Chicken is a popular type of poultry that provides an excellent source of protein But what does the Bible say about eating chicken? This article will examine relevant biblical passages to shed light on God’s instructions regarding chicken consumption,
Old Testament Instructions on Eating Chicken
In the Old Testament God provided the Israelites with strict dietary regulations. These instructions are outlined primarily in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.
Regarding poultry consumption, God told the Israelites that they may eat any bird that is not specifically prohibited. The Bible goes on to forbid eating birds of prey and scavengers.
Specifically, Leviticus 11:13-19 states:
“And these you shall detest among the birds; they shall not be eaten; they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the kite, the falcon of any kind, every raven of any kind, the ostrich, the nighthawk, the sea gull, the hawk of any kind, the little owl, the cormorant, the short-eared owl, the barn owl, the tawny owl, the carrion vulture, the stork, the heron of any kind, the hoopoe and the bat.”
Notable in its absence from this list is the chicken. Therefore, according to these verses, eating chicken does not appear to be prohibited.
This instruction is reiterated in Deuteronomy 14:11-18, which states:
“You may eat any clean bird. But these you may not eat…the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, the black kite, any kind of falcon, any kind of raven, the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat.”
Again, the chicken is not included in the prohibited list of birds.
New Testament Guidance on Food
What about the New Testament? Did Jesus provide any guidance regarding food consumption that would supersede the Old Testament instructions?
In Mark 7 18-19 Jesus states
“Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)
This statement appears to free Christians from the Old Testament dietary constraints. Jesus seems to be indicating that no food can spiritually defile a person.
The Book of Acts also supports the idea that Christians are not bound by food restrictions:
“The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him: ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But Peter said, ‘By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.’ And the voice came to him again a second time, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’” (Acts 10:9-15)
According to this passage, the Lord told Peter to eat animals that were previously considered unclean. This vision paved the way for the gospel to be spread to the Gentiles.
Practical Advice on Eating Chicken
While the Bible does not prohibit the consumption of chicken, the apostle Paul does provide some practical advice that is applicable:
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
The key biblical principle is that all things, including eating chicken, should be done in a way that glorifies God. This means being moderate, avoiding gluttony, and being thankful for the provision.
Paul also advises:
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
So while Christians are free to eat chicken, biblical dietary choices should not become a point of contention or excessive focus. Righteousness and joy in God’s salvation should remain the priority.
The Bible promotes a spirit of freedom and thankfulness when it comes to dietary choices. While being careful to avoid gluttony, Christians can feel comfortable eating chicken in moderation as a provision from God.
So does the Bible say it’s okay to eat chicken? Yes! Chicken can be enjoyed as part of a biblical diet. As with all good gifts from God, we can partake with gratitude and for His glory.
What does unclean mean?
Things that are called unclean (Hebrew tame) in the Old Testament are the opposite of things that are called clean, pure and holy. Uncleanness separated a person from being able to worship at the temple. The emphasis was not on dirt but on God’s definition of what is pure.
As the words clean and unclean relate to animals, God used these categories to show what animals He intended for sacrifices and to be eaten.
“Animals and foods were also divided into clean and unclean classes. The clean might be eaten; the unclean were forbidden . . . Only clean animals might be offered to God as sacrifices” (Zondervan Expository Dictionary of Bible Words, 1991, p. 169).
The Bible relates following this law to being holy and being like God: “You shall be holy; for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44). It doesn’t explain exactly why specific animals are listed as clean or unclean, but we can know that whatever God tells us to do is for our good (Deuteronomy 10:13).
Does God care what animals I eat?
Yes—God created only certain animals for our consumption. Many others (such as pigs or oysters) were never intended to be food for human beings.
WHAT does the BIBLE SAY about EATING MEAT??
FAQ
Is it okay to eat chicken according to the Bible?
Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, quail and pheasants do not appear on this list of unclean birds and are considered clean—okay for us to eat. Most insects are not good to eat, but God says some insects, such as locusts, grasshoppers and crickets, are okay to eat (Leviticus 11:22).
What does Jesus say about chicken?
As part of His message of redemption, Jesus declared, “how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings” (3 Nephi 10:4). This metaphor was repeated four times in three successive verses, and was even used in three different tenses: “how oft have I gathered you and nourished you” (v.
Are chickens biblically clean to eat?
Birds such as chickens, turkeys and pheasants are not on the unclean list and therefore can be eaten.
Did people in Biblical times eat chicken?
Since the biblical laws of purity and kashrut posed no barrier, the Israelites readily accepted chickens as a source for eggs and meat once they had been …Jul 29, 2014