The topic of whether God hates shrimp is an interesting one that deserves a nuanced discussion. At first glance, it may seem that God prohibits the eating of shrimp in the Old Testament. However, a closer examination reveals that the dietary restrictions in Leviticus were intended for a specific people at a specific time, and do not apply universally. While shrimp was one of the foods prohibited for ancient Israelites, there is no clear biblical teaching that God despises or hates shrimp inherently. The heart behind the Levitical food laws was to set Israel apart, not because certain foods were evil. Therefore, while shrimp was off limits for that time and context, it does not mean that God hates shrimp or that it is inherently unacceptable to eat now.
In Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, God gives instructions about clean and unclean foods to the people of Israel. Among the prohibitions are eating pork, shellfish like shrimp, and other foods. Leviticus 11:9-12 states: “These you may eat, of all that are in the waters. Everything in the waters that has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers, you may eat. But anything in the seas or the rivers that has not fins and scales, of the swarming creatures in the waters and of the living creatures that are in the waters, is detestable to you. You shall regard them as detestable; you shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall detest their carcasses. Everything in the waters that has not fins and scales is detestable to you.” (ESV). This clearly places shrimp, lobster, and other shellfish in the prohibited category for ancient Israelites.
At the same time, the larger context shows that these food laws were intended specifically for Israel, not as a universal decree. In fact, God directly tells Israel that they are to be “set apart” from the nations through these food restrictions. Leviticus 20:24-26 declares: “But I have said to you, ‘You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.’ I am the Lord your God, who has separated you from the peoples. You shall therefore separate the clean beast from the unclean, and the unclean bird from the clean. You shall not make yourselves detestable by beast or by bird or by anything with which the ground crawls, which I have set apart for you to hold unclean. You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.” (ESV). So the context is about Israel being set apart, not about certain foods being intrinsically evil or detestable to God.
Moreover, the New Testament affirms that all foods are clean and abolishes these dietary restrictions. Jesus himself declared that no foods can defile a person, saying “Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.” (Matthew 15:17-18 ESV). The vision given to Peter before he met Cornelius reiterated this new freedom: “And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” (Acts 10:15 ESV). Later, Paul confirms this as well: “I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.” (Romans 14:14 ESV). So shrimp and other previously prohibited foods are now clean and permissible for all believers.
In summary, while God temporarily instituted dietary restrictions that prohibited shrimp for ancient Israel, this was intended to set them apart, not because shrimp were inherently evil or detested by God. Through the teaching and vision of Jesus, these food laws were fulfilled and abolished. The New Testament makes clear that no foods, including shrimp, are off limits or unclean any longer for the purposes of obedience to God. The kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking but about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Therefore, God does not inherently hate shrimp or prohibit his people from eating it today.
Some may still ask: if God called shrimp detestable before, doesn’t that mean he despises it? Can something God previously called unclean now be acceptable to him? These are honest questions, but they assume that uncleanliness is intrinsic to the food itself. In reality, the Old Testament context shows that shrimp was temporally declared unclean for the purpose of setting Israel apart, not because it was inherently evil. Things are not clean or unclean based solely on physical qualities, but their meaning comes from God’s purposes and declarations. What God has now declared clean through Christ cannot be called unclean. As 1 Timothy 4:4 says, “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” (ESV).
Some also wonder if God changed his mind on shrimp and other foods. But Scripture reveals God’s consistency and faithfulness. He does not waver or change his eternal purposes. When understood correctly, God’s unfolding revelation does not represent a contradiction but a fulfillment. The dietary laws had an intended purpose and meaning for Israel at that time. But through Christ, God brings about an even greater purpose which supersedes previous ritual restrictions. God’s character and truth do not change. As Hebrews 13:8 declares, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (ESV). God’s love extends beyond the boundaries of Israel to the nations. In today’s context, shrimp and other foods can be received as good gifts from God.
In conclusion, the Bible does not support the notion that God inherently hates or detests shrimp. The Levitical food laws served a specific purpose in setting Israel apart, not in declaring certain foods as evil. Jesus’ teaching and vision abolished these restrictions and pronounced all foods clean under the new covenant. Nothing God has made good is to be rejected but can be enjoyed with thanksgiving as a gift from the Creator. So shrimp can be received as a blessing, not something that is detested by God or prohibited from our plates.
Some Christians may still feel unsure about eating shrimp based on the Old Testament passages. Others may feel complete freedom. Both can have biblical merit. As Romans 14 teaches, we must extend grace to those with different convictions and not pass judgement. The kingdom of God is about love, righteousness and peace, not food rituals. Whether enjoying shrimp or abstaining from it, we honor the Lord by living for the glory of God, serving others, and pursuing holiness with grace-filled hearts. Our relationship to food must not become an idol, but point to our hope in Christ alone. In all things, we look forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb when all will share together in eternal blessedness.
The topic of whether God hates shrimp prompts us to wrestle with how continuity and discontinuity fit together in the Bible. It highlights the importance of reading Scripture in context, understanding God’s intended purposes, and rightly applying teaching to our contemporary lives. We see how Old Testament ritual law does not always translate directly into universal moral law. It calls us to appreciate the freedom we have in Christ even as we empathize with those who may view issues differently. And it reminds us that the heart behind God’s laws is love – love for him and for each other. So discussion about shrimp should strengthen our walk with Christ, not become a point of contention or pride. In humility, we can have unity in the Spirit while working through disagreements for God’s glory.
When asking if God hates shrimp, the short answer is no, based on the bigger biblical context. But we also gain so much more – a deeper understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, the purpose of the dietary laws, God’s unchanging character, the freedom we have in Christ, and how to apply biblical principles with wisdom and grace. In all our study, may our hearts be drawn to greater wonder at the redemptive story Scripture reveals. May we build each other up as we grow together in the love and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Some key biblical passages related to this topic include:
Leviticus 11:9-12 – Rules against eating shellfish for ancient Israelites
Leviticus 20:24-26 – Purpose was to set Israel apart for God
Matthew 15:17-18 – Jesus declares no foods can defile a person
Acts 10:9-16 – Peter’s vision reveals all foods made clean
Romans 14:14-17 – Nothing is unclean in itself; kingdom of God is not about food
1 Timothy 4:1-5 – Everything created by God is good and nothing to be rejected if received with thanksgiving
Overall, the topic of whether God hates shrimp provides a fruitful biblical case study. It shows how Old Testament laws applied specifically to Israel, but through Christ’s fulfillment, Gentile believers are free from these restrictions. God’s eternal moral precepts remain, but ritual cleanness laws have been superseded. The New Testament makes clear that no food, including shrimp, is inherently detestable or prohibited any longer based on these Levitical distinctions. Instead, we honor God by partaking with gratitude, moderation and love for others. In all things, we find our true sustenance in Christ alone.
When exploring this issue, it’s important we don’t get derailed into petty arguments but maintain humility, care, and grace for one another. Different opinions can be held with mutual respect. Our relationship with God does not hinge on dietary regulations. As 1 Corinthians 8:8 reminds us: “Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.” (ESV). What matters most is faith expressing itself through love, as we spur each other on toward maturity in Christ.
In conclusion, God does not inherently hate or prohibit the eating of shrimp based on biblical teaching. The Levitical food laws served a temporary purpose that has now been fulfilled in Christ. Through Jesus, all foods have been made clean. When received with gratitude and moderation, shrimp and other previously forbidden foods can be enjoyed today as gifts from our gracious Creator. Above all, we remember that “the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17 ESV). Our relationship with God depends on grace through faith, not dietary restrictions. So rather than being a point of contention, shrimp provides a learning opportunity to build up the body of Christ in wisdom, grace and love.
