holy living, but it was no longer a means of justification or a burden to be borne.

The New Covenant does involve a change in how the law is applied and understood in certain respects. For example, many of the ceremonial and sacrificial laws of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Christ and are no longer necessary (Hebrews 7:18-19, 10:1). But the moral law, as summarized in the Ten Commandments and expounded upon throughout Scripture, remains in force. Jesus affirmed the continuing validity of the commandments regarding murder, adultery, stealing, bearing false witness, and honoring father and mother (Matthew 19:17-19).

So, when considering the consumption of seafood, the principle of "clean" and "unclean" foods in the Old Testament (Leviticus 11) must be understood in light of the New Covenant. The apostle Peter's vision in Acts 10, in which God declared that "what God has made clean, do not call common" (Acts 10:15), indicates a shift. This vision was about including Gentiles in the early Christian community, but it also symbolically communicated that the distinction between clean and unclean foods was no longer to be observed in the same way.

In summary, the New Covenant does not abolish God's law but fulfills it and writes it on our hearts. We obey the law out of love and gratitude, understanding that the moral principles and commandments remain in force, while the ceremonial and sacrificial laws have been fulfilled in Christ. So, while the Old Testament prohibition on certain "unclean" foods may not be directly applicable in the same way today, the underlying principles of holiness and obedience still guide our dietary choices as we seek to honor God in all areas of life under the New Covenant.

Frequently asked questions