Gluttony
Over-indulgence and over-consumption to the point of waste.
Gluttony (from Latin *gula*, based on *gluttire*, "to gulp down or swallow") refers to over-indulgence and over-consumption of anything to the point of waste. In Christianity, it is regarded as a sin when an excessive desire for food results in a loss of control over one's relationship with food or causes harm to the body. Some Christian denominations list gluttony among the seven deadly sins. Within Christianity, the concept also has a broader definition, broken down into five distinct traits.
The Hebrew term in Deuteronomy 21:20 and Proverbs 23:21 is *zalal*, which carries connotations of squandering and profligacy (waste). In Matthew 11:19 and Luke 7:34, the Greek word is *phagos*, which may simply mean "an eater," as *phagō* means "eat."
In Judaism, Rambam forbids excessive eating and drinking in Hilchot De'ot (e.g., halachot 1:4, 3:2, 5:1). The Chofetz Chaim (Yisrael Meir Kagan) prohibits gluttony based on Leviticus 19:26, in Sefer Ha-Mitzvot Ha-Katzar (Prohibition #106).
Church leaders from the ascetic Middle Ages took a more expansive view. Pope Gregory I (St. Gregory the Great) described five ways to commit the sin: eating before the proper mealtime to satisfy the palate; seeking delicacies and higher-quality food to gratify the sense of taste; stimulating the palate with overly elaborate preparations (e.g., luxurious sauces and seasonings); exceeding the necessary quantity of food; and taking food with excessive eagerness, even when eating the proper amount and even if the food is not luxurious. St. Gregory considered this fifth way the worst, as it most clearly shows attachment to pleasure. He summarized the five ways as: time (when), quality, stimulation, quantity, and eagerness. He asserted that the irregular desire is the sin, not the food: "For it is not the food, but the desire that is in fault." He listed the daughter sins of gluttony as foolish mirth, uncleanness, babbling, and dullness of the mind.
St. Thomas Aquinas, in his *Summa Theologica*, reiterated the five ways: *laute* (eating food too luxurious, exotic, or costly); *studiose* (eating food excessive in quality, too daintily or elaborately prepared); *nimis* (eating food excessive in quantity); *praepropere* (eating hastily, too soon or at an inappropriate time); and *ardenter* (eating greedily, too eagerly).
- Etymology (latin)
- gula, from gluttire
- Etymology (hebrew)
- זלל (zalal), indicating squandering and profligacy
- Etymology (greek)
- φαγος (phagos), meaning 'an eater'
- Religious context
- Christianity, Judaism, Islam
- Key christian figures
- Pope Gregory I, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Alphonsus Liguori
- Key jewish figures
- Rambam, Chofetz Chaim
- Key islamic source
- Qur'an, Sunnah
Lore & Background
In Judaism, Rambam prohibits excessive eating and drinking in Hilchot De'ot, and the Chofetz Chaim prohibits gluttony based on Leviticus 19:26. In Christianity, Pope Gregory I (St. Gregory the Great) described five ways to commit the sin of gluttony: eating before the proper time, seeking delicacies, stimulating the palate with elaborate preparation, exceeding necessary quantity, and taking food with too much eagerness. He asserted that the irregular desire is the sin, not the food, and listed daughter sins including foolish mirth, uncleanness, babbling, and dullness of mind.
St. Thomas Aquinas reiterated the five ways in his Summa Theologica: Laute (luxurious food), Studiose (excessive quality), Nimis (excessive quantity), Praepropere (hastily), and Ardenter (greedily). He concluded that gluttony denotes inordinate concupiscence in eating, and that abstinence through fasting overcomes it. St. Alphonsus Liguori noted that Pope Innocent XI condemned the proposition that eating or drinking solely to satisfy the palate is not a sin, but that feeling pleasure in eating is not itself a fault; the defect lies in eating like beasts through sole motive of sensual gratification.
In Islam, the Qur'an commands to eat and drink but not waste by extravagance, and the Sunnah encourages moderation. The Prophet said that the son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach, advising to fill one third with food, one third with drink, and one third with air.
Reader's Guide
Gluttony holds significance across multiple religious traditions as a moral failing related to excess. In Christianity, its classification as one of the seven deadly sins and the detailed analyses by Church leaders such as Pope Gregory I, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Alphonsus Liguori have shaped theological understanding of inordinate desire. The five categories—time, quality, stimulation, quantity, and eagerness—provide a framework for identifying gluttonous behavior beyond mere overeating, emphasizing the role of intention and attachment to pleasure. The concept's legacy includes its influence on ascetic practices like fasting and its integration into moral theology. In Judaism, prohibitions by Rambam and the Chofetz Chaim ground gluttony in scriptural commandments, while in Islam, the Qur'anic injunction against extravagance and the prophetic tradition of moderation offer a parallel ethical stance. The broader definition, encompassing waste and lack of control, extends the relevance of gluttony to contemporary discussions of consumerism and food addiction. The enduring nature of the term, from its Latin and Greek etymologies to its use in arts and proverbs, underscores its persistent role in moral discourse.
Did You Know?
- The Latin word 'gula' is derived from 'gluttire', meaning 'to gulp down or swallow'.
- Pope Gregory I described five ways to commit gluttony: time, quality, stimulation, quantity, and eagerness.
- St. Thomas Aquinas listed the five ways as Laute, Studiose, Nimis, Praepropere, and Ardenter.
- The Prophet Muhammad said the son of Adam should fill one third of his stomach with food, one third with drink, and one third with air.
More in Sinners & Saints
Elsewhere in Seven Deadly Sins
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