### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **choîros**, represented by `{{G5519}}`, is the term for a **hog** or **swine**. Of uncertain derivation, it appears **14 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible. While referring to a literal animal, it is consistently used in contexts that denote ritual uncleanness, degradation, and the profane.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{G5519}}` appears in several significant accounts. It is central to the story of the Gadarene demoniac, where unclean spirits beg Jesus to be sent into a **herd** of **swine**, which then run violently down a **steep place** into the **sea** and perish ([[Matthew 8:32]], [[Mark 5:13]]). The term also marks the lowest point for the prodigal son, who is sent to **feed** **swine** and becomes so desperate that he longs to eat their **husks** [[Luke 15:15-16]]. Metaphorically, Jesus uses the animal to represent those who would desecrate what is holy, instructing his followers not to cast pearls before **swine** [[Matthew 7:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the context surrounding `{{G5519}}`:
* `{{G34}}` **agélē** (herd): This word for "a drove" is used repeatedly to describe the large group of **swine** that the demons enter before rushing to their destruction ([[Matthew 8:31]], [[Mark 5:11]]).
* `{{G1006}}` **bóskō** (to feed, keep): This verb means to pasture or feed. It is used to describe the job of those who kept the **swine** that were possessed [[Mark 5:14]] and the humiliating task given to the prodigal son [[Luke 15:15]].
* `{{G2911}}` **krēmnós** (steep place): This term for a precipice is found exclusively in the accounts of the possessed **swine**, describing the cliff from which the herd ran violently into the **sea** or **lake** ([[Matthew 8:32]], [[Luke 8:33]]).
* `{{G2965}}` **kýōn** (dog): In a key teaching, **dogs** are mentioned alongside **swine** as animals unable to appreciate what is sacred, reinforcing the idea of profane creatures who would defile holy things [[Matthew 7:6]].
* `{{G2769}}` **kerátion** (husk): This word refers to the carob-tree pods eaten by the **swine** in the parable of the prodigal son, symbolizing the absolute depth of his degradation [[Luke 15:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5519}}` is tied to its consistent use as a symbol for impurity and the profane.
* **Emblem of Degradation:** The association with **swine** represents the ultimate state of desperation and uncleanness for the prodigal son, a low point from which he finally resolves to return to his father [[Luke 15:15-16]].
* **Vessel for the Unclean:** The fact that demons specifically request to be sent into a herd of **swine** highlights the animal’s symbolic connection to the demonic and impure in the biblical mindset [[Mark 5:12]].
* **Rejection of the Holy:** Jesus's teaching not to cast pearls before **swine** establishes the animal as a metaphor for people who are hostile to spiritual truth and will only "trample" it underfoot [[Matthew 7:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5519}}` is more than just the word for a **hog**. It is a potent biblical symbol for uncleanness, degradation, and that which is profane. Whether as the literal destination for cast-out demons, the charge of a son at his lowest point, or a metaphor for those who would reject the sacred, **swine** consistently represent a state of being contrary to holiness and righteousness.
TRV