The Bible is full of rules and guidelines that have shaped Christian behavior for centuries. Many Christians are familiar with the Ten Commandments and other well-known biblical laws. However, many lesser-known prohibitions in the Bible might surprise modern believers.
In this blog, I explore 15 biblical prohibitions that many modern Christians might not be aware of. These rules come from both the Old and New Testaments and cover a wide range of topics.
Wearing Mixed Fabrics
The Bible prohibits wearing clothes made of mixed fabrics, specifically wool and linen, together. This rule is found in Leviticus 19:19 and Deuteronomy 22:11, and scholars debate the exact reason for this prohibition. Some believe it was to distinguish Israelites from other cultures, while others think it had symbolic meaning. Modern Christians rarely follow this rule, but it remains an interesting example of ancient biblical law.
Eating Pork
The consumption of pork is forbidden in the Old Testament. This prohibition is clearly stated in Leviticus 11:7-8. Pigs were considered unclean animals according to Jewish dietary laws. While many Christians today eat pork, some denominations still follow this rule. The debate over whether this law still applies to Christians is ongoing in some circles.
Trimming Beard Edges
Leviticus 19:27 prohibits men from trimming the edges of their beards. This rule was likely meant to distinguish Israelites from other ancient cultures. Some interpretations suggest it was to avoid practices associated with pagan mourning rituals. While not commonly followed today, some Orthodox Jewish communities still observe this practice.
Gossiping
The Bible frequently condemns gossip and spreading rumors. Proverbs 16:28 and Romans 1:29 are just two examples where gossip is explicitly prohibited. This rule is still relevant in modern Christian teachings. Many churches emphasize the importance of avoiding gossip as part of living a Christian life.
Charging Interest on Loans
Lending money with interest to fellow believers is prohibited in several Bible passages, including Exodus 22:25 and Deuteronomy 23:19-20. This rule was meant to protect the poor from exploitation. While not commonly practiced today, some Christian financial advisors still recommend interest-free lending among believers. This prohibition has also influenced Islamic banking practices.
Eating Meat with Blood
The consumption of meat with blood in it is forbidden in Genesis 9:4 and Acts 15:20. This prohibition was given to Noah and later reaffirmed in the New Testament. Some Christian denominations, like Jehovah’s Witnesses, still follow this rule strictly. This prohibition has influenced various cultural and religious dietary practices.
Consulting Psychics or Mediums
The Bible strictly forbids consulting psychics, mediums, or attempting to communicate with the dead. This prohibition is found in Leviticus 19:31 and Deuteronomy 18:10-12. The practice was seen as a form of idolatry and rebellion against God. Many modern Christian denominations still strongly discourage these practices.
Boiling a Young Goat in Its Mother’s Milk
This unusual prohibition appears three times in the Old Testament, including Exodus 23:19. The exact reason for this rule is unclear, but it may have been to differentiate Israelite practices from pagan rituals. This law forms the basis for the Jewish dietary practice of not mixing meat and dairy. While not typically observed by Christians, it remains an intriguing biblical prohibition.
Wearing Clothing of the Opposite Sex
Deuteronomy 22:5 prohibits men from wearing women’s clothing and vice versa. This rule likely had cultural significance in ancient times. Some interpret it as a prohibition against blurring gender distinctions. While not universally followed, this verse is sometimes cited in debates about gender expression in conservative Christian circles.
Eating Fat
Leviticus 3:17 prohibits the consumption of fat from animals used in sacrifices. This was part of the dietary laws given to the Israelites. The fat was considered the best part and was reserved for God. While most Christians don’t follow this rule today, it has influenced some health-conscious dietary practices.
Harvesting the Corners of Fields
Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs farmers not to harvest the corners of their fields. This was a welfare provision for the poor and foreigners. While not directly applicable in modern urban settings, this principle of leaving something for the less fortunate is still valued in many Christian communities. Some see it as an early form of social welfare.
Mixing Seeds in a Field
Planting two kinds of seeds in the same field is prohibited in Leviticus 19:19. The reasons for this are debated, but it may have symbolic meaning about purity. While not followed literally by most modern Christians, some see it as a metaphor for maintaining spiritual purity. This rule has also influenced some organic farming practices.
Working on the Sabbath
The prohibition against working on the Sabbath is well-known but often overlooked in modern times. It’s one of the Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20:8-11. The definition of “work” and which day is the Sabbath varies among Christian denominations. Some Christians still observe a strict day of rest, while others interpret this command more loosely.
Eating Certain Seafood
Leviticus 11:9-12 prohibits eating seafood without fins and scales. This includes popular items like shrimp, lobster, and crab. These were considered unclean animals in Jewish dietary law. While most Christians don’t follow these dietary restrictions, some denominations still observe them. This prohibition has influenced dietary practices in various cultures.
Remarrying a Former Spouse After Intervening Marriage
Deuteronomy 24:1-4 prohibits remarrying a former spouse if they have married someone else in the meantime. This law was designed to prevent treating marriage lightly. While not commonly discussed, this prohibition still influences some Christian views on divorce and remarriage. It reflects the Bible’s high view of marriage as a lasting commitment.
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