Yes, the Bible, specifically in the Old Testament, contains clear prohibitions against eating pork.
Old Testament Dietary Laws
The book of Leviticus outlines specific dietary laws given to the ancient Israelites, distinguishing between animals considered "clean" and "unclean." These laws guided what they could and could not eat, playing a significant role in their religious and cultural identity.
According to these instructions, certain animals were declared unclean and unfit for consumption. The pig is explicitly named among these. The text states that while the pig possesses a split hoof that is completely divided, it does not chew the cud. For this reason, it is designated as unclean. Consequently, the instruction given is: "You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you."
Criteria for Clean and Unclean Land Animals
The dietary laws for land animals were based on two primary characteristics:
| Criterion | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Chews the Cud | Brings up swallowed food for re-chewing | Clean |
| Split Hoof | Has a hoof that is completely divided | Clean |
For an animal to be considered clean and permissible to eat, it had to meet both of these criteria. The pig, meeting only one criterion (split hoof but does not chew the cud), was therefore deemed unclean.
These laws were foundational for the Israelite community, serving as a part of their covenant with God and a distinction from surrounding nations. While these specific dietary restrictions are primarily found in the Old Testament and have different interpretations in various Christian traditions today, the prohibition against eating pork is explicitly stated within the biblical text.
For more details on biblical texts and their interpretations, you can refer to comprehensive online Bible resources like Bible Gateway.
