Egypt was visited with a plague of locusts, which consumed “every plant of the land and all the fruit of the trees that the hail had left” (Ex. Catholic Public Domain Version you shall eat, such as the beetle in its kind, and the cricket, and grasshopper, and the locust, each one according to its kind. Others have suggested the word translated “locusts” refers to the beans of the carob tree, commonly called “St. If you touch their dead bodies, you will be “unclean” until evening. ” Locust are very high in protein. Locusts can arrive suddenly, just as they did in Egypt. Grasshoppers, like locusts, were a familiar and accessible food source. Mar 26, 2015 · Back to Daily Life in the Time of Jesus and what it has to say about locust-eating: Maybe the world of the Bible wasn’t as strange as Karl Barth would have it? Nov 2, 2017 · But generally, locusts appear not as food but as eaters. The Bible references locusts in various contexts, illustrating both their literal and metaphorical Bible verses about Foods In The Bible 1 Peter 5:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful Be sober-minded; be watchful. Locusts were also a food supply for desert areas where little vegetation was found. Let’s explore this in greater detail. This idea is found all through the Bible. Plague of Locusts in Egypt: One The consumption of honey with locusts is most famously associated with John the Baptist, a pivotal figure in the New Testament. Learn more about the biblical context and references of The Locust. Nov 24, 2023 · This inclusion signifies their occasional importance as a survival food, especially during famines or scarcities, rendering the John the Baptist's locust-eating far less bizarre in its historical context. Oct 15, 2011 · There is a fascinating biblical theological development in the Scriptures with regard to locusts and the judgment of God. Locusts are part of the order Orthoptera, which includes grasshoppers and crickets. The locust, a type of grasshopper, is mentioned in the Bible as a creature that was not only a symbol of divine judgment but also a permissible source of food for the Israelites. They are well known for being one of the plagues sent by God in Egypt We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The bald locust is one of the creatures that the Israelites were permitted to eat. In Matthew (the first Gospel), we’re introduced to John the Baptist. " Additionally, S. Locust in the Bible are mentioned as vast swarms of insects that devour all of the plant life and therefore the food supply of particular areas. Wild Honey: Mar 25, 2025 · Today we will talk about Bible verses about locusts. Often associated with plagues and divine judgment, locusts provide insight into the spiritual and cultural context of biblical times. The Greek word for locust is “akris” and is used three times in the New Testament to describe a locust. Jul 15, 2025 · Explore the meaning of locusts in the Bible, revealing God’s messages of hope, judgment, and powerful restoration for believers. Jun 25, 2018 · Question: In Leviticus God tells the Jews not to eat winged insects which fly. Jan 3, 2021 · What do locusts symbolize in the Bible? Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U. Photo via New York Public Library, Renaissance and medieval manuscripts collection Apr 7, 2021 · Jesus on the cross took the wrath and punishment of sin. Locusts consume and destroy worse than a fire or storm. Feb 23, 2024 · Discover the significance of locusts in John the Baptist's diet and its theological and spiritual implications. The term locust can take different definitions, but it is generally understood to refer to the large and Dec 11, 2025 · What Does the Bible Say About Locusts? Unveiling Their Biblical Significance The Bible portrays locusts both as a devastating plague and, occasionally, as a permissible food source, demonstrating their multifaceted role within biblical narratives and teachings. Douay-Rheims Bible That you shall eat, as the bruchus in its kind, the attacus, and ophiomachus, and the locust, every one according to their kind. By the Mosaic law they were reckoned "clean," so that he could lawfully eat them. This passage declares all flying insects as unclean with the exception of those which walk and hop with jointed legs. The pods and their extracted content have numerous common names, e. He became like John the Baptist; He crushed the locust. What the swarming locust left, the hopping locust has eaten, and what the hopping locust left, the destroying locust has eaten. Why, then, did John the Baptist eat unclean locusts and honey in the desert? Answer: About locusts being clean, Leviticus 11:20-23 addresses this issue. Explore the connection between locusts and theology and spirituality. In the New Testament locusts are mentioned as forming part of the food of John the Baptist (Mat 3:4; Mar 1:6). Within the Christian Bible, John the Baptist, a Jew, subsisted on locusts during his desert meditations. In the biblical context, locusts are mentioned as a permissible food source, particularly in the dietary laws given to the Israelites. Locusts often mean God’s judgment. Jan 4, 2026 · The plague of locusts has deep meanings in the Bible. Locusts were considered a permissible food according to Levitical law: "Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper" (Leviticus 11:22). The Locust: (Destruction of) of Destruction of God's Enemies The Locust: A Small Insect The Locust: Carried Every Way by the Wind The Locust: Clean and Fit for Food The Locust: Flies in Bands and With Order The Locust: Immensely Numerous The Locust: Like to Horses Prepared for Battle The Locust: One of the Plagues of Egypt The Locust: Rapid in What did Bible people eat? Bread, popcorn, beer, wine, spices, vegetables, sweets, olives, meat, eggs, onions, pancakes, melons, dried or fresh fruit, milk, butter, cheese, fish, aromatic stews, even locusts (see how to cook locusts in Bible Study Activities at the end of this page!) With instructions on how to recreate a Bible feast! Dec 8, 2025 · The Bible states that locusts are edible and have been a part of diets in many cultures throughout history. large and mainly tropical grasshopper with st Aug 9, 2024 · Explore the types, symbolism, and historical significance of locusts in the Bible, uncovering their impact on ancient narratives. Through references in Exodus, prophetic books like Joel, and apocalyptic visions in Revelation, these creatures illustrate how biblical narratives weave natural phenomena with spiritual and moral lessons. But you can eat some of these, namely, those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground: all locusts, katydids, crickets, and gr even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind. Nov 16, 2025 · Living in the harsh desert wilderness, John's choice of food, which included locusts (traditionally considered unclean by the Jews) and honey, highlights his commitment to simplicity and spirituality. Read verse in New International Version Mar 21, 2013 · Israel is in the grip of a locust invasion, but some people are taking a novel approach to pest control - eating them. John’s father, a priest, would have been allowed to eat locusts according to Leviticus 11:22. The Ten Plagues of Egypt: Key Bible Plague Quotes Here is a curated list of powerful Bible plague quotes from the ten plagues, along with their references and brief explanations. The name also occurs in Rev 9:3, 7, in allusion to this Oriental devastating insect. Let’s dive into the specific Bible plague quotes from Exodus. Jul 17, 2014 · Yes, They Ate Locust – A Review of Some Common Foods at the Time of Jesus Generally speaking, the Israelites of the time of Christ were frugal eaters. And according to the Bible, John the Baptist lived off eating locusts. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. This in-depth exploration delves into the historical context, interpretative insights, and the multifaceted symbolism of locusts It is the locust which constituted the eighth plague of Egypt (Exodus 10:4-19); which is described as committing the terrible ravages (Deuteronomy 28:38; Joel 1:4; Joel 2:25; Nahum 3:7); and which swarmed in such innumerable quantities that it became a proverb in the Bible, “like the locusts in multitude” (Judges 7:12; Jeremiah 46:23). Through the imagery of locusts, the Bible communicates profound spiritual truths about the consequences of sin and the hope of restoration through repentance. Food was more scarce and less convenient than it is today. You can eat all kinds of locusts, katydids, crickets and grasshoppers. Biblical References and Dietary Laws In the book of Leviticus, God provides Moses with a list While locusts are a natural part of the ecosystem, their biblical representation transcends their physical characteristics, embodying themes of judgment, repentance, and divine sovereignty. g. Locust Locusts, such as this migratory locust (Locusta migratoria), are grasshoppers in a migratory phase of their life. ⇒ Bible Encyclopedia for LOCUST. The Bible refers to locusts as an army without a leader. Here’s an article about eating fried locusts. They are high in protein, minerals, and vitamins, considered a sustainable and nutritious food source. Locusts in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of divine judgment, asceticism, and renewal. Joel 2:4-5 - Their appearance is like the appearance of horses;And like war horses, so they run. Many Christians do not know what this means. Study the meaning of The Locust in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. The large red pods have been used for food for animal and man since prehistoric times. It was a warning to change their ways. For example, in Joel 2:1-11, locusts are like a big army, showing God’s anger. Nov 12, 2025 · The Bible references locusts in numerous passages: in Revelation 9:3-10, locusts emerge from smoke and are likened to scorpions, exhibiting tormenting powers. Bible Verses About Locust - Locusts are featured a couple of times throughout the entire Bible. His food was locusts and wild honey. The Old Testament law told the Israelites to eat locusts after their kind, and the bald locust after his kind. Frankly, until about 100 years ago, frugality in eating was more imposed than chosen. Dec 20, 2015 · [2] The most commonly held view of John’s diet, based on our text in Mark, is that he ate locusts, a migratory form of the grasshopper of the family Acrididae, still commonly consumed by desert peoples in Arabia. Locusts in the Bible are mostly in relation to the 8th plague sent by God upon the Egyptians. 3 days ago · The Bible contains strict food laws, mostly having to do with animal meat. New American Bible hence of these you may eat the following: the various kinds of Apr 14, 2021 · What Do Locusts Symbolize in the Bible?,Lori Stanley Roeleveld - Study from the Bible and be encouraged to grow your faith! Have you ever heard the saying “take back what the locusts ate?” This popular saying actually comes from Joel 2:25 in the Bible. Theological Reflections on Locusts Biblical allusions to locusts provoke theological reflections on divine justice, repentance, and hope. They are mentioned in various contexts, symbolizing destruction and desolation. Mar 31, 2022 · John the Baptist's life in a harsh desert wilderness, eating locusts and wild honey, was a prophetic picture of his message of repentance. Specifically, it is mentioned in the book of Leviticus, which outlines various clean and unclean animals. They were a known agricultural threat in narratives like the Exodus plague, and they symbolize divine judgment, spiritual warfare, and destruction. The symbolic representation of locusts in biblical texts carries great biblical significance, representing the consequences of disobedience and the wrath of God. In Matthew 3:4 and Mark 1:6, John the Baptist’s food was described as locusts and wild honey. Locusts as Food: Locusts are also mentioned as a source of sustenance. In the Bible, locusts are mentioned several times, often symbolizing destruction, judgment, and Q. Let's look at what the Bible says about locusts. L. What foods does the Bible forbid? 5 days ago · Similarly, Revelation’s plagues complete God’s plan. " Feb 23, 2024 · These seemingly unconventional food choices were laden with rich symbolism, reflecting the core tenets of John the Baptist's message and his embodiment of the prophetic archetype. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Davies, "John the Baptist and Essene Kashruth," NTS 29 (1983) 569-71, maintains that John's eating locusts and wild honey did Nov 22, 2025 · The Bible contains over 30 references to locusts in 17 Old and New Testament books. One of the ten plagues of Egypt, the eighth one was that of locusts. 5 days ago · Explore powerful Bible quotes about locusts, their deep symbolism of judgment and restoration, and key verses from Exodus, Joel, and Revelation. Delve into the cultural and spiritual significance of these foods in this detailed exploration. In various verses, locusts are used to illustrate the destruction that comes from disobedience. Learn about the plagues of locusts in Egypt within the book of Exodus and the locusts foretold in the book of Revelation. You know it is said in the New Testament that John the Baptist "did eat locusts and wild honey," but it is not quite certain that this insect was meant; perhaps it was the fruit of the locust-tree that he ate. Matthew 3:4 states, "John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. Dec 10, 2023 · In the Old Testament, locusts are mentioned over 30 times, mostly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. ” (Matthew 3:4, KJV 1900) Is there any herb or vegetable that might possibly be the locusts of the verse quoted? Nov 26, 2025 · John the Baptist, a prophet, consumed locusts and wild honey in the Judean desert. In this video, you’ll learn: – Where locusts appear in the Bible — from judgment to provision – Why John the Baptist’s diet matters – How locusts were considered clean, edible, and even honorable food – Why this isn’t just ancient history, but a message for today Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or spiritually hungry Nov 21, 2025 · The locusts eaten by John the Baptist while dressed in camel hair at the river Jordan were not grasshoppers or even the gentle nomadic species, but rather pods of the carob tree. Biblical Reference: Leviticus 11:22 states: "Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid . In the Bible, locust swarms are described as one way the Lord punishes those who have rejected him (Deut 28:36-42; Amos 4:9; 7:1). Awake, you drunkards, and weep, and wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it is cut off from your Mar 28, 2019 · In Leviticus chapter 11, in the Torah portion Shemini, the list of foods which are kosher – fit for a Jew who keeps the Jewish dietary laws to eat – includes locusts, crickets and grasshoppers, all four-legged insects. Nov 5, 2021 · In the context of the first-century people to whom Matthew was writing, everyone likely knew what a locust tree was, and not one of them ever thought John ate grasshoppers. You may be However, in the case of John the Baptist, locusts are part of his diet, symbolizing his detachment from worldly comforts and reliance on God's provision. Because the devastation caused by locusts could be so great, the prophet Joel used such an attack as a way of describing the invasion of Israel by enemy soldiers (Joel 2:1-11). The word locust takes different definitions as follows: a. The consumption of locusts is rooted in the dietary laws given to the Israelites, which are detailed in the Old Testament. Discover the deep meanings behind these references, from divine judgment to renewal, and how they reflect on human nature and spirituality. Dec 8, 2024 · While the Bible specifically mentions locusts and honey, it is possible, even likely, that John the Baptist consumed other foods as well. ” This verse indicates that locusts were acceptable food according to Mosaic Law, distinguishing them from other insects that were deemed unclean. The Bible describes locusts as an Biblical References and Context Grasshoppers and locusts are mentioned several times throughout the Bible, often symbolizing destruction, judgment, and the power of God. Locust in the Bible Authorized as food Leviticus 11:22 Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind. S. In Leviticus 11:22, it mentions four types of insects that are considered clean for consumption: locusts, bald locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers. Locusts often symbolize destruction, scarcity, and divine 4. Nov 17, 2025 · The Bible contains numerous references to locusts, which are both literal and symbolic. The bald locust, like other locusts, is a type of grasshopper known for its swarming behavior. Mar 6, 2013 · With the help of the Lord, Moses delivers a plague of locusts upon the Egyptians, seen in the photo of a Bible page. The locust is a type of grasshopper known for its swarming behavior and is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of destruction and divine judgment. " Cultural Hargol FoodTech sells its locusts and other food products fortified by locust protein under a special brand "Holy Locust". Definition and Description: Locusts are a type of grasshopper known for their ability to form large swarms that can devastate crops and vegetation. Later commentators, however have conjectured that the "locust" mentioned in Mark's Gospel as being the food of John the Baptist, was the carob, the fruit of a tree of the locust family, which is a sort of sweetish bean, in pods, much used by the poorer classes. These locusts are often used as a symbol of destruction and judgment, often used as a tool of God's wrath to punish disobedient people. John’s Jul 5, 2023 · Is Joel 1:4 referring to literal locusts? When was this prophecy fulfilled? Why did God use a locust swarm to punish the Israelites? “All flying insects that walk on all fours are detestable to you. What does "Locust" mean in the Bible? In the Bible, the word “locust” carries profound symbolism and significance. In the ancient Near East, locusts were one of the most feared natural disasters due to their ability to devastate crops and cause famine. “And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. As the director of Arizona State University’s Global Locust Initiative, Cease has a healthy admiration for these insects, even as she studies ways to manage locust swarms and prevent the destruction they cause. The consumption of locusts is explicitly addressed in the Old Testament, where they are classified among the clean animals that may be eaten. Leviticus 11:22 : "Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket, or grasshopper Apr 12, 2024 · Explore the fascinating symbolism and nutritional value behind John the Baptist's biblical diet of locusts and wild honey. Barnes commentary on the Bible says, “Some species of the locust are eaten until this day in Eastern countries, and are even esteemed as a delicacy when properly cooked. Feb 1, 2020 · 5 The food of John the Baptist was locust and wild honey. Leviticus 11:22 notes that locusts are a source of food, while Joel 2:25 identifies them as part of God's army. Matthew 3:4 and Mark 1:6 describe the food of John the Baptist as locusts and wild honey. Bible verses about Locusts Joel 1:4-7 ESV / 102 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful What the cutting locust left, the swarming locust has eaten. The locust is a small insect that does great damage. Leviticus 11:22 specifically states that Nov 27, 2025 · The Bible explicitly permits the consumption of locusts among a few other insects, such as locusts, katydids, crickets, and grasshoppers. 1 Peter 2:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies Locusts in the Bible symbolize divine judgment and overwhelming destruction, with Hebrew texts using four distinct terms to describe different locust types or stages of development. 4 days ago · The Bible Diet is an eating plan that aligns modern food choices with principles and practices derived from scriptural texts. Treat as “unclean” every other creature with wings and four legs. We eat shrimp. Their inclusion in the list of clean insects reinforces the idea of God's provision and the practical aspects of the dietary laws. Leviticus 11:22 Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper. Discover the spiritual lessons behind these biblical references to locusts. These of them you may eat: the Today, we delve into the biblical meaning of locust. Mar 20, 2024 · Dive into the fascinating world of biblical symbolism with our comprehensive analysis of every mention of locusts in the Bible. This approach emphasizes consuming whole, unprocessed foods while adhering to specific dietary restrictions outlined in ancient religious law. A traveller speaks of seeing the Arab women employed in filling bags with locusts, which were to be used for food. Both foods are explicitly permitted under Mosaic Law—locusts among the “winged insects that walk on all fours” declared clean (Leviticus 11:22) and honey celebrated as a covenant blessing (Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalm 81:16). The consumption of locusts and wild honey symbolized John the Baptist's commitment to a life of spiritual purity and simplicity. Here are the insects you can eat. Study the definition of Locust with multiple Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias and find scripture references in the Old and New Testaments. Most Biblical scholars speculate that locusts in the Bible represent wisdom, as Proverbs 30:24-28 suggests that locusts may be small but are extremely wise. This dietary detail is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, which describes John's lifestyle and ministry in the wilderness. Biblical References: 1. Nov 2, 2023 · In my interpretation of the Bible, locusts hold significant meaning as a symbol of divine punishment and impending doom. A swarm of that size can consume roughly 80,000 tons of food in a single day, enough to feed 40,000 people for an entire year. Aug 5, 2020 · Discover the important Bible verses about Locust in this collection of scripture quotes. The term "bald locust" appears in the context of dietary laws given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. The bald locust is mentioned alongside other locusts and similar insects, indicating its acceptance as a clean food according to Mosaic Law. , locust bean gum and " Saint John’s Bread " the latter from the belief that they may have been the "locust" eaten by John the Baptist in the wilderness (Matthew 3. 6 days ago · What insects can you eat according to the Bible? According to the Bible, you can eat certain insects that meet specific criteria. Desert locusts are capable of flying nonstop for distances up to 1,600 miles. Most Jews do not eat locusts (whether for cultural reasons or Jun 2, 2020 · What does the Bible say about locusts? In the Bible, God afflicts ancient Egyptians with ten plagues for their sins. Millions of swarming Australian plague locusts on the move Locusts (derived from the Latin locusta, locust or lobster [1]) are various species of short-horned grasshoppers in the family Acrididae that have a swarming phase. The team was particularly She’s talking about locusts. Used as food We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. And yes, it is true that certain species of locusts are permitted by the Torah, exempted from the prohibition against eating crawling and flying insects. Old Testament In the Old Testament, locusts are most notably associated with Oct 22, 2025 · Locusts are small insects that do great damage and consume and destroy worse than a lizard. “ ‘You will make yourselves “unclean” if you eat these things. garments, he ate only honey and locusts, both of which are mentioned in the food laws at the end of the Damascus Document. 10:15). These insects are part of the order Orthoptera and are known for their ability to swarm in large numbers, causing significant agricultural damage. They knew what food was available in the rift valley of the Jordan for an itinerant prophet, knew what a locust tree was, and understood the reference. 4; Mark 1. In the Bible, locusts are often associated with divine judgment and are depicted as instruments of God's wrath. 6). In the 21st century, eating locusts from wild swarms is not recommended as they may be contaminated by insecticides used to control their numbers. We see four types of locust from Joel 1:4: gnawing, swarming, creeping, and stripping. Feb 16, 2021 · One memorable mention of locusts in the Bible is a terrifying metaphor, we hope, found in Revelation, in which a menacing army is described as a huge swarm of locusts. This again may indicate that the food he was able to eat was strictly limited owing to his purity vows taken in the Community. Mar 23, 2025 · What Does The Bible Say About Locusts Locusts as Symbols of Judgment When we think about locusts in the Bible, we often see them as symbols of judgment. This horned grasshopper–that eats all vegetation in its path (and up to its own body weight in food every day!) moves in large swarms of other locusts at the same speed as the wind. That’s a careful reading of the Chumash! You are right: Leviticus (Parshat Shmini) spells out the permissible of (certain) locusts, while Deut (Parshat Re’ah) does not. They are often associated with a destructive and consuming judgment. The text focuses on highlighting his distinctive and ascetic diet, not necessarily providing a complete accounting of everything he ate. Army Locusts are commonly thought of in a Biblical context as an instrument of destruction (in a general or random sense) because of the damage that they can do to crops that would be needed for food, or as a specific instrument that God may choose to use for punishment (as He did, for Researchers at Tel Aviv University have recently tackled an age-old mystery recorded in the Bible - the reason behind locusts forming massive, crop-destroying swarms. One of them was the plague of locusts In the Biblical tale, Moses, warns the Pharaoh (ruler) of Egypt that his kingdom would be ravaged by plagues if he refused to obey God's command. They represent God’s displeasure and the consequences of turning away from Him. Swarms of locust consume entire fields of vegetation–leaving a barren wilderness, as it Discover the meaning of Locust in the Bible. Using locusts to show God’s judgment shows how serious He was with Egypt. Apr 23, 2018 · Leviticus 11:22 “These you may eat: the locust after its kind, the destroying locust after its kind, the cricket after its kind, and the grasshopper after its kind. Locust: There are ten Hebrew words used in Scripture to signify locust. In Matthew 3:4 , John the Baptist is described as having a diet that included locusts: "John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. While the dietary practices in Leviticus typically forbade winged insects, locusts are classified differently and were staples in John's diet. Locusts and honey were readily available in the Judean wilderness where John ministered. Source: 555 Difficult Bible Questions Answered Dec 7, 2014 · The first is that the “locusts” mentioned really are grasshoppers. In fact, in the Middle East even today locusts are eaten.

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