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eating in the Bible

The ancient Hebrews would not eat with the Egyptians (Genesis 43:32). In the time of our Lord they would not eat with Samaritans (John 4:9), and were astonished that he ate with publicans and sinners (Matthew 9:11).

The Hebrews originally sat at tables, but afterwards adopted the Persian and Chaldean practice of reclining (Luke 7:36-50).

Their principal meal was at noon (Genesis 43:16; 1 Kings 20:16; Ruth 2:14; Luke 14:12).

Women were apparently rarely present as guests at meals.

The word “eat” is used metaphorically in Jeremiah 15:16; Ezek. 3:1; Rev. 10:9.

In John 6:53-58, “eating and drinking” means believing in Christ.

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down out of heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. He who eats this bread will live forever.” —John 6:53-58 LSB

See: The Lord’s Supper

Bread of angels / angels’ food

When the Psalmist called manna “angels’ food” or “bread of angels,” this is merely to describe its heavenly excellence (Psalm 78:25 KJV; Psa. 78:25 NASB). Angels are spirit beings, having no requirement of food.

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Article Version: April 28, 2024