What Does The Bible Say About Eating Fish?
Eating fish has been a part of human culture and religion for thousands of years. If you’re wondering what guidance the Bible offers on consuming fish and seafood, this comprehensive article will walk you through all the key passages and religious considerations around ichthyophagy.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Bible presents fish as an acceptable, healthy food to eat, with only a few exceptions.
In this approximately 3000 word article, we will examine the many references to fish in the Judeo-Christian Bible, what they signify, which types of seafood are restricted or prohibited, and lessons religious scriptures impart regarding sustainable fishing practices.
Fish as an Acceptable Food Source in the Bible
Fish Part of Original Edenic Diet
The Bible depicts fish as an integral part of God’s original perfect diet for humanity. In Genesis 1:29-30, the Creator blessed humanity with “every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to everything that moves on the earth which has life, every green plant is food”.
Green plants and their seeds were the primary divinely-ordained food sources. However, Genesis 1:26 does state that humans were to have rule/dominion over the fish of the sea. This indicates that eating fish was acceptable and part of God’s early plan.
Jesus Ate Fish; Disciples Were Fishermen
Jesus and his disciples undoubtedly consumed fish. Several disciples like Peter, James and John were fishermen by occupation (Matt. 4:18-22). Jesus fed the multitudes with fish and bread on two occasions – the feeding of the 5,000 (Mark 6:41) and the feeding of the 4,000 (Mark 8:7).
He was also offered fish as resurrected food in Luke 24:42-43. Overall, Jesus ate fish during his earthly ministry, fish was served at special gatherings, and some disciples derived their livelihood from fishing.
Fish as Wholesome, Humble Sustenance
Research indicates fish has many health benefits – rich in protein, vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids. Fish was equivalent to “fast food” in Bible times – quick, light, transportable and common fare for travelers and workers.
While wealthy or privileged individuals enjoyed meat regularly, average people consumed more grains, vegetables and fish. Consuming fish and barley loaves (John 6:9) indicates the crowd’s ordinary status. Scripture upholds those in lower positions (Luke 1;52) and values humility (1 Pet 5:6).
So we can view eating fish as aligned with a biblical theme of humility.
Restrictions and Rules Around Biblical Seafood Consumption
Prohibitions on eating shellfish, scaleless fish
The Old Testament outlines certain restrictions regarding the consumption of seafood. Shellfish and scaleless fish are considered “unclean” and prohibited according to Leviticus 11:9-12. This includes animals such as shrimp, lobster, oysters, eels, catfish, and others.
The origins of these food laws likely related to health concerns, as shellfish are more prone to spoilage and contamination in hot climates. The rules served as a religious and cultural boundary to separate the Israelites from neighboring groups.
In the New Testament, these dietary restrictions were overturned for Christian believers. As stated by Jesus in Mark 7:19, no foods are unlawful or unclean in themselves. However, some Christian groups like Seventh-day Adventists still avoid shellfish and other biblical “unclean” foods.
The majority of modern Christians do not consider these Old Testament food laws binding.
Preparation guidance under Kosher law
For observant Jewish people who keep Kosher dietary laws from the Torah, there are certain rules around preparing and eating fish:
Processing the fish according to Jewish law also makes it suitable to eat. Rabbis supervise seafood suppliers and retailers to ensure compliance with strict Kosher guidance. This allows Jewish consumers to purchase fish adhering to religious mandates outlined in texts like Leviticus 11.
Regulations on fish with fins and scales
As mentioned in the Kosher laws, acceptable fish under biblical precedent must have fins and scales:
| Allowed Fish Examples | Forbidden Fish Examples |
| Salmon | Shark |
| Tuna | Catfish |
| Cod | Lobster |
| Tilapia | Oysters |
| Herring | Octopus |
This principle eliminates marine animals like shellfish, eel, shark, catfish, squid etc. One rationale was that unsafe scavenger species would be avoided. Studies show fins and scales may allow fish to excrete toxins more easily as well.
Today, around 90% of fish consumed in America meet these biblical qualifications. As knowledge and technology improves, some consider revising the ancient laws. But the regulations uphold tradition and connectedness for observant Jews and Christians seeking biblical principles in modern times.
Examples of Miracles with Fish in the Bible
Jesus feeding the multitude with fish
One of the most well-known miracles involving fish is when Jesus fed a crowd of over 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21). As the disciples passed around the food, there was always enough to feed everyone.
This amazing miracle displayed Jesus’ divine power and compassion for people.
According to the Gospels, Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up to heaven, gave thanks, and broke the loaves and fish. As he gave them to his disciples, there was enough food to feed the whole crowd. What an incredible multiplication of food!
The fish with the coin in its mouth
In Matthew 17:24-27, Jesus directed Peter to catch a fish that had a coin in its mouth in order to pay the temple tax. Peter did as Jesus instructed and found a four-drachma coin inside the fish’s mouth. This miraculous provision displayed Jesus’ knowledge and authority.
The finding of money inside a fish seems incredulous. But we know that nothing is impossible for Jesus. Through this miracle, Jesus showed that he ultimately owns all creation and can command it as he desires.
Large catch of fish for disciples
After Jesus’ resurrection, he met his disciples by the Sea of Galilee and performed another fish-related miracle (John 21:1-14). The disciples had fished all night but caught nothing. Jesus told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat.
When they did, they caught so many fish that they struggled to haul in the nets.
This miracle echoed a similar one Jesus had performed earlier in his ministry (Luke 5:1-11). On both occasions, Jesus demonstrated his authority and provision after a night of fruitless labor. What grace and compassion he showed his followers!
Stewardship and Sustainability: Caring
for marine ecosystems
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of God’s creation (Genesis 1:26). This includes caring for the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems. Overfishing and pollution have damaged many ocean habitats and depleted fish populations.
We can honor God by supporting efforts to restore ecosystems, establish marine protected areas, reduce waste, and fish responsibly.
Organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council certify sustainable fisheries that help protect ocean biodiversity. We can also choose to eat lower on the food chain by selecting fish like anchovies, sardines, and herring that reproduce quickly rather than predator species like tuna which are declining.
Reducing plastic waste is another way to care for the oceans our Creator has blessed us with.
Avoiding overfishing
Overfishing is a major threat to ocean health and fish populations. As Christians, we are tasked with managing God’s creation responsibly (Genesis 1:28). Avoiding overfishing helps ensure the long-term sustainability of ocean resources.
We can help reduce overfishing in a few key ways. Choosing seafood certified as sustainable by groups like the Marine Stewardship Council supports fisheries that follow science-based catch limits. Selecting abundant low trophic level species like sardines and anchovies instead of depleted predators like tuna and cod takes pressure off overfished populations.
Supporting quotas, marine protected areas, and other management efforts helps maintain healthy populations and ecosystems.
In addition, reducing waste, releasing accidental catches, and avoiding illegal fishing helps sustain global fisheries for future generations. Responsible stewardship values moderation, compassion and community benefit.
Being responsible fishermen
The Bible encourages stewardship, self-control and care for creation (Genesis 1:28, Proverbs 12:10). Applying these principles to fishing means being a responsible fisherman.
Responsible fishermen adhere to catch limits, avoid restricted areas like marine reserves, and use selective gear to reduce bycatch. They refrain from illegal practices like cyanide and dynamite fishing which destroy reefs.
Responsible fishermen also avoid waste by using unwanted catches for fish meal, compost or charity.
In addition, they support stronger policies against overfishing, subsidies that encourage overcapacity, and pollution that damages marine ecosystems. By being ethical ambassadors of Christ in the way they fish, Christians can help sustain ocean resources for generations to come.
Conclusion
As we have explored, the Bible speaks extensively about fish and establishes them as both material and symbolic sustenance sanctioned by God. While a few restrictions exist related to shellfish and preparation methods, Christians and Jews are largely encouraged to respectfully harvest, steward, and be nourished by seafood and aquatic life.
Fish connect believers to righteous figures like Jesus and his fishing apostles. The many miracles involving fish remind Christians of God’s continued blessings and abundance. And the Bible’s guidance supports caring for marine ecosystems to preserve God’s gifts for future generations.
