Leviticus 11:3

KJV

Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, [and] cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whatsoever parteth {H6536} the hoof {H6541}, and is clovenfooted {H8156}{H8157}, and cheweth {H5927} the cud {H1625}, among the beasts {H929}, that shall ye eat {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

any that has a separate hoof which is completely divided and chews the cud - these animals you may eat.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that may ye eat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:3 stands as a foundational verse within the Mosaic dietary laws, precisely outlining the dual biological criteria for land animals deemed "clean" and thus permissible for consumption by the Israelites. This divine mandate, integral to a broader chapter on dietary distinctions, stipulates that an animal must simultaneously possess a cloven hoof that is completely parted and engage in the practice of chewing the cud. These specific characteristics served not merely as practical guidelines but as tangible markers of Israel's unique identity, reinforcing their call to holiness and separation unto God amidst the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11 is strategically placed within the larger framework of the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), a significant corpus of legislation that delineates God's expectations for Israel's conduct as a nation consecrated to Him. Following the intricate instructions for priestly consecration and sacrificial offerings in [Leviticus 8-10](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8-10 - Priestly Consecration and Offerings"), Chapter 11 shifts the focus from the sanctuary to the daily lives of all Israelites, particularly concerning food consumption. This transition underscores the pervasive nature of holiness, demonstrating that God's covenant demands purity not only in formal worship and ritual but also in the seemingly mundane activities of eating. The dietary laws, therefore, function as a practical, daily reminder of Israel's distinct relationship with Yahweh and their separation from the defiling practices of surrounding pagan cultures.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, dietary customs were often deeply interwoven with religious practices, mythological beliefs, and social identity. Unlike their neighbors, Israel was called to be a distinct people, a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests")). The dietary laws of [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), including the specific criteria articulated in [Leviticus 11:3](/leviticus/11-3 "Leviticus 11:3 - Criteria for Clean Animals"), served as a powerful boundary marker, reinforcing Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people and actively preventing assimilation into the idolatrous and often immoral practices of their gentile neighbors. While some modern interpretations suggest potential health benefits, the primary purpose was theological: to inculcate lessons about holiness, purity, and the fundamental distinction between the sacred and the common. By adhering to these divinely ordained laws, the Israelites visually and practically demonstrated their obedience to God's sovereign authority and their commitment to living a life set apart, reflecting the very holiness of God Himself, as explicitly commanded in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader chapter, contributes significantly to several overarching biblical themes. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's intrinsic nature as holy and His desire for His people to reflect that holiness in every aspect of their lives. The dietary laws establish a clear **Distinction** between clean and unclean, sacred and common, teaching Israel discernment and the importance of separation from defilement. This distinction is directly tied to **Obedience** to God's explicit commands, demonstrating their covenant faithfulness. Furthermore, these regulations underscore **God's Sovereignty** over all creation, asserting His right to define what is permissible and what is not. Finally, the laws contribute to the theme of **Purity**, both ritual and moral, laying the groundwork for a people prepared to dwell in the presence of a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **parteth (Hebrew, _pâraç'_):** From the primitive root H6536, meaning "to break in pieces, i.e. (usually without violence) to split, distribute." In the context of the hoof, this word emphasizes the action of the hoof being completely divided or separated into two distinct parts. It denotes a thorough, natural division rather than a mere indentation or partial split, which was crucial for distinguishing clean animals.
* **hoof (Hebrew, _parçâh'_):** From the feminine noun H6541, meaning "a claw or split hoof." This term refers specifically to the hard, horny foot covering of an animal. When combined with "parteth," it describes the physical characteristic of a hoof that is fully cloven, forming two distinct digits. This anatomical feature, observable and unambiguous, was a primary criterion for determining an animal's cleanliness.
* **cud (Hebrew, _gêrâh'_):** From the noun H1625, derived from a root meaning "to scrape," it refers to "the cud (as scraping the throat)." This term denotes the regurgitated food that certain animals, known as ruminants, bring back up from their stomach to chew a second time. This physiological process, combined with the cloven hoof, formed the dual, non-negotiable requirement for a land animal to be considered permissible for consumption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted":** This initial clause establishes the first of two indispensable anatomical criteria for a land animal to be designated as clean. It mandates that the animal's hoof must be completely divided, forming two distinct parts, and not merely be partially split or indented. This physical characteristic served as a visible and unambiguous sign of an animal's ritual purity.
* **"[and] cheweth the cud":** This second clause introduces the physiological requirement, demanding that the animal also be a ruminant. This means it must process its food by regurgitating and re-chewing it, a distinct biological function. Both this act of rumination and the fully cloven hoof must be present simultaneously for the animal to be considered permissible for consumption. The absence of either characteristic rendered the animal unclean.
* **"among the beasts, that shall ye eat":** This concluding phrase explicitly states the divine decree and its practical consequence. It designates that only those land animals ("beasts") that meet both the anatomical (cloven hoof, parted) and physiological (chewing the cud) criteria are permissible for the Israelites to consume. This clear directive underscores God's authority in defining the boundaries of their diet and their identity.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:3 primarily employs **Categorization** and **Legal Language**. The verse functions as a precise, concise legal statute, defining a specific category of animals ("clean") through clearly articulated and observable biological criteria. This **Legal Language** is a hallmark of the Mosaic Law, which frequently utilizes direct commands, conditional statements, and definitional clauses to establish divine ordinances and delineate permissible actions. Furthermore, the dual requirements of a cloven hoof and chewing the cud can be understood as a form of **Symbolism**. While their primary function was practical and theological (to distinguish Israel), these outward physical and physiological characteristics have often been interpreted symbolically. The cloven hoof, separating the animal from the earth, can symbolize walking in separation from the world's defilement, while the act of "chewing the cud" is frequently seen as a metaphor for deep, repeated meditation on God's Word, internalizing and processing divine truth for spiritual nourishment and discernment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dietary laws, profoundly exemplified by [Leviticus 11:3](/leviticus/11-3 "Leviticus 11:3 - Criteria for Clean Animals"), are inextricably linked to the overarching biblical theme of holiness. As the Holy One of Israel, God called His chosen people to mirror His character by living a life set apart, distinct from the moral and ritual defilement of the surrounding nations. These laws served as a constant, tangible reminder of their unique covenant relationship, cultivating in them a deep sense of discernment and fostering habitual obedience even in the mundane aspects of daily life. They underscored God's absolute authority over all creation and His sovereign right to define what is pure and impure, thereby shaping Israel's identity as a peculiar people and reinforcing their separation for His divine purposes. The distinction between clean and unclean was not arbitrary but foundational to their understanding of God's nature and their call to reflect it.

* [Leviticus 20:25-26](/leviticus/20-25-26 "Leviticus 20:25-26 - Distinction Between Clean and Unclean")
* [Deuteronomy 14:3-8](/deuteronomy/14-3-8 "Deuteronomy 14:3-8 - Clean and Unclean Animals")
* [Ezekiel 22:26](/ezekiel/22-26 "Ezekiel 22:26 - Priests Not Distinguishing Between Holy and Profane")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers in Christ are no longer bound by the specific ceremonial dietary laws of the Old Covenant, the profound underlying principles of discernment, holiness, and obedience remain eternally relevant and profoundly applicable to our lives today. Just as the Israelites were divinely instructed to distinguish between clean and unclean animals for their physical consumption, so too are Christians called to exercise spiritual discernment in every area of their existence—in their thoughts, words, actions, and choices. This involves a conscious and careful evaluation of what we "consume," not merely in a physical sense, but more significantly, what we allow into our minds and spirits through media, relationships, and ideologies. We are to ensure that our spiritual diet aligns with God's revealed will and promotes genuine spiritual health. The ancient act of "chewing the cud" serves as a powerful metaphor for meditating deeply on God's Word, allowing its transformative truths to be thoroughly processed, internalized, and to nourish our souls, leading to a life transformed by His Spirit. Living a "set-apart" life in the modern world means consciously choosing to live according to God's unchanging standards rather than conforming to the fleeting values and pressures of the world, thereby reflecting His radiant holiness to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to exercise greater spiritual discernment, actively distinguishing between what is "clean" (God-honoring and life-giving) and "unclean" (worldly, defiling, or sinful)?**
* **How can I more intentionally "chew the cud" of God's Word, moving beyond superficial reading to deep meditation, prayerful reflection, and transformative application of its truths in my daily walk?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to live a more "set-apart" life, demonstrating God's holiness and distinctiveness to those around me through my choices and character?**

### FAQ
**Were these laws primarily for health or for spiritual reasons?**

Answer: While some scholars have proposed that certain dietary restrictions within the Mosaic Law may have offered incidental health benefits in the ancient Near East, the overwhelming consensus among biblical scholars is that the primary purpose of these laws, including those in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), was profoundly theological and spiritual. They were designed to establish and reinforce Israel's unique identity as a holy nation, consecrated and set apart for God. These regulations served as a constant pedagogical tool, teaching the Israelites about purity, discernment, and obedience to divine authority. The distinction between clean and unclean was fundamentally about cultivating a people who understood, valued, and embodied holiness as a reflection of their covenant relationship with a holy God.

**Are Christians today required to follow the dietary laws of Leviticus 11?**

Answer: No, Christians are generally not bound by the specific ceremonial dietary laws found in the Old Covenant. The New Testament teaches that these laws, which were part of the Mosaic Law, have been fulfilled and transcended in Christ. [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean") records Jesus declaring all foods clean, thereby abrogating the Old Testament dietary distinctions. Furthermore, [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of Clean and Unclean Animals") describes Peter's transformative vision where God explicitly states, "What God has made clean, do not call common." The Apostle Paul further clarifies in [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow and Reality in Christ") that these dietary regulations were "a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." While the specific food restrictions are no longer binding for believers, the underlying spiritual principles of holiness, discernment, and living a life set apart for God remain timeless and applicable to Christian conduct.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dietary laws of [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"), particularly the criteria for clean animals in [Leviticus 11:3](/leviticus/11-3 "Leviticus 11:3 - Criteria for Clean Animals"), find their ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. These Old Covenant regulations, with their emphasis on external, physical distinctions between clean and unclean, served as a pedagogical shadow, pointing forward to a deeper, spiritual reality that would be fully unveiled in the New Covenant. Christ, through His perfect, sinless life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, abolished the ceremonial distinctions that once separated Jew from Gentile and purified all things, not merely foods, but hearts and consciences, as powerfully articulated in [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean") and [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - What God Has Made Clean"). He is the true and ultimate [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), rendering those who believe in Him spiritually clean and holy, not through adherence to external dietary codes, but by the transformative power of His indwelling Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Washed, Sanctified, Justified")). The call to holiness, once expressed through dietary and ritual separation, is now realized in Christ as an inward, radical transformation that leads to a life wholly set apart for God's glory, marked by spiritual discernment, purity of heart, and righteousness, rather than by what one eats or drinks ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). In Christ, the focus shifts from external conformity to internal purity, from ritual cleanness to spiritual regeneration, demonstrating that He is the substance to which all shadows pointed.

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

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.

Deuteronomy 6:6

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Deuteronomy 6:7

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Proverbs 9:6

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

Acts 17:11

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.