Does God disapprove of eating shrimp?

Definition and Scope

This entry explores relevant passages and themes to address whether shrimp is disapproved as food. It examines the biblical instructions found in the Old Testament and the points raised in several New Testament passages. Additionally, it considers how various believers have viewed dietary laws throughout history.

Old Testament Dietary Laws

Leviticus 11 outlines guidelines on what are considered clean and unclean foods. Regarding creatures in the water, the text states:

“Of all that live in the water, you may eat anything with fins and scales.” (Leviticus 11:9)

In contrast, shellfish (such as shrimp) lack fins and scales. The passage further notes:

“Anything in the seas or streams that does not have fins and scales…is detestable to you.” (Leviticus 11:10)

Within ancient Israel’s covenant, shrimp and similar sea creatures were deemed “unclean.” (cf. Leviticus 11:11–12)

Purpose Behind Old Testament Laws

Dietary regulations served several functions for the Israelites, including ceremonial purity, distinctiveness from surrounding nations, and adherence to divine commands (cf. Leviticus 20:25–26). Scholars have noted that these laws reinforced an identity set apart from cultures where certain foods were consumed freely.

Transition in the New Testament

With the arrival of the New Covenant highlighted in the New Testament, certain rituals and dietary restrictions from Mosaic Law underwent a significant shift. In Mark’s Gospel, one finds teaching such as:

“Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him.” (Mark 7:15)

This teaching underscores the principle that external factors, including food, are not ultimately what make someone impure.

Peter’s Vision and Implications

Another notable passage is Acts 10, where Peter has a vision of various animals previously classified as unclean. Three times, a voice instructs him to “Kill and eat.” Although the immediate context addresses accepting Gentiles into the faith, this vision also conveys a broader transformation in the perception of unclean foods. Shortly afterward, Peter declares:

“God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.” (Acts 10:28)

While this addresses the inclusion of non-Jewish believers, many interpret it as an indication that the Old Covenant restrictions lost their binding force in the New Covenant era (cf. Acts 15).

Later New Testament References

The Apostle Paul addresses dietary freedom multiple times. To Timothy, he explains:

“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected...” (1 Timothy 4:4)

This verse is understood by many to include all foods—once received with gratitude and a clear conscience.

Conscience and Christian Liberty

Romans 14 discusses how believers handle disputable matters. Some may choose to be more cautious about food out of personal conviction, while others feel free to eat anything. Paul exhorts readers to avoid placing stumbling blocks in each other’s way and to act according to faith and love.

Current Perspectives

Across differing traditions, there is general consensus that, under the New Covenant, shrimp does not remain prohibited. Nonetheless, certain groups continue to observe Old Testament dietary instructions out of tradition or conviction. Even so, the dominant view holds that ceremonial or ritual defilement no longer applies to believers under the New Covenant.

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, many see no spiritual prohibition regarding shrimp consumption. Yet individual believers often evaluate health concerns, personal convictions, or even environmental factors when making dietary choices. The guiding principle emerges from passages that remind people to do all things for the glory of God and in consideration of their own conscience (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:31).

Conclusion

Biblically, the initial prohibition of shrimp is found within the Levitical dietary laws. However, the New Testament’s emphasis on spiritual purity rather than ceremonial observance, combined with passages showing the broad acceptance of previously restricted foods, indicates that shrimp is generally not disapproved under the New Covenant. While certain traditions may observe some or all of the Old Testament dietary laws, a widely accepted reading of New Testament teachings holds that consuming shrimp is permissible for believers today.