Leviticus 11:7

KJV

And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he [is] unclean to you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the swine {H2386}, though he divide {H6536} the hoof {H6541}, and be clovenfooted {H8156}{H8157}, yet he cheweth {H1641} not the cud {H1625}; he is unclean {H2931} to you.

Complete Jewish Bible

while the pig is unclean for you, because, although it has a separate and completely divided hoof, it doesn't chew the cud.

Berean Standard Bible

And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.

American Standard Version

And the swine, because he parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, but cheweth not the cud, he is unclean unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 11:7 details the prohibition against consuming swine, identifying it as an "unclean" animal within the dietary laws given to Israel. This specific command is part of a broader set of regulations in Leviticus 11 designed to distinguish God's chosen people, emphasizing their unique identity and call to holiness through adherence to divine standards of purity, both ritual and moral. The verse highlights the pig's failure to meet the dual criteria for clean land animals—having a divided hoof and chewing the cud—thereby classifying it as unfit for consumption and a symbol of ceremonial impurity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 11:7 is situated within a comprehensive chapter (Leviticus 11) that meticulously outlines the dietary laws, or *kashrut*, for the Israelite nation. This chapter begins by establishing the general criteria for distinguishing between clean and unclean animals, birds, fish, and insects ([Leviticus 11:1-3](/leviticus/11-1 "Leviticus 11:1-3 - Criteria for Clean Animals")). Specifically for land animals, the divine standard requires two characteristics: having a divided hoof *and* chewing the cud. Verses [Leviticus 11:4-6](/leviticus/11-4 "Leviticus 11:4-6 - Examples of Unclean Animals") list several animals (camel, rock badger, hare) that meet one criterion but not the other, thus classifying them as unclean. The swine in [Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - Prohibition of Swine") is presented as another prominent example of an animal that possesses a divided hoof but fails the cud-chewing requirement, solidifying its status as unclean. The chapter concludes by reiterating the purpose of these laws: to maintain Israel's holiness and distinction from other nations ([Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dietary laws in Leviticus, including the prohibition of swine, served multiple crucial functions in ancient Israel. Historically, they provided a tangible means of distinguishing Israel from the surrounding pagan nations, many of whom commonly consumed pork and engaged in practices anathema to Yahweh worship. For instance, archaeological evidence suggests widespread consumption of pigs in Canaanite and Philistine cultures. By forbidding pork, God established a clear boundary, reinforcing Israel's identity as a people "set apart" for Him ([Leviticus 20:26](/leviticus/20-26 "Leviticus 20:26 - Set Apart for God")). Culturally, these laws instilled a disciplined approach to life, fostering a constant awareness of God's standards of purity. The concept of "unclean" (Hebrew: *tame'*) extended beyond mere hygiene; it denoted a state of ritual impurity that rendered an individual unfit for participation in worship or sacred activities until purification rites were performed. This emphasis on purity permeated all aspects of Israelite life, from diet to worship to social interaction, reflecting God's own holy character and His desire for His people to reflect that holiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Swine (חֲזִיר, _chazir'_):** This term refers specifically to the pig. In the ancient Near East, pigs were often associated with pagan worship and idolatrous practices, particularly in some Canaanite and Mesopotamian religions. Their consumption was common in many cultures, making the prohibition for Israel a stark and significant marker of their unique identity and devotion to Yahweh alone. The pig's physical characteristics—having a cloven hoof but not chewing the cud—made it a quintessential example of an animal that superficially appeared "clean" but failed the full divine criteria, thus emphasizing the importance of complete adherence to God's commands.
* **Unclean (טָמֵא, _tame'_):** This Hebrew adjective signifies ritual impurity, ceremonially defiling, or unfit for sacred use or consumption. It does not necessarily imply physical dirtiness or unhealthiness, but rather a state that separates one from full participation in the community of God's people and their worship. To be *tame'* meant one was temporarily excluded from the sanctuary and required specific purification rites to become *tahor* (clean). The classification of the swine as *tame'* underscored its absolute prohibition and its symbolic representation of that which was outside the realm of God's holy order for Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted":** This clause acknowledges that the pig possesses one of the two necessary characteristics for a clean land animal. Its hoof is indeed divided, or cloven, meaning it is split into two distinct parts. This observation highlights the meticulous nature of the dietary law, which considers specific anatomical features.
* **"yet he cheweth not the cud":** This is the critical disqualifying factor. Unlike ruminant animals (like cows or sheep) that re-chew their partially digested food (the cud), pigs do not. This absence of cud-chewing, despite the cloven hoof, means the pig fails to meet the complete set of divine criteria for a clean land animal. It underscores that God's law is not based on partial compliance but on full adherence to His established standards.
* **"he [is] unclean to you":** This concluding declaration pronounces the definitive status of the swine. Because it fails to meet both criteria, it is *tame'*—ritually impure and forbidden for consumption by the Israelites. The phrase "to you" emphasizes that this command is specifically for Israel, setting them apart and defining their relationship with God through obedience to His unique covenant stipulations.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 11:7 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Casuistic Law** is evident, as the verse presents a specific case ("if the swine...") and then states the legal consequence ("then it is unclean"). This legalistic style is characteristic of much of the Mosaic Law, providing clear, actionable directives. **Contrast** is also a prominent feature, highlighting the discrepancy between the pig's appearance (having a cloven hoof, which *seems* clean) and its actual status (not chewing the cud, therefore *unclean*). This contrast underscores that external appearances can be deceptive and that adherence to God's full standard is paramount. Furthermore, the pig itself functions as **Symbolism**. Beyond its literal prohibition, the swine became a powerful symbol of impurity, defilement, and that which was utterly antithetical to Israel's holy calling. Its inclusion in the list of forbidden animals served as a constant, tangible reminder of the boundaries God established for His people, reinforcing their distinct identity and commitment to ritual and moral purity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against swine, like the broader dietary laws, profoundly underscores God's call for His people to live a life of holiness and distinction. These regulations were not merely arbitrary rules but served as tangible expressions of Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. By adhering to these specific commands, the Israelites tangibly demonstrated their obedience to divine authority and their commitment to being "set apart" from the defiling practices of surrounding nations. This separation was not for exclusivity's sake but for the purpose of reflecting God's own holy character to the world. The dietary laws, therefore, were a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about the pervasive nature of holiness and the importance of discerning between the clean and the unclean in all aspects of life.

* [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 14:3-8](/deuteronomy/14-3 "Deuteronomy 14:3-8 - Clean and Unclean Animals")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific dietary prohibitions of the Old Covenant, including the ban on pork, are not binding on New Testament believers (as clarified by Christ and the apostles), the underlying principles of holiness, obedience, and distinction remain profoundly relevant. For us today, the call is not to external dietary purity but to internal heart purity and a life set apart for God in character and conduct. We are called to discern between what is spiritually "clean" (pleasing to God, righteous, truthful) and "unclean" (sinful, defiling, worldly). This involves a conscious choice to live in alignment with God's moral and ethical standards, rather than conforming to the patterns of the world. Our "diet" now consists of the spiritual food we consume—the Word of God, prayer, fellowship—and the choices we make that either build up or defile our spiritual temple. The essence of the Levitical law, therefore, transforms into a call for Christ-like living, where our lives are a testimony to God's transforming power and our commitment to His holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to be "set apart" for God, distinguishing myself from the surrounding culture?**
* **How does the concept of "unclean" in Leviticus translate into spiritual "defilement" in my life today, and what steps can I take to pursue greater purity?**
* **Beyond external rules, what does it truly mean to live a life of internal holiness and obedience to God's commands?**

### FAQ

**Why was pork specifically forbidden to the Israelites, and what was the rationale behind these dietary laws?**

Answer: Pork was forbidden because the pig failed to meet both of God's criteria for clean land animals: it has a divided hoof but does not chew the cud ([Leviticus 11:7](/leviticus/11-7 "Leviticus 11:7 - Prohibition of Swine")). The rationale behind these dietary laws, often called *kashrut*, was primarily theological and symbolic, not merely hygienic. They served to distinguish Israel as a holy nation set apart for God ([Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). By adhering to these unique commands, Israel demonstrated obedience to God's authority and maintained a tangible boundary between themselves and the pagan nations who often consumed forbidden animals or used them in idolatrous rituals. These laws instilled a disciplined approach to life, fostering a constant awareness of God's standards of purity and holiness in all aspects of their existence.

**Are Christians today still bound by the Old Testament dietary laws, including the prohibition against eating pork?**

Answer: No, Christians are not bound by the Old Testament dietary laws, including the prohibition against eating pork. The New Testament clearly indicates a shift in understanding regarding ceremonial purity. Jesus Himself declared all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")), emphasizing that true defilement comes from within a person's heart, not from external foods. Furthermore, 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 unclean, paving the way for the gospel to be preached to Gentiles without requiring them to adhere to Jewish ceremonial laws. Paul also taught extensively on Christian liberty concerning food, emphasizing that what one eats does not commend them to God, but rather faith and a clear conscience are paramount ([Romans 14:1-4](/romans/14-1 "Romans 14:1-4 - Do Not Pass Judgment on One Another") and [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom from Regulations")). While the specific dietary rules are no longer binding, the underlying principles of holiness, self-control, and living a life set apart for God remain vital for believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prohibition of swine in Leviticus 11:7, like all the Old Covenant dietary laws, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. These laws served as "a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" ([Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - Shadow of Christ")). Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, fulfilled the law's demands for perfect purity and holiness. He did not merely cleanse certain foods; He cleansed humanity from the root of all defilement—sin itself. Jesus declared that "what comes out of a person is what defiles him" ([Mark 7:20](/mark/7-20 "Mark 7:20 - What Defiles a Person")), shifting the focus from external ritual purity to internal heart purity. The vision given to Peter in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of the Sheet") dramatically illustrates this fulfillment, where God declares all animals clean, signifying the abolition of ceremonial distinctions and the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family without requiring adherence to the Mosaic Law. In Christ, the barrier between clean and unclean, Jew and Gentile, is broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), and true holiness is found not in dietary restrictions but in being made righteous through faith in His finished work, living by the Spirit, and presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")). He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, making us truly clean before a holy God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

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.

Isaiah 65:4

Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels;

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.

Deuteronomy 14:8

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.

Luke 8:33

Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

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.

Matthew 7:6

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.