Food & Ingredients From The Bible
Some of the nutritious foods we recognize today were commonly consumed in ancient times, as mentioned in the Bible. These include olives, olive oil, pomegranates, grapes, goat milk, raw honey, lamb, and bitter herbs.
This index doesn't just list every food and ingredient mentioned in the Bible; it also provides the corresponding verse and chapter along with a brief explanation of their benefits.
Fruits & Nuts
Eating fruits and nuts, as noted in the Bible, provides essential nutrients and energy, promoting overall health and well-being. These foods symbolize abundance and God's provision, exemplified in passages such as Genesis 1:29 and Proverbs 3:9-10. Their consumption reflects biblical principles of stewardship, gratitude, and holistic wellness.
- Apples (Song of Solomon 2:5)
- Almonds (Genesis 43:11; Numbers 17:8)
- Dates (2 Samuel 6:19; 1 Chronicles 16:3)
- Figs (Nehemiah 13:15; Jeremiah 24:1-3)
- Grapes (Leviticus 19:10; Deuteronomy 23:24)
- Melons (Numbers 11:5; Isaiah 1:8)
- Olives (Isaiah 17:6; Micah 6:15)
- Pistachio Nuts (Genesis 43:11)
- Pomegranates (Numbers 20:5; Deuteronomy 8:8)
- Raisins (Numbers 6:3; 2 Samuel 6:19)
- Sycamore Fruit (Psalm 78:47; Amos 7:14)
Seasonings, Spices, and Herbs
Spices and herbs consumed as food in the Bible were employed to enhance the taste of a variety of dishes, including bread, cakes, meats, soups, and stews, while also aiding in digestion. These natural additives not only impart flavor but also offer numerous health benefits. For example, coriander, which comes from cilantro seeds, is now known for its potent antioxidant properties and its ability to naturally cleanse the body. Incorporating spices and herbs into our diets can contribute to overall wellness by providing essential nutrients, aiding in digestion, and offering various medicinal properties.
- Anise (Matthew 23:23 KJV)
- Coriander (Exodus 16:31; Numbers 11:7)
- Cinnamon (Exodus 30:23; Revelation 18:13)
- Cumin (Isaiah 28:25; Matthew 23:23)
- Dill (Matthew 23:23)
- Garlic (Numbers 11:5)
- Mint (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42)
- Mustard (Matthew 13:31)
- Rue (Luke 11:42)
- Salt (Ezra 6:9; Job 6:6)