The Bible does not look favorably upon cannibalism. While there are a few instances of cannibalism recorded in Scripture, they are always presented negatively. Let’s look at what the Bible has to say about this troubling topic.
Cannibalism During Famine
There are a couple of instances in the Old Testament where famine drove people to cannibalism. During Elisha’s ministry, the king of Israel was distressed that the Arameans were besieging Samaria, causing a severe famine. The king blamed Elisha and sought to kill him (2 Kings 6:24-33). The famine grew so bad in the city that “women have been eating their own children” (2 Kings 6:28-29). This showed the horrific conditions and desperation of the people during siege and famine. While not condoned, cannibalism occurred as a last resort for survival.
Similarly, Moses warns the Israelites that if they disobey God’s laws after entering the Promised Land, “You shall eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of your sons and daughters, whom the Lord your God has given you, in the siege and in the distress with which your enemies shall distress you” (Deuteronomy 28:53). This was presented as a curse and consequence for rejecting God’s covenant. Again, cannibalism arose as a despicable option when all other food ran out.
Warnings Against Cannibalism
There are clear condemnations of cannibalism in Scripture. After outlining the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, Moses says, “The one who does these things shall live by them…See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand…For I lift up my hand to heaven and swear, As I live forever, if I sharpen my flashing sword and my hand takes hold on judgment, I will take vengeance on my adversaries and will repay those who hate me. I will make my arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh—with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the long-haired heads of the enemy” (Deuteronomy 32:39-42). While this describes judgment on the enemies of God, it demonstrates how seriously God takes cannibalism and murder of human life.
Cannibalism is listed along with other grievous sins in Isaiah 49:26 when speaking of God’s judgment on evil nations: “I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk on their own blood as with wine.” Consuming human flesh and blood is paired with oppression and injustice here. Ezekiel 39:17-20 contains another prophecy against Israel’s enemies, saying that beasts and birds will eat their flesh and drink their blood. But it warns that Israelites should not partake in this cannibalism of their enemies.
Jeremiah 19:9 predicts disaster on those who refuse to listen to God’s word: “And I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and their daughters, and everyone shall eat the flesh of his neighbor in the siege and in the distress, with which their enemies and those who seek their life afflict them.” While this describes punishment at the hands of enemies, it shows how GodNathen on cannibalism even as a last resort.
Examples of Wicked Cannibals
In 2 Kings 6:28-29, referenced earlier, the king’s response to cannibalism was callousness and rage at the prophet Elisha rather than deep concern over the practice. This paints the king in a negative, uncaring light even in a desperate situation.
The most detailed story of cannibalism in Scripture is found in 2 Kings 6:24-33. During the siege of Samaria by the Syrian army, conditions grew so dire that people resorted to cannibalism. The king blamed Elisha and sought to kill him when he heard of this horror. But Elisha prophesied that the siege would end and food would be available the next day, which came to pass. The fact that people turned to cannibalism and that the king lashed out at the prophet shows their corrupted hearts despite the desperation of the circumstances.
But perhaps the most notorious example of cannibalism in the Bible is contained in the warnings against apostasy in Leviticus 26:29 and Deuteronomy 28:53-57. God warns the Israelites that if they reject His covenant, “You shall eat the flesh of your sons, and you shall eat the flesh of your daughters.” This hideous practice would naturally follow from disregarding God’s law. Consuming human flesh would be a symptom of complete moral collapse. Practicing cannibalism in this way could only stem from a society that utterly abandoned God’s ways.
Cases of Suspected Cannibalism
In 2 Samuel 12:1-14, the prophet Nathan tells a parable to rebuke King David for his sin with Bathsheba. In this fictional story, a rich man takes his poor neighbor’s cherished lamb, preparing it for food when he had plenty of his own flocks. While not an actual case of cannibalism, it raises the specter of powerful people trampling the rights of the powerless. David was rightly outraged over this injustice before realizing he had committed a similar deceit in a position of power over Bathsheba and her husband.
While not mentioned specifically, the horrific conditions during the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar recorded in Lamentations 4:10 probably included cannibalism as was common during ancient sieges. It says that “The hands of compassionate women have boiled their own children; they became their food during the destruction of the daughter of my people.” Again, this refers to a last gasp situation, but shows how appalling society had become by this point.
In Ezekiel 5:8-10, God warns of punishment on Jerusalem through famine, plague, and scattering among nations “because you have defiled my sanctuary with all your detestable things and with all your abominations.” The prophecy warns that “Therefore fathers shall eat their sons in your midst, and sons shall eat their fathers.” While not stated explicitly, this implies cannibalism could occur as part of the prophesied judgement.
Some scholars believe Psalms 27:1-2 employs metaphorical language to describe enemies wanting to consume the psalmist: “when evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.” Whether this refers to character assassination or hints at threats of actual violence and cannibalism, it clearly depicts enemies bent on wrongful destruction.
The Bible’s Response to Cannibalism
How does the Bible respond to these distressing accounts of cannibalism? First, Scripture frankly acknowledges that this horrendous practice has occurred, especially during famines as a last resort for survival. It is not hidden or glossed over.
Secondly, cannibalism is always condemned in Scripture. God warns against it strongly as the symptom of a society that has completely rejected His ways. Consuming human flesh goes against God’s created order and represents moral decay.
Third, prophecies of judgement warn that cannibalism could be the horrifying consequence of persistent idolatry and injustice. It is presented as a curse showing utter abandonment to evil.
Fourth, God’s prophets boldly confront leaders who have allowed or cavalierly accepted cannibalism during famine. Kings reacted with rage and denial, but the prophets continued to proclaim God’s truth.
Finally, times of famine and siege that have led to cannibalism show how desperately the world needs God’s intervention and salvation. Evil in the human heart apart from God leads to cannibalism and other atrocities. Only through repentance from sin and faith in Christ can human hearts be transformed to love God and neighbor.
Cannibalism represents a distortion of human dignity and love for others. The gods of cannibals are never the true God who created humans in His own image. Christians must pray for and support misguided cannibalistic societies, that these peoples would come to know the abundant provision and love of Christ. He alone can satisfy the deepest needs of both body and soul.