Meat
In Scripture, “meat” usually means food, especially flesh used for eating. In older Bible English, it can also mean food in general, not only animal flesh.
At a Glance
A common Bible word that usually means food; in older translations it may mean food in general, while in some passages it refers specifically to flesh eaten as food.
Key Points
- Older English Bible usage often means food generally
- context determines whether animal flesh is intended
- some passages use food language figuratively for spiritual nourishment and maturity.
Description
“Meat” in Scripture is a common Bible word whose meaning depends on context. In older English translations, especially traditional ones, it can mean food in general, not only animal flesh. In some passages it refers specifically to meat as food, while in figurative teaching passages the related idea of food is used to describe spiritual nourishment, instruction, or maturity. Because modern English usually restricts “meat” to animal flesh, readers should interpret the word carefully in older Bible versions and let the surrounding context determine the sense.
Biblical Context
The Bible speaks often about food as part of daily life, hospitality, worship, fasting, and obedience. In older English Bibles, “meat” may translate a broader idea than modern readers expect, so passages should be read in context rather than by modern usage alone.
Historical Context
Early English Bible translation frequently used “meat” for food in general. Over time, English narrowed the word to mean animal flesh, which can create confusion when reading older translations such as the King James Version.
Jewish and Ancient Context
In the ancient world, food practices were shaped by creation, covenant life, purity laws, sacrifice, feasting, and daily provision. Biblical references to food or flesh should be understood against that ordinary ancient setting, not through modern English distinctions alone.
Primary Key Texts
- Genesis 1:29
- Leviticus 11
- John 4:34
- 1 Timothy 4:3-5
Secondary Key Texts
- 1 Corinthians 8
- Hebrews 5:12-14
Original Language Note
The Hebrew and Greek words behind “meat” often mean food, eating, or flesh depending on context. Older English Bible usage can hide that range, so translation context is important.
Theological Significance
The term itself is not a major doctrinal concept, but it matters for accurate Bible reading, especially in older translations. It also appears in figurative teaching about spiritual maturity, where food imagery contrasts basic and advanced instruction.
Philosophical Explanation
This is a semantics issue rather than a doctrine issue: word meaning shifts over time, so the reader must distinguish the original biblical sense from later English usage.
Interpretive Cautions
Do not assume that every occurrence of “meat” means animal flesh. In older Bible English it may simply mean food. Figurative passages using food language should be read as metaphors for spiritual nourishment, not as literal dietary rules.
Major Views
Modern readers usually hear “meat” as animal flesh, but many older translations use it for food more broadly. Context, not modern English instinct, should decide the meaning.
Doctrinal Boundaries
This entry does not teach a doctrine about diet, holiness, or Christian liberty by itself. Those topics must be built from the relevant passages in context.
Practical Significance
This helps readers understand older Bible translations accurately and avoid misunderstanding passages where “meat” simply means food.
Related Entries
- Food
- Fasting
- Milk and solid food
- Clean and unclean animals
- Christian liberty
See Also
- Food
- Flesh
- Fasting
- 1 Corinthians 8
- Hebrews 5:12-14