In this article, let us go through the biblical truths about eating fat. Learn whether it is good for us to eat fat or not and the deeper significance of staying healthy according to God’s way of life.
Is fat good or bad for our health?
For decades, experts have battled over this question. Some say all fat is bad, pushing for low-fat diets. Others argue fat is a necessary, even healthy, source of energy. So who do we believe?
Thankfully, we don’t need to guess. We can turn to the One who created our bodies—the Master Designer Himself—Yahweh, the Almighty God. The Bible, His inspired Word, gives us guidance on everything that truly matters—including our diet. Let’s explore five powerful, surprising biblical truths about eating fat.
1. God Gave Specific Instructions About Fat
When discussing fat, the clearest scriptures often quoted are:
Leviticus 3:17
“This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must NOT eat any fat or any blood.”
Leviticus 7:23–25
“‘Do not eat any of the fat of cattle, sheep or goats… Anyone who eats the fat of an animal from which a food offering may be presented to the Lord must be cut off from their people.’”
At first glance, these verses seem to be an outright ban on fat. But when you compare them with other scriptures, a fuller picture emerges:
Genesis 45:18 – “You will eat the fat of the land.”
Nehemiah 8:10 – “Go your way, eat the fat and drink the sweet…”
Luke 15:23 – “Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.”
So, is God contradicting Himself? Not at all. When we study further, we find that God forbids only a specific kind of fat—the hard, greasy fat found around internal organs.
2. A Specific Kind of Fat Is Forbidden
The Hebrew word used in the sacrificial instructions is “peder”—which refers specifically to the suet or hard fat surrounding the kidneys and liver. This fat was consistently burned on the altar and never meant for human consumption.
Leviticus 9:10 – “The fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver… he burnt upon the altar.”
Leviticus 3:4 – “The two kidneys, and the fat that is on them… shall he take away.”
Why would God prohibit this type of fat? Because these organs and surrounding fats filter and store waste and toxins. Consuming them could harm our health. In His love and wisdom, God designed dietary laws not just for ritual, but for our physical well-being.
This leads to a profound spiritual truth: in sacrifices, the “best” fat was reserved for Yahweh, symbolizing honor. This reminds us to give God our best, not just in worship—but in every aspect of our lives.
3. Fat and Milk Come from the Same Root Word
Here’s a fascinating biblical insight: the Hebrew word for fat, “cheleb”, is nearly identical to the Hebrew word for milk, “chalab”—both written in ancient Hebrew as “CHLB” (since vowels weren’t used). This means that in many contexts, milk and fat are viewed as essentially the same!
This sheds light on why milk is seen as a blessing:
Exodus 3:8 – “A land flowing with milk and honey.”
(Also repeated in Exodus 3:17; Leviticus 20:24; Numbers 13:27; Deuteronomy 31:20.)
Milk contains hundreds of fatty acids, including saturated fats. Yet it was promoted, not forbidden by God. Clearly, not all fats are bad.
Likewise, butter, a concentrated milk fat, was offered to Yahweh and even consumed by the Messiah:
Genesis 18:8 – “He took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them…”
Isaiah 7:15 – “He shall eat butter and honey, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.”
In biblical culture, butter wasn’t just a condiment—it was a major food source, freely and generously consumed. If butter and milk were gifts from God, then we can confidently say some fats are meant to nourish us.
4. Biblical Wisdom Aligns with Modern Nutrition
Modern science is now confirming what the Bible taught all along:
- Hard animal fats (suet) often contain stored toxins and can contribute to health risks.
- Milk fat, butter, and olive oil are rich in healthy fats that support energy, hormone production, and brain function.
Additionally, modern farming practices have changed animal fat quality. Ancient livestock ate fresh grass and got plenty of exercise. Today’s farm animals are fed processed feed and often raised in cramped conditions—leading to less healthy fat in their meat.
God’s dietary instructions were not just ceremonial. They were rooted in lasting health principles. Avoiding visible fat—especially in red meat—remains a wise rule of thumb even today.
5. The Real Danger: Man-Made Fats
While the Bible doesn’t mention trans fats, its principles help us discern their danger.
Long ago, mankind decided butter was bad, and replaced it with margarine—a man-made product created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil (hydrogenation), forming trans fats.
These trans fats:
- Raise bad cholesterol (LDL)
- Lower good cholesterol (HDL)
- Increase risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
- Are found in processed snacks, fast foods, and margarine
Romans 8:7 reminds us that the carnal mind is hostile to God. So it’s no surprise that human attempts to “improve” God’s food often end up harming our health. When we choose foods the way God designed them, we honor His wisdom and care for our bodies—His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
Bonus: How to Apply This Wisdom Today
Want to follow God’s principles for fat consumption? Here’s a simple guide:
✅ Trim visible fat from meat (especially around organs)
✅ Enjoy milk, cheese, butter, and olive oil in moderation
✅ Avoid foods with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils
✅ Favor grass-fed or pasture-raised meats
✅ Offer thanks before meals and invite God into your health journey
Biblical Truths About Eating Fat You Should Know
God’s promise of a land flowing with milk and honey is more than poetic—it reveals His intention to bless His people with wholesome, rich foods. The Bible doesn’t advocate a low-fat diet, but it does teach us to be selective and wise in the fats we consume.
So, does God forbid eating fat?
The answer is: it depends on the kind of fat.
Avoid the harmful fats God warned against. Embrace the nourishing fats He freely gave. And remember—when in doubt, trust the Designer of your body to know what’s best for it.
About the Author
Joshua Infantado is a Christian blogger and Bible teacher who has been writing faith-based content since 2013. He is the founder of Becoming Christians, where he shares blogs, books, videos, and online courses to help believers grow in truth and grace. Joshua lives in Davao City, Philippines with his wife Victoria and their son Caleb. Contact him at joshuainfantado@gmail.com.