Whether for health, ethics, or spirituality, veganism is a lifestyle choice for many. Let’s explore the biblical perspective on diet and compassion through verses that shed light on the principles of plant-based living.
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Bible Verses About Veganism
Genesis 1:29
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”
This verse reveals God’s original plan for humanity’s diet – a plant-based diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds. It demonstrates God’s provision of nourishment through the abundance of plants, emphasizing a vegan lifestyle.
Isaiah 11:6-9
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”
This verse portrays a future vision of harmony and peace, depicting a world where all creatures coexist without violence. It implies that in a restored creation, animals will no longer be prey to one another, and even fierce predators will adopt a plant-based diet, aligning with the principles of veganism.
Daniel 1:8
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
This verse highlights Daniel’s commitment to remain faithful to God’s dietary laws. He chose not to partake in the rich and indulgent royal food and wine but instead requested to consume only vegetables and water. Daniel’s choice reflects his commitment to a vegan lifestyle and his desire to honor God through his diet.
Romans 14:21
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
This verse emphasizes the importance of considering the impact of our actions on others. It suggests that if abstaining from eating meat or drinking wine can prevent a fellow believer from stumbling or struggling with their own convictions, it is better to choose a vegan lifestyle to promote unity and love within the Christian community.
Genesis 9:3
Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.
After the flood, God granted permission for humans to consume animals for food. However, it is vital to note that this verse does not mandate the consumption of animals, but rather permits it. It does not negate the benefits and merits of a vegan lifestyle, as demonstrated in the biblical examples of Daniel and the original dietary plan in Genesis 1:29.
Proverbs 12:10
The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
This verse emphasizes the importance of compassion and kindness towards animals. It implies that those who are righteous and follow God’s ways will prioritize the well-being and care of animals. This aligns with vegan principles that advocate for the ethical treatment of animals and the avoidance of their exploitation for human consumption.
Isaiah 66:3
But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a person, and whoever offers a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig’s blood, and whoever burns memorial incense is like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations.
This verse highlights the importance of the heart and motive behind religious rituals and sacrifices. It suggests that simply going through the motions of offering animal sacrifices without true devotion and purity of heart is comparable to engaging in abominable acts. It serves as a reminder that veganism, which avoids animal sacrifice and cruelty, aligns with a genuine desire to choose God’s ways and delight in righteousness.
Hosea 2:18
In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky and the creatures that move along the ground. Bow and sword and battle, I will abolish from the land, so that all may lie down in safety.
This verse prophetically portrays a time when God will establish a covenant between humans and animals, fostering peace and harmony. It suggests that a vegan lifestyle is in line with God’s ultimate plan for restoration, free from violence and exploitation towards His creation.
1 Corinthians 8:13
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.
This verse emphasizes the importance of considering the spiritual well-being of others above personal preferences. It suggests that if consuming meat could lead a fellow believer into sin or create a stumbling block, one should be willing to forgo it. This mindset aligns with the compassionate and selfless nature of veganism, which seeks to avoid causing harm or leading others astray.
Isaiah 1:11-17
“The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?” says the LORD. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations— I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
This passage criticizes the Israelites for their external religious acts while neglecting justice, oppression, and the plight of the vulnerable. It implies that God’s true desire is for His people to live righteous and compassionate lives rather than engaging in empty religious rituals. Adopting a vegan lifestyle can be seen as a manifestation of seeking justice, defending the oppressed, and showing compassion towards all living beings, aligning with God’s true heart.
Proverbs 15:17
Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.
This verse highlights the importance of love, kindness, and contentment over lavish indulgence. It suggests that a simple meal consisting of vegetables shared in love is more valuable and pleasing to God than a grand feast obtained through hatred or cruelty. It reflects the idea that veganism, which promotes compassion and kindness towards animals, is a more virtuous choice than supporting the exploitation of sentient beings.
Proverbs 21:20
The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.
This verse speaks to the importance of wise and intentional stewardship of resources, including food. It implies that wise individuals choose high-quality and nutritious food, such as the abundance of plant-based options, while fools consume without discernment or consideration. It suggests that veganism, which encourages mindful and sustainable eating choices, aligns with wisdom and responsible stewardship.
Genesis 2:15
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
This verse reveals humanity’s original responsibility to take care of God’s creation. It implies that as stewards of the earth, humans have a role in preserving and nurturing the environment and its inhabitants. Embracing a vegan lifestyle can be viewed as a way of fulfilling this responsibility by reducing the negative impact of animal agriculture on the planet.
1 Timothy 4:3-4
They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.
This verse addresses the false teachings that prohibited marriage and restricted certain foods. It affirms that all foods created by God are good and can be enjoyed with gratitude. While this verse does not explicitly advocate for veganism, it implies that plant-based foods are a valid and nutritious choice that can be received with thanksgiving and enjoyed by believers.
Jeremiah 7:22
For when I brought your ancestors out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.
This verse reflects God’s desire for His people to prioritize obedience to His commands rather than solely focusing on religious rituals and sacrifices. It suggests that following God’s guidance and living in alignment with His principles of love, compassion, and justice is paramount. Veganism, as an expression of these values, can be seen as a way of walking obediently and pleasingly before God.
Romans 14:2
One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.
This verse acknowledges that individuals may have different convictions and personal preferences regarding their diet. While some may have the freedom to consume any food, others may choose to abstain from certain foods for various reasons, including personal beliefs or health concerns. This verse highlights the importance of respecting one another’s convictions and demonstrates that a vegan lifestyle can be a valid expression of faith for those with weaker consciences.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
This verse emphasizes the overarching principle of living a life that brings glory to God in all aspects, including our eating habits. It suggests that the choices we make, including our dietary choices, should be motivated by a desire to honor and glorify God. Adopting a vegan lifestyle can be seen as a way of aligning our values with compassion, justice, and responsible stewardship, ultimately bringing glory to God.
Psalm 145:9
The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
This verse declares God’s goodness and compassion towards all His creation. It implies that God’s love extends to all beings, including animals. It encourages believers to reflect this same compassion and kindness by showing care and respect towards animals. Veganism, which abstains from using animals for food or exploitation, demonstrates a desire to align with God’s compassion and love for all creatures.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring and glorifying God in everything we do. It suggests that our actions should align with our faith and reflect our devotion to Jesus Christ. By adopting a vegan lifestyle, we can live out this verse by manifesting our values of compassion, justice, and responsible stewardship, ultimately offering thanks to God for His creation.
Luke 12:6
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
This verse points out God’s care and concern for even the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures. It reminds believers that God has a deep love and awareness of all His creation, including animals. It encourages the adoption of a vegan lifestyle as a way of aligning our actions with God’s heart for His creation.
Romans 8:19-21
For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
This passage highlights the longing of creation for the restoration and liberation that will occur upon the revelation of God’s children. It suggests that all creation, including animals and the environment, eagerly anticipates the coming of God’s redemption. Veganism can be viewed as a way of participating in this hope by reducing the exploitation and suffering inflicted upon creation.
Psalm 104:14-15
He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.
This verse emphasizes God’s provision of plants and vegetation that sustain both humans and animals. It highlights the beauty and diversity of these natural resources and their importance in nourishing and sustaining life. Adopting a vegan lifestyle can be seen as a way of appreciating and utilizing these abundant plant-based gifts from God.
Psalm 36:6
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
This verse acknowledges God’s preservation and care for both humanity and the animal kingdom. It reminds believers that God’s justice is all-encompassing and extends to all living beings. It encourages the adoption of a vegan lifestyle as a way of participating in God’s preserving and compassionate work towards animals.
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
This passage highlights the type of fasting that pleases God – one that extends beyond mere food restrictions to active compassion and justice towards those in need. It suggests that true fasting includes a concern for the marginalized and oppressed. Veganism, which refrains from supporting the exploitation and suffering of animals, aligns with this concept by seeking justice and mercy for all of God’s creation.
Psalm 104:21
The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God.
This verse acknowledges God’s provision for the food needs of animals, including carnivorous animals like lions. It reminds believers that all creatures depend on God’s sustenance and care. It also implies that animals, in their natural state, seek their food from God rather than from human exploitation. Veganism can be seen as a way of honoring and respecting this aspect of God’s design and provision for the animal kingdom.