Bible Dictionary
Eating
Eating in biblical times included fellowship meals, hospitality, fasting, and dietary distinctions. Scripture also uses eating figuratively, and Jesus described eating and drinking in John 6 as a figure for believing in Him.
Definition
Eating in biblical life included ordinary meals, hospitality, religious and social distinctions, and changing table customs. Hebrews did not ordinarily eat with Egyptians or Samaritans, while Jesus’ meals with publicans and sinners drew attention. Meals were first taken sitting and later commonly reclining, with the principal meal generally at noon.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses eating literally in accounts of meals and fellowship, and figuratively in passages describing the reception of God’s word. In John 6, eating and drinking are explained as believing in Christ.
Historical Background
The sources note that women were not present as guests at meals and that reclining at table reflected Persian and Chaldean practice adopted by the Hebrews.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The ancient Hebrews would not eat with the Egyptians (Gen. 43:32). In the time of our Lord they would not eat with Samaritans (John 4:9), and were astonished that he ate with publicans and sinners (Matt. 9:11). The Hebrews originally sat at table, but afterwards adopted the Persian and Chaldean practice of reclining (Luke 7:36-50). Their principal meal was at noon (Gen. 43:16; 1 Kings 20:16; Ruth 2:14; Luke 14:12). The word “eat” is used metaphorically in Jer. 15:16; Ezek. 3:1; Rev. 10:9. In John 6:53-58, “eating and drinking” means believing in Christ. Women were never present as guests at meals (q.v.).