Written by Paul J Bucknell on November, 30, 2023

1 Timothy 4:1-5 Eating Foods: Unclean and Clean

Sir, please explain to me what this means if the law of unclean and clean animals is still valid today? —Question from reader

Let’s first look at the verses more specifically.

“It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.” (Mat 15:11).

“¹ But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, ² by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, ³ men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; ⁵ for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:1-5, NASB).

God played a significant role in shaping the culture of the Jews in the Old Testament, including their dietary habits. Some foods were considered unclean and were prohibited. However, Jesus made some interesting observations on this matter. Let’s take a closer look at his teachings.

1) What did Jesus teach about eating foods?

First, Jesus did not tell the Jews to eat all foods in Matthew 15:11. At that time, under the Old Covenant, it was essential that Jesus and the other Jews obey God and eat according to the Law. Jesus fulfilled the Law.

However, Jesus’ teaching showed how eating or refraining from certain foods couldn’t make someone holy. It didn’t address mankind’s deepest needs.

The issue comes down to our hearts’ evil inclination, which defiles our lives. That is what is sinful. Jesus tells them their evil words betray their evil hearts—with guile, lying, flattery, etc. He expands later on,

“¹⁸ But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and those things defile the person. ¹⁹ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, acts of adultery, other immoral sexual acts, thefts, false testimonies, and slanderous statements. ²⁰ These are the things that defile the person; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the person.”(Mat 15:18-20).

The sinful heart produces all sorts of sin. By saying this, Jesus pointed to the need for the New Covenant. Keeping the Old Testament Law would not make them holy because sin’s roots go far deeper into our fallen and evil nature. Under the New Covenant, where Jesus died for people’s sins, people who believe in Christ could find full forgiveness.

Check out the BFF NT Digital Library, which includes all our New Testament resources.

2) What does Paul teach about foods in 1 Timothy 4:4-5?

In 1 Timothy, Paul addresses a cult-like group that taught that abstaining from certain foods and marriage could make one more spiritual and acceptable before God. Paul completely countered this false teaching by presenting truths from Genesis 1-2.

God created everything good. We can freely enjoy these things, rather than deceive ourselves, thinking we are more holy by abstaining from certain foods.

“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; ⁵ for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer” (1 Tim 4:4-5).

Prayer shows we recognize and appreciate God’s creation (God made everything good).
God’s provision for us (He takes care of us).
God reveals His purpose (He wants us to live and enjoy what He has made).

3) Are the OT food laws applicable today?

The last part of the question is whether the Old Testament rules for the clean and unclean foods are still to be followed today. Generally, no. All is holy because God created it.

However, looking more carefully, the Bible prohibits how we eat things at times, such as being ungrateful (1 Tim 4:4-5), eating things without draining the blood (Gen 9:4), or eating foods offered to idols that causes others to stumble (Rom 14:1-6).

Below are other articles that can better address those questions.