People who have read the Bible usually focus on the lessons of each story, so you probably haven’t noticed all the foods mentioned in the verses. In fact, modern food plays a huge role in biblical narratives; here are 17 foods mentioned in the Bible that you probably eat daily!
Wheat
Wheat forms the basis of bread and is a staple in many diets, but it’s also important in the Bible. The New York Post notes that from the moment Eve bit into the forbidden fruit until Jesus ate his last supper, bread was a staple in the Bible, especially when Ezekiel was around!
Grapes
Grapes were a common fruit in biblical times, often used to make wine. There are many biblical references to grapes, such as in Deuteronomy 32:14 and Numbers 13:23, where grapes represent blessings and abundance. Grapes are still consumed today, most commonly as wine and with cheese.
Milk
In the Bible, milk is mentioned numerous times. It is a good source of nourishment and nutrition while symbolizing abundance. Nowadays, milk is a staple for many people, offering essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins. Without it, perhaps Jesus wouldn’t have the energy to perform his miracles!
Olives
Today, olives are normally used as a source of oil for cooking food, although they’re also eaten on their own or with meats and cheese. They also have important purposes in biblical verses such as Deuteronomy 8:8 and Judges 9:9, representing peace and prosperity.
Honey
Honey is used to sweeten all kinds of foods, such as porridge and toast, so it’s no surprise that Jesus and his disciples were big fans. It is a natural sweetener mentioned in many biblical passages, and The Guardian points out that it was also thought to have healing properties.
Figs
Many love figs as nutritious and delicious fruits, both religiously and in everyday contexts. They’re also significant in the Bible in Deuteronomy 8:8 and 1 Samuel 25:18, with the fig tree in particular symbolizing faith to Christians around the world.
Fish
Fish is one of the most mentioned foods in the Bible, not just as a food source but also as a lesson, like in Feeding of the 5000. Looking back on this story, it’s unlikely that Jesus fed 5,000 with the limited fish he had, but the symbolism still remains poignant.
Barley
Barley is a staple grain for making soups and stews, and even in biblical times, it was used for making bread and as fodder for animals. It’s mentioned in verses such as Exodus 9:31 and Ruth 1:22, primarily as a token of humility.
Spices
Spices may seem like a modern trend, but that’s not true at all; they’ve been around for centuries and were used in Biblical times to flavor food. The Independent highlights that even during the Last Supper, spices were used to flavor wines, and tree resin was added to help preserve them.
Dates
While dates are commonly associated with Islam, they’re a common fruit in the Bible, too! This treat can be glimpsed in biblical texts such as 1 Kings 6:23 and Song of Solomon 7:7, and today, they still taste just as delightful.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates are mainly used for their seeds, which can be a great addition to salads and desserts. However, they held more symbolic significance in the Bible, celebrated for their rich flavor and medical qualities in verses such as Exodus 28:33 and Numbers 20:5.
Lentils
Lentils are mentioned in Genesis 25:34, where Esau, the older twin, sells his birthright to his brother Jacob for a bowl of lentil stew, and in 2 Samuel 17:28, where they hold connotations of familial bonds. Today, they are still used worldwide due to their delightful taste and high protein levels.
Cucumbers
While it may seem odd that cucumbers have biblical roots, they are mentioned in biblical passages like Numbers 11:5 and Isaiah 1:8, embodying simplicity and refreshment. They are still used today, and frankly, we couldn’t think of any better way to describe them than simple and refreshing!
Onions
These days, onions are added to a plethora of dishes to maximize flavor and substance. Their importance is also highlighted in the Bible in Numbers 11:5 and Exodus 16:3, so it’s clear that even during Biblical times, meals weren’t just for nutrition, but for flavor too!
Garlic
Garlic is a popular herb that appears in biblical passages like Numbers 11:5 and Exodus 16:3. It represents strength, protection, and, of course, flavor! In modern society, garlic is used in meals to add flavor to food, for medicinal purposes, and to keep the vampires away!
Manna
Manna was a food offered by God to the Israelites in the wilderness, and in Exodus 16:1, it’s illustrated as resembling coriander and honey, which we still consume today. The Washington Post states that some biblical scholars and scientists believe that manna was a unique food, though there’s disagreement on which one.
Gourd
Last but not least, gourds are a family of plants that includes squash, pumpkin, zucchini, and bitter melon, the fruits of which modern folk use in dishes like soups, stews, and salads. They are also referenced in biblical passages like Jonah 4:6-10, where God prepared a gourd to offer Jonah shelter and sustenance.