Are All Dietary Laws Really That Clear?
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 12:20 contradicts Leviticus 11:46-47, Genesis 1:29, Ezekiel 4:14, Isaiah 65:4 and Romans 14:21. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible contains various teachings that might seem to contradict each other, especially when it comes to dietary laws. On one hand, Deuteronomy 12:20 suggests a generous provision for the Israelites, stating that God promised to expand their land and allow them to eat meat according to their heart's desire. This portrays a caring God who acknowledges the desires and needs of His people.
However, when we examine other parts of the scripture, a more complex picture emerges. For instance, Leviticus 11:46-47 outlines a series of dietary restrictions, describing animals that are deemed clean and unclean. This implies a more regulated approach to eating, contrasting with the apparent freedom in Deuteronomy.
Similarly, Genesis 1:29 paints a picture of a plant-based diet given to humanity in the beginning, further complicating the narrative of unrestricted meat consumption. So, how do these verses reconcile with each other?
The contradiction deepens with Ezekiel 4:14, where the prophet expresses his adherence to a strict diet, refusing defiled meat. This further emphasizes a commitment to follow dietary laws more stringent than the license suggested in Deuteronomy.
Isaiah 65:4 criticizes the consumption of swine's flesh, marking it as something undesirable. This stands in stark contrast to the broader freedom seemingly offered in Deuteronomy.
Finally, in the New Testament, Romans 14:21 advises believers to abstain from meat if it risks causing another person to stumble. This introduces a different dimension—moral and communal considerations—that can limit the freedom granted in earlier texts.
Just like the evolving rules of a game, where new editions bring revised regulations that seem to challenge earlier versions, these verses illustrate a dynamic tension in biblical dietary instructions. The question remains: are these contradictions or complementary pieces of a larger divine plan?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 12:20 | When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after. |
| 2. | Leviticus 11:46-47 | This [is] the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth: |
| 3. | Genesis 1:29 | And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. [bearing...: Heb. seeding seed] [yielding...: Heb. seeding seed] |
| 4. | Ezekiel 4:14 | Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth. |
| 5. | Isaiah 65:4 | Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels; [broth: or, pieces] |
| 6. | Romans 14:21 | [It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. |