Overview
The Bible addresses appetite across 9 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Daniel. Closely related themes include Abed-Nego, School, Self-Denial and Temperance. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Daniel.
Key Bible verses about appetite
Old Testament
Daniel
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. worse: Heb. sadder sort: or, term, or, continuance?
Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Melzar: or, the steward
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. pulse: Heb. of pulse to eat: Heb. that we may eat, etc
Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
People in the Bible and appetite
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying appetite for yourself
- Begin with Daniel 1:8, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of Daniel and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Abed-Nego, School, Self-Denial and Temperance.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about appetite?
The Bible addresses appetite across 9 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Daniel. Closely related themes include Abed-Nego, School, Self-Denial and Temperance. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Daniel.
How many Bible verses are about appetite?
The Bible references appetite in 9 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention appetite?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Daniel 1:8: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with appetite?
Daniel.
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