DIET AND HEALTH IN THE BIBLE

“Therefore, do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink…” — Colossians 2:16 (MSB)

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What Does This Mean?

Does this mean:

• You can eat any plant?

• You can eat any animal?

• You can drink anything?

 

To answer these questions, we must look at the Bible’s progressive teaching on diet from Creation onward.

 

God’s Original Diet for Humanity (Before Sin)

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“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘From every tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.’” — Genesis 2:16–17 (MSB)

Before the fall into sin, humanity’s diet consisted of fruits and seed-bearing plants:

“Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you.” — Genesis 1:29 (MSB)

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1. Every Plant Yielding Seed

(Herb bearing seed — non‑woody seed plants)

• Grains: wheat, corn, rye, barley, rice, oats, millet

• Seeds: sunflower, sesame, flax, pumpkin seeds

• Legumes: lentils, peas, soybeans, peanuts, beans

• Seed‑bearing vegetables: eggplant, okra, bell peppers, squash, green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, melons

 

2. Every Tree Yielding Fruit with Seed

(Woody perennial plants)

• Fruits: citrus, sweet fruits, palm fruits

• Nuts: almonds, pecans, cashews, Brazil nuts, walnuts

After the Fall: Plants of the Field Added

After sin entered the world, humanity was expelled from the Garden of Eden and lost access to the Tree of Life. Labor and hardship followed, and additional plant foods were introduced.

“Cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life… You shall eat the plants of the field.” — Genesis 3:17–18 (MSB)

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3. Plants of the Field (Green Herbs)

• Leaves: beet greens, cabbage, collards, Brussels sprouts

• Flowers: broccoli, cauliflower, globe artichoke

• Roots: carrots, beets, potatoes, turnips

Although these vegetables were not part of the original Edenic diet, they were added by God and remain part of human nutrition today.

The Hebrew word translated herb (*ʿēśeb*) appears 33 times in 32 verses. While modern readers may not understand every plant referenced, Scripture records no instance of someone dying from eating a poisonous plant, indicating clear divine instruction and understanding.

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After the Flood: Permission to Eat Animal Flesh

Following the Flood, dramatic changes to climate and soil made it difficult to sustain life on plant foods alone in all regions.

“Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you everything, as I gave the green plant. Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.” — Genesis 9:3–4 (MSB)

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“For every creation of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”— 1 Timothy 4:4–5 (MSB)

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4. Flesh of Animals (With Restrictions)

Key principles:

1. God reiterates permission to eat green plants.

2. The focus is specifically on flesh, not other animal parts.

3. Blood must be fully drained from the animal.

This command was given approximately 1,656 years after Creation.  People understood which animals were healthy to eat and avoided diseased flesh.  Even today, consuming diseased animals poses serious danger.

The Command: Eat No Blood

“You shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.” — Genesis 9:4 (MSB)

“You shall not eat any blood, either of bird or animal… Whoever eats any blood, that person shall be cut off from his people.” — Leviticus 7:26–27 (MSB)

Note: This command forbids eating blood, not life‑saving medical procedures.  Blood transfusions given to save life do not violate this principle.

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Alcohol in Scripture

The Bible speaks of two kinds of wine:

1. Fresh grape juice (Genesis 40:11)

2. Fermented wine (containing alcohol)

Scripture does not contain an absolute prohibition against alcohol, but it consistently condemns drunkenness and loss of self‑control.

“Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.” — Proverbs 23:31 (MSB)

This warning addresses desire and attachment, not mere observation. The danger lies in intoxication and dependence.

Strong Warnings Against Drunkenness

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.” — Proverbs 20:1 (MSB)

“Woe to those who are mighty at drinking wine.” — Isaiah 5:22 (MSB)

“Nor drunkards… will inherit the kingdom of God.” — 1 Corinthians 6:10 (MSB)

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Practical Biblical Principles Regarding Alcohol

1. Alcohol must always be used with restraint.

2. Historically, wine was diluted with water.

3. Pastors should abstain.

4. Deacons must not be devoted to much wine.

5. Anyone in bondage to alcohol should abstain completely.

6. Avoid anything that becomes a stumbling block to others (Matthew 18:6).

7. Christians are commanded to be sober‑minded and spiritually alert (1 Thessalonians 5:4–7).

8. Drunkenness leads to moral recklessness (Ephesians 5:18).

9. Even modern science affirms that moderation is safest.

 

Are We Forgetting Some of the Benefits of Alcohol Recorded in the Bible?

Throughout history, alcohol has played a notable role in medical practices in North America and many other parts of the world.  It is commonly used for pain relief, as a disinfectant for wounds, and as a mild sedative when other medical options are limited. This practice dates back centuries and reflects how societies relied on alcohol as a readily available remedy prior to modern medicine.  Scripture itself acknowledges the medicinal uses.  The apostle Paul instructed Timothy, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (1 Timothy 5:23, MSB). Likewise, in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, the wounded man’s injuries were treated when the Samaritan “bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine” (Luke 10:34, MSB).

 

Therefore, it is important to remember that complete abstinence from alcohol in every circumstance was not historically practiced nor is biblically required.  There were legitimate and limited reasons for its use, particularly for medicinal or compassionate purposes.  Scripture even acknowledges wine being given in moments of severe distress: “Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul” (Proverbs 31:6, MSB).  At the same time, Scripture calls believers to exercise love and restraint, reminding us not to cause spiritual harm to others: “Determine not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way” (Romans 14:13, MSB).  If our actions injure the conscience of another believer, Paul warns that “you are no longer walking in love” (Romans 14:15a, MSB).  Therefore, in order to walk in love and avoid causing offense or harm, we will not be serving any wine or other alcoholic beverages at any of our church fellowships or gatherings.

 

You Are the Temple of God

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 (MSB)

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” — 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 (MSB)

“Therefore glorify God in your body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (MSB)

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Conclusion

Follow God’s direction for good health, long life, and spiritual clarity.

“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” — 3 John 2 (MSB)

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Many people struggle with health, nutrition, and diet.  If you are interested in helping members and guests of our church who are facing challenges in these areas—and who are requesting assistance—please fill out an opportunity card.  From time to time, we may ask you to lead an exercise class or speak on health and nutrition at one of our conferences.  All music must be approved by an elder.