Encyclopedia entry

Eating

The ancient Hebrews would not eat with the Egyptians (Gen. 43:32). In the time of our Lord they would not eat with Samaritans (John 4:9), and were astonished that he ate with publicans and sinners (Matt. 9:11). The Hebrews originally sat at table, but afterwards adopted the Persian and Chaldean practice of reclining (Luke 7:36-50). Their principal meal was at noon (Gen. 43:16; 1 Kings 20:16; Ruth 2:14; Luke 14:12). The word “eat” is used metaphorically in Jer. 15:16; Ezek. 3:1; Rev. 10:9. In John 6:53-58, “eating and drinking” means believing in Christ. Women were never present as guests at meals (q.v.).

In the Bible

Verses where Eating is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).

1 Chronicles 12:39
They spent three days there eating and drinking with David, for their relatives had provided for them.
1 Corinthians 8:4
So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one.
1 Corinthians 8:10
For if someone with a weak conscience sees you who are well informed eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols?
1 Corinthians 11:21
For as you eat, each of you goes ahead without sharing his meal. While one remains hungry, another gets drunk.
1 Kings 1:25
For today he has gone down and sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the sons of the king, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’
1 Kings 1:41
Now Adonijah and all his guests were finishing their feast when they heard the sound of the ram’s horn. “Why is the city in such a loud uproar?” asked Joab.

+59 more verses naming Eating.

Eating references

See all 9 +

Voices on Eating

Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.

The Repeating Pattern from The Exodus You May Not Have Noticed