Introduction

There are many misconceptions about what the Bible actually teaches about proper eating. This study is intended to highlight and clarify the Bible's teachings about kosher law and to draw out their implications.

Gefilte fish: a traditional Jewish dishKosher is the Hebrew word for "fit" or "proper."1 Its most frequent use today is in regard to foods that meet the requirements of the Jewish dietary laws. The kosher laws in Judaism begin with the instructions in the Bible about what we may or may not eat, upon which Jewish scholars and teachers have expounded and expanded.

"Biblically" Kosher

Messianic believers and Torah-observant Christians often use the phrase "biblically kosher" to differentiate between the laws that are explicitly commanded in Scripture and later rabbinic supplements and additions to these laws. And although there are certainly rabbinic supplements to biblical kosher laws, there is more of a basis for traditional kosher standards than many people realize.

One reason for these misconceptions is a lack of knowledge of biblical context and culture. For example, some of the kosher laws are easier to understand if one is familiar with ancient agricultural practices. Some of the laws must also be seen in the light of the ritual purity laws of the ancient Tabernacle, its sacrifices, and priesthood. In certain cases, a firm grasp of the Hebrew language is necessary to prevent misunderstandings. Even though we are trying to distill the kosher laws to what is directly revealed in the Bible, it would be a mistake to divorce the Torah of God from the people to whom he entrusted it—the Jewish people.2

This work will not attempt to convince anyone to keep the dietary laws. It is intended for individuals, both Jew and Gentile, who already have the desire or conviction to keep this commandment and are seeking to learn how to give it proper application. This work is specifically written for followers of Rabbi Yeshua (Jesus of Nazareth), and where applicable, it will examine kosher law in light of his teachings.

1. 1. "Kosher" is the Ashkenazi (Eastern European) pronunciation, which is popular in the United States. With a Sephardic accent, the word is pronounced "kasher." This Hebrew word (כשר) appears once in the Bible (Esther 8:5, Strong’s number H3787). The study and practice of kosher law is called in Hebrew kashrus (Ashkenazi) or kashrut (Sephardic).
2. 2. See Romans 3:2, which states that "the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God."