For centuries, the Bible has been a source of guidance and wisdom for millions of people around the world. Its teachings cover a wide range of topics, from love and compassion to rules and regulations. While many are familiar with the Ten Commandments and other well-known biblical principles, there are numerous lesser-known prohibitions scattered throughout its pages.
In this blog post, I’ll explore 21 surprising things that the Bible condemns.
Eating pork
Pork is a common food in many cultures, but the Bible actually forbids it. Leviticus 11:7-8, it says that pigs are unclean and shouldn’t be eaten. This rule was likely for health reasons back then, as pork could carry diseases if not cooked properly. While many Christians today don’t follow this rule, it’s still observed by some groups.
Wearing clothes made of mixed fabrics
The Bible has some strange rules about clothing. Leviticus 19:19 says not to wear clothes made of two different kinds of material. This might have been to keep Israelites separate from other groups or for symbolic reasons. Today, most of our clothes are made of mixed fabrics, so this rule would be hard to follow.
Getting tattoos
Tattoos are popular now, but the Bible speaks against them. Leviticus 19:28 says not to put marks on your body. This might have been to set the Israelites apart from other groups who used tattoos in religious practices. Many Christians today have different views on tattoos, with some seeing them as okay and others avoiding them.
Gossiping
The Bible has a lot to say about how we use our words. Proverbs 16:28 warns that gossip can ruin friendships. Spreading rumors or talking badly about others behind their backs is seen as harmful and wrong. This teaching encourages people to be kind and truthful in how they talk about others.
Charging interest on loans
Many people don’t know that the Bible speaks against charging interest on loans. Exodus 22:25 says not to charge interest to the poor. This rule was meant to protect people who were struggling financially. While modern banking works differently, this teaching reminds us to be fair and help those in need.
Eating fat
The Bible has rules about which parts of animals can be eaten. Leviticus 3:17 says not to eat fat. This might have been for health reasons or as part of religious sacrifices. Today, we know that some fats are actually good for us, but too much can be unhealthy.
Planting different crops side by side
There’s an interesting farming rule in the Bible. Leviticus 19:19 says not to plant two kinds of seed in the same field. This might have been to prevent cross-pollination or for symbolic reasons. Modern farming often mixes crops, but some people still practice crop rotation for soil health.
Working on the Sabbath
The Bible is clear about taking a day of rest. Exodus 20:8-10 says to keep the Sabbath holy and not work on that day. This was meant to give people time to rest and worship. While many people today work all week, the idea of having a day off is still important for health and well-being.
Eating animals that have not been properly slaughtered
The Bible gives specific instructions about how animals should be killed for food. Acts 15:29 tells early Christians to avoid eating meat from animals that have been strangled. This was part of Jewish dietary laws. Today, many people pay attention to how their food is prepared, though for different reasons.
Cutting your beard
Along with rules about hair, the Bible also mentions beards. Leviticus 19:27 says not to cut off the edges of your beard. This might have been a way to look different from other groups. While most men today trim or shave their beards, some religious groups still follow this rule.
Wearing clothes of the opposite gender
The Bible speaks against cross-dressing. Deuteronomy 22:5 says that men shouldn’t wear women’s clothes, and women shouldn’t wear men’s clothes. This rule might have been about keeping gender roles clear. Today, ideas about gender and clothing have changed a lot in many societies.
Eating blood
The Bible forbids eating blood in several places. Genesis 9:4 says not to eat meat that still has blood in it. This rule was given to Noah after the flood. Some religious groups today still drain blood from meat before eating it, while others see this as an old rule that doesn’t apply now.
Consulting psychics or mediums
The Bible warns against trying to talk to the dead or see the future. Leviticus 19:31 says not to turn to mediums or seek out spiritists. This was to keep people focused on God rather than other spiritual practices. Today, some people still believe in psychics, while others see it as just entertainment.
Spreading false reports
The Bible teaches the importance of honesty. Exodus 23:1 says not to spread false reports. This applies to all kinds of communication, from gossip to news. In today’s world of social media and fast information, this teaching is more important than ever.
Holding grudges
Forgiveness is a big theme in the Bible. Leviticus 19:18 says not to seek revenge or hold a grudge. Instead, it teaches you to love your neighbor as yourself. This can be hard to do, but it’s seen as important for personal peace and healthy relationships.
Treating foreigners unfairly
The Bible has a lot to say about how to treat people from other places. Exodus 22:21 says not to mistreat or oppress foreigners. This was based on the Israelites’ own experience as foreigners in Egypt. Today, this teaching is relevant to discussions about immigration and cultural differences.
Boasting
The Bible warns against being too proud or boastful. Proverbs 27:2 says to let others praise you instead of praising yourself. This teaching encourages humility and letting your actions speak for themselves. In a world where self-promotion is common, this idea can be challenging.
Eating fruit from a newly planted tree
There’s an interesting rule about fruit trees in the Bible. Leviticus 19:23-25 says not to eat fruit from a tree for the first three years after planting it. This might have been to let the tree grow strong before harvesting. While not commonly followed today, some gardeners still give young fruit trees time to establish before picking the fruit.
Eating animals that chew cud but don’t have split hooves
The Bible gives detailed rules about which animals can be eaten. Leviticus 11:4-7 says not to eat animals that chew cud but don’t have split hooves, like camels or rabbits. This was part of the kosher dietary laws. While many people don’t follow these rules now, they show how detailed the Bible’s food laws were.
Wearing clothes with both wool and linen
There’s a very specific clothing rule in Deuteronomy 22:11. It says not to wear clothes made of wool and linen woven together. This might have been to keep certain fabrics separate for religious reasons. It’s part of a law called “shatnez” in Judaism. While most people don’t follow this rule today, some Orthodox Jews still check their clothes to avoid this mix.
Harvesting the corners of your field
The Bible has a specific rule about farming in Leviticus 19:9-10. It says not to harvest the very edges of your field or pick up fallen grapes in your vineyard. This was meant to leave food for the poor and foreigners. It’s a practical rule about caring for those in need. Some modern farms and gardens still practice a version of this, leaving some produce for others to glean.
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