Deuteronomy 14:7

KJV

Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; [as] the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; [therefore] they [are] unclean unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless these ye shall not eat {H398} of them that chew {H5927} the cud {H1625}, or of them that divide {H6536} the cloven {H8156} hoof {H6541}; as the camel {H1581}, and the hare {H768}, and the coney {H8227}: for they chew {H5927} the cud {H1625}, but divide {H6536} not the hoof {H6541}; therefore they are unclean {H2931} unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you are not to eat those that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof. For example, the camel, the hare and the coney are unclean for you because they chew the cud but don't have a separate hoof;

Berean Standard Bible

But of those that chew the cud or have a completely divided hoof, you are not to eat the following: the camel, the rabbit, or the rock badger.

American Standard Version

Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that have the hoof cloven: the camel, and the hare, and the coney; because they chew the cud but part not the hoof, they are unclean unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:7 presents a specific clarification within the broader Mosaic dietary laws, identifying three animals—the camel, the hare, and the coney (rock hyrax)—as "unclean" for consumption. This designation is based on their failure to meet both of the two essential criteria for clean animals: chewing the cud and possessing a fully divided hoof. The verse underscores the meticulous nature of God's commands and served as a tangible means for Israel to maintain its distinct identity and ritual purity as a holy nation set apart by God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 14:7 is situated within a larger section of covenant renewal and exposition of the Law, spanning from [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Laws Concerning Worship") to [Deuteronomy 26](/deuteronomy/26 "Deuteronomy 26 - Concluding Exhortations and Blessings"). Specifically, [Deuteronomy 14](/deuteronomy/14 "Deuteronomy 14 - Clean and Unclean Food") focuses on laws concerning clean and unclean food, tithes, and the year of release. This chapter reiterates and slightly expands upon the dietary regulations first given in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Laws Concerning Clean and Unclean Animals"), emphasizing their importance for the new generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land. The preceding verses in [Deuteronomy 14:3-6](/deuteronomy/14-3 "Deuteronomy 14:3-6 - Clean Animals") list the clean animals, setting the stage for the exclusions detailed in [Deuteronomy 14:7-8](/deuteronomy/14-7 "Deuteronomy 14:7-8 - Unclean Animals"). This repetition underscores the didactic purpose of Deuteronomy—to instruct and remind the people of their covenant obligations before settling in Canaan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Deuteronomy is presented as Moses' farewell speeches to the second generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they cross the Jordan River into Canaan. This generation had not experienced the Exodus directly but were about to inherit the covenant promises. The dietary laws, like many other statutes, served to distinguish Israel from the surrounding Canaanite nations, whose religious and cultural practices often involved pagan rituals, idolatry, and the consumption of animals considered abominable by Yahweh. By adhering to these specific food regulations, Israel was visibly and tangibly set apart as a "holy people to the Lord your God" ([Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel as a Holy People")). These laws were not merely arbitrary rules but functioned as a constant reminder of their unique covenant relationship with a holy God, shaping their daily lives and national identity in stark contrast to the idolatrous cultures they would encounter.

* **Key Themes:** The dietary laws in [Deuteronomy 14](/deuteronomy/14 "Deuteronomy 14 - Clean and Unclean Food") contribute significantly to several overarching themes in the book and the Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing God's desire for His people to be consecrated and distinct from the nations around them. This physical separation through diet was a tangible expression of their spiritual commitment to Yahweh, reflecting the call to be "holy, for I am holy" ([Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). Another crucial theme is **Obedience and Discernment**. The meticulous nature of the laws, requiring both "chewing the cud" and "divided hoof," teaches the necessity of complete and precise adherence to God's commands, rather than partial compliance or superficial conformity. It highlights the importance of discerning between what truly aligns with God's will and what merely appears to. Finally, these laws powerfully underscore **Divine Authority**. They are not based on human logic, nutritional benefit (though some modern scholars suggest hygienic aspects), or cultural preference, but solely on the sovereign decree of God, who has the ultimate right to define what is pure and impure for His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chew the cud (Hebrew, _gērâ_):** This refers to the process of rumination, characteristic of ruminant animals. These animals possess multiple stomach chambers, allowing them to regurgitate partially digested food (cud) and re-chew it to extract more nutrients. In the Mosaic Law, this physiological trait was one of two necessary conditions for an animal to be considered clean for consumption.
* **Divide the cloven hoof (Hebrew, _parsâ_):** This refers to a hoof that is completely split into two distinct parts, as seen in cattle, sheep, and goats. This physical characteristic was the second essential criterion, alongside chewing the cud, for an animal to be deemed clean. The absence of either characteristic, even if the other was present, rendered the animal unclean.
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭāmē’_):** This term denotes ritual impurity or defilement. In the context of dietary laws, consuming an "unclean" animal would render an Israelite ritually impure, requiring purification rituals. More broadly, _ṭāmē’_ signifies anything that is not in a state of ritual purity, often associated with death, disease, or certain bodily discharges, and thus unsuitable for approaching God or participating in sacred rites.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof;":** This opening clause introduces a list of exceptions to the general rules for clean animals previously stated in [Deuteronomy 14:4-6](/deuteronomy/14-4 "Deuteronomy 14:4-6 - Clean Land Animals"). It sets up the condition that even if an animal possesses *one* of the two clean characteristics (chewing the cud OR having a divided hoof), it is still forbidden if it lacks the *other*. This highlights the non-negotiable requirement for *both* characteristics to be present.
* **"[as] the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof;":** This part of the verse provides specific examples of animals that fail the dual criteria. The camel (Hebrew, _gāmāl_), hare (Hebrew, _’arnebet_), and coney (Hebrew, _šāfān_, commonly identified as the rock hyrax) are explicitly named. The text clarifies their disqualification: they are observed to "chew the cud" (or appear to ruminate, as in the case of the hare and coney, which re-ingest their droppings, a process that might have been perceived as cud-chewing in ancient observation), but they definitively "divide not the hoof." This precise observation underscores the meticulous nature of the Law.
* **"[therefore] they [are] unclean unto you.":** This concluding phrase states the direct consequence of failing to meet both criteria. Because these animals lack one of the two essential distinguishing marks of clean animals, they are declared "unclean" (_ṭāmē’_) and are therefore forbidden for consumption by the Israelites. This declaration reinforces the divine authority behind the classification and the importance of adherence for maintaining ritual purity.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 14:7 primarily employs **Categorization** and **Exclusion** as key literary devices. The text is part of a larger legal code that systematically categorizes animals into "clean" and "unclean" based on specific, observable physical characteristics. This verse, in particular, functions as an **Exclusionary Clause**, precisely defining which animals, despite possessing one characteristic of clean animals, are nevertheless forbidden due to the absence of the other. This meticulous **Specification** demonstrates the thoroughness of the Mosaic Law, leaving no ambiguity regarding what is permissible. Furthermore, the verse uses **Repetition** of the criteria ("chew the cud" and "divide not the hoof") to reinforce the dual requirement, emphasizing that partial conformity is insufficient for ritual purity. The naming of specific animals (camel, hare, coney) provides concrete examples, serving a **Didactic** purpose by making the abstract legal principles tangible and memorable for the Israelite community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dietary laws, exemplified by Deuteronomy 14:7, served a profound theological purpose beyond mere hygiene or health. They were a tangible expression of Israel's covenant relationship with God, designed to cultivate a distinct identity as a holy people set apart for Yahweh. The distinction between clean and unclean animals mirrored the spiritual distinction God desired between Israel and the surrounding pagan nations. By meticulously adhering to these laws, the Israelites were constantly reminded of God's sovereign authority over all creation and His right to define purity. This daily discipline fostered a mindset of obedience and discernment, teaching them to distinguish between what was acceptable and unacceptable in God's sight, not just in diet but in all areas of life. The laws were a pedagogical tool, preparing Israel for a deeper understanding of spiritual holiness and the pervasive nature of sin.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Acts 10:14-15](/acts/10-14 "Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "Called to Be Holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament dietary laws are no longer binding for New Covenant believers, the underlying principles of holiness, discernment, and obedience remain eternally relevant. Deuteronomy 14:7 challenges us to consider what we allow into our lives—not just physically, but spiritually and morally. Just as certain animals appeared clean but were not fully so, we must exercise spiritual discernment to distinguish between what truly honors God and what merely masquerades as good or acceptable. This requires a deep engagement with God's Word and reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide our choices in a world that often blurs the lines between truth and deception, purity and compromise. Our call to holiness is not about external rules but about an internal transformation that impacts every aspect of our being, reflecting God's character in our thoughts, words, and actions. We are to be set apart, not by what we eat, but by how we live, demonstrating integrity and authenticity in our walk with Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to settle for partial obedience, rather than complete adherence to God's will?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to distinguish between what truly honors God and what merely appears to be good?**
* **What "unclean" influences or practices, though seemingly harmless, might be hindering my spiritual growth or compromising my witness?**
* **How does the call to be "set apart" manifest in my daily choices and interactions in a way that reflects Christ's holiness?**

### FAQ
**Were these dietary laws arbitrary, or did they have a deeper purpose?**

Answer: The dietary laws were far from arbitrary. While some modern scholars suggest hygienic benefits, their primary purpose was theological and symbolic. They served to distinguish Israel as God's chosen people, a "holy nation" ([Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel as a Holy People")), from the surrounding pagan cultures. These laws provided a tangible, daily reminder of their unique covenant relationship with a holy God, fostering obedience, discernment, and a pervasive sense of ritual purity. They were a pedagogical tool to teach Israel about the nature of holiness and separation from defilement, preparing them for a deeper spiritual understanding.

**Are Christians still required to follow the Old Testament dietary laws?**

Answer: No, Christians are not bound by the Old Testament dietary laws. The New Testament clearly indicates that these ceremonial laws have been fulfilled and superseded by Christ. Jesus declared all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")), and Peter's vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of the Sheet") explicitly revealed that God no longer considers certain foods or people unclean. The Apostle Paul also taught that "the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Not Food and Drink")). The focus for believers shifted from external dietary regulations to internal spiritual purity and moral conduct.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous distinctions in Deuteronomy 14:7, separating clean from unclean, find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant dietary laws, while serving to set Israel apart and teach them about holiness, were ultimately shadows pointing to a deeper spiritual reality. Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, became the very embodiment of purity and the source of true cleansing. He abolished the ceremonial distinctions that separated people and foods, making "peace through the blood of His cross" ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through the Blood of His Cross")). The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ, moves beyond external regulations to an internal transformation, where defilement comes not from what enters the body, but from what proceeds from the heart ([Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Defiles a Person")). In Christ, the barrier between clean and unclean is broken down, not just for foods but for all humanity, inviting Gentiles into the family of God ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Breaks Down the Wall")). Through His sacrifice, believers are made truly clean and holy, not by adherence to dietary codes, but by faith in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), allowing them to approach God with a clear conscience, having been purified by His blood ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansed by the Blood of Christ")).

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

Matthew 7:22

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matthew 7:23

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

2 Timothy 3:5

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Leviticus 11:5

And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he [is] unclean unto you.

2 Peter 2:18

For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

2 Peter 2:22

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Matthew 7:26

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: