Home/Topics/Gluttony

What the Bible Says About Gluttony

Overview

The Bible addresses gluttony across 29 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in 1 Samuel, Genesis and Amos. Closely related themes include Hophni, Offence, Birthright and Esau. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jacob, Esau, Moses and Eli.

Key Bible verses about gluttony

Old Testament

1 Samuel

1 Samuel 2:12

Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

1 Samuel 2:13

And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;

1 Samuel 2:14

And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.

1 Samuel 2:15

Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

1 Samuel 2:16

And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force. presently: Heb. as on the day

1 Samuel 2:17

Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.

New Testament

People in the Bible and gluttony

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying gluttony for yourself

  • Begin with Genesis 25:30, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how 1 Samuel, Genesis and Amos each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Jacob, Esau and Moses and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Hophni, Offence, Birthright and Esau.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about gluttony?

The Bible addresses gluttony across 29 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in 1 Samuel, Genesis and Amos. Closely related themes include Hophni, Offence, Birthright and Esau. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jacob, Esau, Moses and Eli.

How many Bible verses are about gluttony?

The Bible references gluttony in 29 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention gluttony?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 25:30: “And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. with: Heb. with that red, with that red pottage Edom: that is Red”

Which people in the Bible are associated with gluttony?

Jacob, Esau, Moses, Eli and David.

Preach & teach

Outline a sermon or build a study series on gluttony.

Preach a series on Gluttony