Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "eaters" can refer to those who consume food, but it also carries deeper spiritual and symbolic meanings. The act of eating is a fundamental human activity, and in the Bible, it often serves as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment, fellowship, and the consequences of sin.Physical Eating The Bible frequently mentions eating in the context of daily life and sustenance. In Genesis 1:29 , God provides food for humanity: "Then God said, 'Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food.'" This provision underscores God's care and the abundance of His creation. Spiritual Eating Eating is also used metaphorically to describe spiritual nourishment. In John 6:35 , Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." Here, Jesus presents Himself as the essential sustenance for spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of faith and reliance on Him for eternal satisfaction. Fellowship and Communion Eating together is a significant act of fellowship in the Bible. The Last Supper, as described in Matthew 26:26-28 , is a profound example: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is My body.' Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" This meal symbolizes the new covenant and the unity of believers in Christ. Consequences of Sin The act of eating is also associated with the consequences of sin. In Genesis 3:6 , the fall of humanity is precipitated by eating: "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." This disobedience led to the introduction of sin and death into the world, highlighting the gravity of choices and the impact of actions. Prohibitions and Dietary Laws The Old Testament contains specific dietary laws for the Israelites, as seen in Leviticus 11. These laws distinguish between clean and unclean animals, guiding the Israelites in their eating habits as a means of maintaining holiness and separation from other nations. In Acts 10:13-15 , Peter's vision challenges these restrictions: "Then a voice said to him: 'Get up, Peter, kill and eat!' 'No, Lord!' Peter answered. 'I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.' The voice spoke to him a second time: 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'" This vision signifies the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith and the removal of previous barriers. Gluttony and Self-Control The Bible warns against gluttony and the lack of self-control. Proverbs 23:20-21 advises, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags." This admonition highlights the importance of moderation and the spiritual discipline of self-control. In summary, the concept of "eaters" in the Bible encompasses both the physical act of consuming food and the broader spiritual implications of nourishment, fellowship, obedience, and self-discipline. Through these various contexts, the Bible provides guidance on how eating relates to one's relationship with God and others. Strong's Hebrew 2151b. zalal -- to be light or worthless, make light of... root Definition to be light or worthless, make light of NASB Word Usage despise (1), despised (1), glutton (2), gluttonous eaters (1), gluttons (1), worthless ... /hebrew/2151b.htm - 5k Library Acts of Peter and Andrew. 'Fragments' or 'Broken Pieces' Acts of Andrew and Matthias Bardesan. Acts and Martyrdom of St. Matthew the Apostle. Talmage -- a Bloody Monster Blessed be Thy Birth that Gladdens all Creatures! Fix Thou Our Hearing, that it be not Loosed and Wander! The virgin Mother to Her Child A Condensed Guide for Life Thesaurus Eaters (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Eaters (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). ... /e/eaters.htm - 6k Gluttonous (4 Occurrences) Unclean (393 Occurrences) Glutton (4 Occurrences) Wine-bibbers (1 Occurrence) Winebibbers (1 Occurrence) Food (2953 Occurrences) Riotous (10 Occurrences) Eater (5 Occurrences) Resources What is Epicureanism? What did Epicurus teach? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is The Acts of Paul and Thecla? | GotQuestions.org What is the behemoth? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Eaters (1 Occurrence)Proverbs 23:20 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |