Deuteronomy 14:8

KJV

And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it [is] unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the swine {H2386}, because it divideth {H6536} the hoof {H6541}, yet cheweth not the cud {H1625}, it is unclean {H2931} unto you: ye shall not eat {H398} of their flesh {H1320}, nor touch {H5060} their dead carcase {H5038}.

Complete Jewish Bible

while the pig is unclean for you because, although it has a separate hoof, it doesn't chew the cud. You are not to eat meat from these or touch their carcasses.

Berean Standard Bible

Although they chew the cud, they do not have a divided hoof. They are unclean for you, as well as the pig; though it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. It is unclean for you. You must not eat its meat or touch its carcass.

American Standard Version

And the swine, because he parteth the hoof but cheweth not the cud, he is unclean unto you: of their flesh ye shall not eat, and their carcasses ye shall not touch.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:8 reiterates a core dietary prohibition from the Mosaic Law, specifically concerning the swine. It declares that because the pig possesses a cloven hoof but does not chew the cud, it is ritually unclean for the Israelites. This verse not only forbids the consumption of its flesh but also prohibits any contact with its dead carcass, thereby reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the purity laws designed to distinguish Israel as a holy people set apart for Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 14 is situated within Moses' final addresses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a re-statement and expansion of the covenant laws previously given at Mount Sinai, particularly those found in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Laws of Clean and Unclean Animals"). Following an initial command for Israel to be a holy people set apart for God ([Deuteronomy 14:1-2](/deuteronomy/14-1 "Deuteronomy 14:1-2 - Israel, Children of the Lord")), the chapter immediately delves into detailed dietary regulations, distinguishing between animals permissible and forbidden for consumption. Verse 8, specifically addressing the swine, is part of a larger list of unclean animals, emphasizing the meticulous nature of God's commands regarding ritual purity. The broader context of Deuteronomy is a call to obedience and remembrance of God's covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dietary laws in Deuteronomy 14 reflect the ancient Near Eastern context while profoundly distinguishing Israel from its neighbors. Many surrounding cultures, such as the Egyptians and Canaanites, had varying dietary practices, some of which included the consumption of pork or had different concepts of ritual purity. For instance, archaeological evidence suggests that pigs were consumed in some Canaanite settlements. By prohibiting swine and other animals, God established a physical boundary that reinforced Israel's unique identity as a covenant people. These laws were not primarily for health (though they may have had secondary health benefits) but were fundamental to their religious and social identity, preventing assimilation into pagan practices and fostering a sense of separation and holiness before a holy God.

* **Key Themes:** The prohibition against swine in [Deuteronomy 14:8](/deuteronomy/14-8 "Deuteronomy 14:8 - Prohibition of Swine") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. First and foremost is **Holiness and Distinction**. The dietary laws served as a tangible expression of Israel's call to be "a holy people unto the Lord" ([Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel, a Holy People")). By adhering to these unique regulations, they visibly demonstrated their separation from the nations and their devotion to Yahweh. Second, **Obedience to Divine Command** is paramount. The specific criteria for uncleanness (cloven hoof, not chewing cud) were divinely ordained, requiring simple, unquestioning obedience from the Israelites, regardless of their understanding of the rationale. This fostered a culture of submission to God's authority. Finally, the theme of **Covenant Identity** is reinforced, as these laws were part of the covenant agreement, shaping Israel's daily life and communal practices around their relationship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Swine (Hebrew, _chazir_):** This term refers specifically to the pig or wild boar. In the ancient Near East, pigs were sometimes associated with pagan cults or considered detestable by certain groups. For Israel, the swine became the quintessential example of an unclean animal, often representing the epitome of ritual impurity due to its specific biological characteristics that failed to meet the divine criteria for "clean" animals. Its explicit mention underscores its particular significance in the dietary prohibitions.
* **Divideth the hoof (Hebrew, _mafreset parsa_):** This phrase describes an animal whose hoof is completely split, forming two distinct parts. This was one of two primary anatomical criteria for land animals to be considered clean and permissible for consumption. Animals like cattle, sheep, and goats possess this characteristic. The swine, while having a cloven hoof, fails the second criterion, rendering it unclean.
* **Cheweth not the cud (Hebrew, _einennah ma'alat gerah_):** This describes the process of rumination, where an animal regurgitates partially digested food and chews it again. This was the second necessary criterion for land animals to be considered clean. Ruminants like cows and sheep possess both a cloven hoof and chew the cud. The swine, despite having a cloven hoof, does not chew the cud, thus failing this crucial test and confirming its status as unclean.
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _tameh_):** This word denotes a state of ritual impurity or defilement. In this context, it signifies that the animal is forbidden for consumption and contact by the Israelites. It does not imply moral sin on the part of the animal itself, but rather a condition that renders it unsuitable for the holy people of God, separating them from practices that might lead to spiritual defilement or assimilation with pagan cultures.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud":** This clause identifies the specific animal—the pig—and precisely details the biological reasons for its designation as unclean according to God's law. It possesses one characteristic of clean animals (cloven hoof) but lacks the other (chewing the cud), thus falling into the forbidden category. This precision demonstrates the systematic nature of the divine legislation.
* **"it [is] unclean unto you":** This is the divine verdict and declaration of ritual impurity. The phrase "unto you" emphasizes that this prohibition is specifically for the Israelites, setting them apart and defining their unique covenant relationship with God. It's a direct command from God to His people, establishing a boundary for their diet and, by extension, their identity.
* **"ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase":** This final clause outlines the twofold prohibition. First, consumption of the swine's meat is strictly forbidden. Second, any physical contact with its dead body (carcass) is also prohibited, as such contact would render a person ritually impure, requiring a purification process. This comprehensive prohibition underscores the depth of the impurity associated with the swine and the meticulous nature of the laws designed to maintain Israel's holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 14:8 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Categorization**, as the verse systematically places the swine into the "unclean" category based on specific, observable biological criteria (cloven hoof, not chewing cud). This precise **Legal Language** is characteristic of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing clarity and divine authority in its decrees. The verse also uses **Merism** by stating "not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase," which encompasses all possible forms of interaction with the animal, thereby communicating a complete and absolute prohibition. Furthermore, the overall **Didactic Tone** of Deuteronomy is evident, as Moses instructs the people in foundational principles of holiness and obedience, ensuring they understand the practical implications of their covenant identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against swine in Deuteronomy 14:8 is not an isolated command but part of a larger theological framework emphasizing God's holiness and His desire for His people to reflect that holiness. These dietary laws served as a constant, tangible reminder of Israel's distinct identity and their covenant relationship with a holy God. They taught Israel that God's ways were different from the world's and that obedience, even in seemingly mundane matters like diet, was an act of worship and submission. This external separation was meant to cultivate an internal disposition of purity and devotion. While the specific dietary laws were ceremonial and pointed forward to a greater reality, the underlying principles of holiness, distinction, and obedience remain eternally relevant for believers.

* [Leviticus 11:7-8](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7-8 - Prohibition of Swine")
* [Isaiah 65:4](/isaiah/65-4 "Isaiah 65:4 - Eating Swine's Flesh as Abomination")
* [Acts 10:14-15](/acts/10-14 "Acts 10:14-15 - Peter's Vision and Clean Foods")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 14:8, while part of a superseded ceremonial law, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order, distinction, and holiness, and He calls His people to reflect His character. Just as the Israelites were to be set apart physically, Christians are called to be spiritually distinct from the world. Our "diet" now is not physical food but what we consume with our minds, hearts, and spirits—the media we engage with, the relationships we cultivate, the values we uphold. We are to discern what is "clean" (pure, edifying, true, noble) and "unclean" (defiling, destructive, worldly) in our spiritual lives, aligning our choices with God's revealed will. The principle of obedience, even when the rationale isn't fully clear, remains a cornerstone of faith. Our submission to God's Word, even in areas that challenge our natural inclinations, builds trust and strengthens our walk with Him, demonstrating our commitment to living as a people consecrated to His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "holiness" in Deuteronomy 14:8 translate into practical living for a Christian today?**
* **What are some "unclean" things in our modern culture that Christians are called to avoid, not physically, but spiritually or morally?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "distinguish" yourself from the world, even if the reasons aren't immediately obvious?**
* **How does obedience to God's commands, even those we don't fully understand, deepen our trust in Him?**

### FAQ
**Why was the swine specifically forbidden to the Israelites?**

Answer: The prohibition against swine, as detailed in Deuteronomy 14:8 and [Leviticus 11:7-8](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7-8 - Prohibition of Swine"), was primarily about establishing and maintaining Israel's ritual purity and unique identity as God's covenant people. While there might have been secondary health benefits (pigs can carry parasites if not properly cooked, though this wasn't the explicit reason given), the core purpose was theological: to set Israel apart from the surrounding nations who consumed pork. The criteria—having a cloven hoof but not chewing the cud—were divinely ordained standards for ritual cleanness in land animals, and the swine simply did not meet them. It was a tangible way for Israel to live out their calling as a "holy people unto the Lord" ([Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel, a Holy People")).

**Are Christians today still bound by the dietary laws concerning swine from the Old Testament?**

Answer: No, Christians are not bound by the Old Testament dietary laws, including the prohibition against swine. The New Testament clearly indicates a fulfillment and transformation of these ceremonial laws in Christ. Jesus Himself declared all foods clean in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), stating that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of their heart. Furthermore, the Apostle 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 had cleansed what was once considered common or unclean, paving the way for the gospel to be extended to Gentiles without requiring adherence to Mosaic dietary restrictions. The focus shifted from external ritual purity to internal heart purity and spiritual distinction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dietary laws, including the prohibition against swine in Deuteronomy 14:8, find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. These Old Testament regulations served as a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow and Reality in Christ")). Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, inaugurated a new covenant that transcends the external distinctions of the Mosaic Law. His declaration that "there is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him" ([Mark 7:15](/mark/7-15 "Mark 7:15 - What Defiles a Person")) and the subsequent clarification that He thus declared all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")) fundamentally reoriented the concept of purity from ritualistic observances to the condition of the heart. This was further confirmed by Peter's vision in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter's Vision and Cornelius"), where God commanded him to eat previously forbidden animals, signifying the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile and the universal scope of the gospel. In Christ, true cleanness is not achieved by adhering to dietary codes but by being washed by His blood and indwelt by His Spirit, making us holy and acceptable to God, not through our external practices, but through His perfect sacrifice. The kingdom of God is no longer about "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 Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")).

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

Leviticus 11:26

[The carcases] of every beast which divideth the hoof, and [is] not clovenfooted, nor cheweth the cud, [are] unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean.

Leviticus 11:27

And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on [all] four, those [are] unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcase shall be unclean until the even.

Isaiah 66:3

He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

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.

Isaiah 66:17

They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.

Luke 15:15

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

Luke 15:16

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.