Deuteronomy 14:6

KJV

And every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, [and] cheweth the cud among the beasts, that ye shall eat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And every beast {H929} that parteth {H6536} the hoof {H6541}, and cleaveth {H8157} the cleft {H8156} into two {H8147} claws {H6541}, and cheweth {H5927} the cud {H1625} among the beasts {H929}, that ye shall eat {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Any animal that has a separate hoof that is completely divided and also chews the cud, these animals you may eat.

Berean Standard Bible

You may eat any animal that has a split hoof divided in two and that chews the cud.

American Standard Version

And every beast that parteth the hoof, and hath the hoof cloven in two, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that may ye eat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:6 presents a specific dietary regulation within the Mosaic Law, defining the two indispensable physical traits that qualified a land animal as "clean" and permissible for consumption by the Israelites: possessing a completely cloven or split hoof and actively chewing the cud. This instruction, part of a broader collection of laws designed to differentiate Israel from surrounding nations, served as a tangible manifestation of their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and underscored their consecrated identity as a holy people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 14:6 is situated within a larger legislative block (Deuteronomy 14:3-21) that meticulously reiterates and expands upon the dietary laws first introduced in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"). This chapter immediately follows a foundational declaration of Israel's distinct identity as God's chosen children, "a holy people to the Lord your God" ([Deuteronomy 14:1-2](/deuteronomy/14-1-2 "Deuteronomy 14:1-2 - Israel, God's Holy People")). Moses delivers these detailed instructions on the plains of Moab, just prior to Israel's entry into the Promised Land, emphasizing the enduring covenant obligations and the practical outworking of their holiness as they prepared to establish their nation. These regulations were not arbitrary but integral to the covenant framework, shaping daily life and reinforcing their unique relationship with God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of these dietary laws occurred at a critical juncture in Israel's history: the threshold of entering Canaan. The Israelites were transitioning from a nomadic existence to a settled life amidst pagan cultures whose religious and culinary practices differed significantly. Surrounding nations often consumed animals deemed unclean by Israelite law, and their religious rituals frequently involved practices anathema to Yahwism. By adhering to these specific dietary restrictions, Israel was visibly set apart, preventing assimilation and reinforcing their identity as "a holy people unto the Lord your God" ([Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel's Special Status")). These laws served as a constant, daily reminder of their covenant obligations and their distinctiveness from the idolatrous practices of their neighbors, fostering a profound sense of national and religious purity.

* **Key Themes:** The dietary laws in [Deuteronomy 14](/deuteronomy/14 "Deuteronomy 14 - Dietary Laws and Tithes") contribute significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, **Holiness and Distinction** is paramount; these laws functioned as a tangible marker of Israel's unique status as God's chosen people, called to be holy as He is holy ([Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). Their diet established a visible boundary, separating them from the defiling practices of other nations. Secondly, **Obedience to God's Commands** is a central tenet; adhering to these specific, often seemingly arbitrary, instructions was an act of faith and trust in God's wisdom and authority over all aspects of their lives, from worship to daily sustenance ([Deuteronomy 6:24-25](/deuteronomy/6-24-25 "Deuteronomy 6:24-25 - Obedience for Good")). Finally, these laws highlight **Divine Guidance and Provision**. God did not leave His people to guess what was acceptable; He provided meticulous guidelines, demonstrating His care for their well-being and His desire for them to live in a way that honored Him, both physically and spiritually.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **parteth (Hebrew, _pâraç'_):** From H6536, this verb means "to break in pieces, i.e. (usually without violence) to split, distribute." In the context of the hoof, it signifies a complete division or separation into distinct parts. This action is crucial for defining a clean animal, indicating a clear, unambiguous split rather than a mere indentation.
* **cud (Hebrew, _gêrâh'_):** From H1625, this noun refers to "the cud (as scraping the throat)." It describes the partially digested food that ruminant animals regurgitate and re-chew. This physiological process, known as rumination, was the second non-negotiable characteristic for an animal to be deemed permissible for consumption.
* **eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** From H398, this is a primitive root meaning "to eat (literally or figuratively)." In this verse, it serves as a direct divine command, granting permission for consumption only to those animals that meet the specified criteria, thereby establishing a clear boundary for the Israelite diet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws":** This initial clause articulates the first, dual physical characteristic required for a land animal to be considered clean. The hoof must not only be divided ("parteth the hoof") but must also form a distinct and complete "cleft" or split, resulting in two separate "claws" or digits. This precise description excludes animals with only partially split hooves or those that merely appear cloven, emphasizing a thorough and unambiguous separation.
* **"[and] cheweth the cud among the beasts":** This second clause introduces the second essential characteristic: the animal must be a ruminant. The phrase "among the beasts" clarifies that this applies specifically to land animals, distinguishing them from aquatic or avian creatures that would be subject to different criteria. Both characteristics were necessary; an animal possessing only one was deemed unclean.
* **"that ye shall eat.":** This concluding phrase serves as the divine permission and instruction, clearly stating that only animals meeting both criteria were permissible for consumption by the Israelites. It is a direct command, delineating the boundaries of their diet as part of their covenant obligations and reinforcing the concept of a divinely regulated life.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 14:6 primarily employs **Categorization** and **Legal Language**. The verse is a quintessential example of divine classification, providing precise, observable criteria for distinguishing between clean and unclean animals. This systematic categorization is characteristic of the legal sections of the Pentateuch, aiming for clarity, order, and unambiguous application in daily life. The use of specific physical traits ("parteth the hoof," "cleaveth the cleft," "cheweth the cud") demonstrates a meticulous approach to defining boundaries. This legal precision, while seemingly mundane, underscored the seriousness of God's commands and the importance of adherence to His standards. Furthermore, the very act of **Distinction** through these laws serves a profound symbolic purpose, mirroring God's desire for Israel to be a distinct and holy nation, set apart from the world around them, reflecting His own character of purity and order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dietary laws, exemplified by Deuteronomy 14:6, were not merely about hygiene or health; they were profoundly theological. They served as a constant, tangible reminder of Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and their calling to be a holy nation. By adhering to these specific, divinely ordained boundaries, the Israelites daily affirmed God's sovereignty over all creation, their obedience to His commands, and their identity as a people set apart. This distinction was a visible sign of their devotion, fostering a collective consciousness of their peculiar status and preventing assimilation into the idolatrous practices of surrounding cultures. The laws instilled discipline and reinforced the concept that every aspect of life, including what they ate, was under God's watchful eye and subject to His will, demonstrating that holiness permeated even the most mundane activities.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - A Peculiar Treasure and Holy Nation")
* [Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel, A Holy People to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary laws of the Old Testament are not binding on New Testament believers, as the New Covenant emphasizes inward purity over outward ritual, the underlying principles of Deuteronomy 14:6 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary Christian living. The call to holiness, distinction, and obedience to God's commands endures. We are still called to exercise discernment in all areas of life, seeking what is truly beneficial, honoring to God, and conducive to spiritual health. Our "diet" today might involve discerning what we consume intellectually, visually, and relationally, ensuring that our choices reflect our identity as God's children, set apart for His purposes. Just as Israel's food choices distinguished them, our lives—our values, conduct, and priorities—should visibly reflect the transforming power of Christ and the holiness of God in a world that often operates by different standards. We are called to be in the world but not of it, demonstrating our allegiance to God through our transformed lives and living as ambassadors of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to exercise discernment and make choices that reflect my identity as a follower of Christ, even if they differ from cultural norms?**
* **How does my daily "consumption" (e.g., media, relationships, thoughts) align with God's call for me to be holy and set apart?**
* **What are practical ways I can demonstrate obedience to God's current commands, reflecting the spirit of distinction found in Old Testament laws?**
* **How can the concept of being "clean" in Deuteronomy 14:6 prompt me to seek greater spiritual purity and wholeness in my walk with God?**

### FAQ

**Why did God give these specific dietary laws to Israel?**

Answer: God gave these specific dietary laws primarily to distinguish Israel as a holy nation, set apart for Him from the surrounding pagan cultures. These laws, including the criteria in Deuteronomy 14:6, served as a tangible, daily reminder of their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. They were not primarily for health reasons, though some incidental benefits may have occurred, but rather to foster a sense of identity, obedience, and purity, preventing assimilation into idolatrous practices and reinforcing their sacred status as "a peculiar people unto himself" ([Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel as God's Special Possession")).

**Are these Old Testament dietary laws still binding for Christians today?**

Answer: No, the specific dietary laws of the Old Testament, including those in Deuteronomy 14:6, are generally understood not to be binding on New Testament believers. The New Testament teaches that Christ has fulfilled the Law, and the distinction between clean and unclean foods has been abolished. [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean") states that Jesus "declared all foods clean." Furthermore, Peter's vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of the Sheet") explicitly conveys that "What God has cleansed, you must not call common." [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom from Dietary Regulations") also affirms freedom from such regulations, emphasizing that these were "a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." While the specific rules are no longer in effect, the underlying principles of holiness, obedience, and discernment remain relevant for believers.

**What is the symbolic significance of "parting the hoof" and "chewing the cud"?**

Answer: While the primary significance of these laws was simply obedience to God's arbitrary command to establish distinction, some theological interpretations suggest symbolic meaning. "Parting the hoof" (division) could symbolize discernment, the ability to separate right from wrong, or the distinctness of God's people from the world. "Chewing the cud" (ruminating) could symbolize meditation on God's Word, thoroughly digesting and internalizing His truth, allowing it to nourish one's spiritual life. While these are post-hoc interpretations and not explicitly stated in the text, they offer a way to draw spiritual lessons from these ancient laws, emphasizing that God desires both our outward conduct (distinction) and our inward spiritual discipline (meditation).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 14:6, with its meticulous dietary regulations, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament laws, including those concerning clean and unclean animals, served as a "shadow" pointing to a greater reality, with "the substance belonging to Christ" ([Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - Christ is the Reality")). In the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from outward ritual purity to inward spiritual transformation, made possible through Christ's atoning work. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, became the ultimate "clean" sacrifice, purifying not just our bodies but our very souls from sin ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). His declaration that "nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them" but rather "what comes out of a person is what defiles them" ([Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Truly Defiles a Person")) fundamentally reoriented the concept of purity. Furthermore, the vision given to Peter in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter's Vision and Cornelius") explicitly reveals God's intention to break down the barriers between Jew and Gentile, declaring all foods clean and, more importantly, all people acceptable to Him through faith in Christ. Thus, the distinction once marked by dietary laws is now superseded by a spiritual distinction: believers are set apart not by what they eat, but by their union with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, called to live holy lives as a reflection of His righteousness ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 18:1

¶ Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh [and] intermeddleth with all wisdom.

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

Psalms 1:1

¶ Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Psalms 1:2

But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.