The Bible does not give a definitive yes or no answer to whether we will eat food in heaven. However, there are some clues that suggest we may enjoy eating in the afterlife. At the same time, our resurrected bodies will be different than our current earthly bodies, so eating may not be necessary for sustenance. Ultimately, God has prepared wonders beyond our imagination for heaven, so we can trust heaven will be a place of great joy, whatever it contains (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Here are some key points from Scripture related to this question:
1. Jesus ate food after his resurrection
After Jesus rose from the dead, he ate food on several occasions. For example, he ate broiled fish with his disciples (Luke 24:42-43). This shows his resurrected body was capable of eating food. If our resurrected bodies will be like Christ’s, which the Bible says they will be (1 John 3:2), then we also may have the capacity to eat food in heaven.
2. Food is connected to joy in God’s presence
In the Old Testament, sharing food was often associated with rejoicing and celebration in God’s presence. For example, Deuteronomy 12:7 says, “And there you shall eat before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your households, in all that you undertake, in which the Lord your God has blessed you.” While we do not know if there will be sacrificial meals in heaven, this connection between food and rejoicing in God’s presence may carry over.
3. Heaven is compared to a feast
In describing the joy of heaven, Jesus compared it to a wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14). Revelation 19 also describes the “wedding supper of the Lamb.” While these are likely metaphorical uses of feast imagery, it shows food is associated with joy, celebration, and blessing in God’s presence. Eating may be part of the heavenly fulfillment of these metaphors.
4. Fruit trees line the river of life in the New Jerusalem
Revelation 22 describes a river flowing from the throne of God down the middle of the city, lined with the tree of life bearing twelve kinds of fruit. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Again, this is symbolic imagery pointing to eternal life, health, and provision from God. But it portrays a future with abundant fruit, which may imply enjoying fruit from these trees.
5. Jesus said he would eat and drink again with his disciples
At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29). This implies a future meal together, though in a new form. Jesus looked forward to eating and drinking again with his disciples, symbolic of fellowship and communion restored.
6. Food is not needed to sustain resurrected bodies
While Jesus ate food after his resurrection, he did not necessarily need food for sustenance. His immortal, imperishable resurrected body was no longer subject to hunger, thirst, or death (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). In heaven, “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore” (Revelation 7:16). If we do eat food in heaven, it will not be a biological necessity, but rather a joyful experience.
7. Focus is on the heavenly feast, not earthly foods
Descriptions of heaven focus on the eternal feast or wedding supper of the Lamb, not physical earthly foods. Passages about fruit trees, fields, and vineyards are likely metaphorical, indicating spiritual abundance. The focus is relishing the fullness of God’s presence, not literal plant foods. So we cannot assume favorite earthly foods will be there.
8. Paul says food is for the stomach, and the stomach will be destroyed
1 Corinthians 6:13 says, “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food—and God will destroy both one and the other.” Here, Paul contrasts earthly nourishment with the eternal spiritual body to come. The implication may be that with our resurrected bodies, eating food will no longer be necessary.
9. We will have spiritual bodies not needing earthly sustenance
1 Corinthians 15 contrasts our current natural bodies with the future spiritual body that will be raised. Our new bodies will not be flesh and blood, but imperishable and immortal. This spiritual body will likely have no need for earthly food. The new creation may operate differently than our current universe with regards to nourishment and sustenance.
10. Focus is on the heavenly city, not physical features
Descriptions of heaven focus on dwelling with God in the new Jerusalem. The emphasis is a new heaven and earth, the coming down of the holy city, and God dwelling with his people (Revelation 21). Exact physical features are not key. The glory is being with God in the heavenly kingdom.
In summary, while the Bible gives clues both for and against eating in heaven, it does not definitively settle the question. God promises us eternal joy and blessings beyond imagination in his presence. This is the sure hope for all in Christ. Exact details about food are secondary and should not be overemphasized. As 1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” We can trust heaven will be glorious, whatever it contains!