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Foods in the Bible

Foods in the Bible: A Complete Guide with Scripture References (KJV)

Christian Faith Feb 21, 2026

Food is not incidental in Scripture — it is theological, cultural, covenantal, and symbolic.

From the forbidden fruit in Genesis to the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation, food frames the biblical narrative. Understanding foods in the Bible helps us grasp: Remote Pastor is not Biblical

  • Ancient Near Eastern culture
  • Covenant symbolism
  • Typology pointing to Christ
  • Principles of stewardship and provision

This guide presents a categorized, Scripture-based list of foods mentioned in the Bible (KJV), along with contextual insight.

1. Grains and Bread in the Bible

Grains were the foundation of the biblical diet.

Bread

  • Genesis 3:19
  • Exodus 12:15
  • Matthew 4:4
  • John 6:35

Bread symbolized sustenance and, ultimately, Christ Himself.

Unleavened Bread

  • Exodus 12:8
  • 1 Corinthians 5:7–8

Represents purity and separation from corruption.

Wheat

  • Matthew 3:12
  • Matthew 13:25

Often contrasted with tares (false believers).

Barley

  • Ruth 2:23
  • John 6:9

Barley was considered a poorer grain — yet used in Christ’s miracle of feeding the 5,000.

Parched Corn (Roasted Grain)

  • Leviticus 23:14
  • 1 Samuel 17:17

A practical, portable food.

2. Fruits Mentioned in Scripture

Fruit represented blessing, fertility, and covenant abundance. The Purpose of Preaching in a Local Church

Grapes

Central to wine production and covenant imagery.

Figs

  • 1 Samuel 25:18
  • Mark 11:13

Used as both provision and prophetic symbolism.

Pomegranates

  • Exodus 28:33
  • Deuteronomy 8:8

Associated with priestly garments and promised land abundance.

Dates (Honey)

  • Deuteronomy 8:8

Likely referring to date syrup — a primary sweetener.

Raisins

  • 1 Samuel 25:18
  • 2 Samuel 6:19

Used in celebratory distributions.

Apples

  • Song of Solomon 2:3

Symbol of delight and affection.

3. Oils and Sweeteners

Olive Oil

  • Exodus 27:20
  • James 5:14

Used for:

  • Lighting
  • Cooking
  • Anointing
  • Healing

Honey

  • Exodus 3:8
  • Proverbs 24:13

Symbol of sweetness and prosperity.

Butter / Curds

  • Genesis 18:8
  • Isaiah 7:15

Dairy products were common in pastoral life.

4. Meat and Protein in the Bible

Meat was typically reserved for feasts and special occasions.

Lamb

  • Exodus 12:5–8
  • John 1:29

Theologically central to redemption.

Calf / Beef

  • Genesis 18:7
  • Luke 15:23

Sign of honor and celebration.

Quail

  • Exodus 16:13
  • Numbers 11:31

God’s provision in the wilderness.

Fish

  • Matthew 14:17
  • Luke 24:42–43

Common in Galilean diet.

Locusts

  • Matthew 3:4

Part of John the Baptist’s austere lifestyle.

Venison

  • Genesis 25:28

Game meat hunted by Esau.

5. Vegetables and Legumes

Lentils

  • Genesis 25:34
  • 2 Samuel 17:28

Famously linked to Esau’s birthright.

Beans

  • Ezekiel 4:9

Mentioned in prophetic symbolism.

Cucumbers & Melons

  • Numbers 11:5

Foods Israel remembered from Egypt.

Onions & Garlic

  • Numbers 11:5

Comfort foods of Egyptian bondage.

Bitter Herbs

  • Exodus 12:8

Symbolized suffering during Passover.

6. Drinks in the Bible

Wine

  • Genesis 14:18
  • John 2:1–11
  • 1 Timothy 5:23

Associated with covenant, joy, and warnings against excess.

Water

  • Exodus 17:6
  • John 4:14

Essential for survival and spiritual metaphor.

Milk

  • Exodus 3:8
  • 1 Peter 2:2

Symbol of nourishment and growth.

7. Unique and Supernatural Foods

Manna

  • Exodus 16:14–15
  • Psalm 78:24
  • John 6:31–35

Heavenly provision pointing to Christ.

Honeycomb

  • Luke 24:42

Part of Christ’s post-resurrection meal.

Cheese

  • 1 Samuel 17:18
  • 2 Samuel 17:29

Portable dairy product.

The Seven Foods of the Promised Land

Deuteronomy 8:8 lists:

  • Wheat
  • Barley
  • Grapes
  • Figs
  • Pomegranates
  • Olives
  • Honey

These represented covenant abundance and agricultural stability.

What Did People Eat in Biblical Times?

Daily diet generally included:

  • Bread
  • Olive oil
  • Fruits
  • Lentils
  • Fish (regional)
  • Occasionally meat

Food reflected:

  • Geography
  • Social status
  • Religious law
  • Covenant observance

Spiritual Lessons from Biblical Foods

  • Bread → Christ as sustainer (John 6:35)
  • Lamb → Atonement
  • Wine → Covenant
  • Olive Oil → Anointing
  • Manna → Divine dependence

Food in Scripture is never merely physical — it is theological.

Conclusion

Understanding foods in the Bible deepens both historical knowledge and spiritual insight. Scripture uses everyday meals to reveal eternal truths.

From Eden to the marriage supper of the Lamb, food tells the story of redemption.

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