### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G5519 (χοῖρος, *choîros*) refers to a pig, hog, or swine. Its derivation is noted as uncertain. In the biblical context, particularly within the New Testament, its semantic range is primarily literal, denoting the animal itself. However, its usage is deeply imbued with cultural and religious connotations, especially concerning the Mosaic Law's designation of swine as unclean animals ([[Leviticus 11:7]]; [[Deuteronomy 14:8]]). This inherent "uncleanliness" shapes its metaphorical and theological significance in the New Testament narratives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5519 appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, yet each occurrence carries significant weight:
* **The Gadarene/Gerasene Demoniac Accounts:** The most prominent literal use of χοῖρος is found in the Synoptic Gospels, detailing Jesus' encounter with demon-possessed men in the region of the Gerasenes or Gadarenes.
* In [[Matthew 8:30-32]], a large herd of swine is present, into which the demons beg to be sent. Jesus permits this, and the entire herd rushes down a steep bank into the sea and drowns.
* Parallel accounts in [[Mark 5:11-13]] and [[Luke 8:32-33]] reiterate this event, emphasizing the demons' preference for even unclean animals over the abyss, and the subsequent destruction of the swine. The presence of such a large herd of swine in this region suggests a predominantly Gentile population, as Jews would not raise these animals. The destruction of the swine underscores the complete expulsion and defeat of the demonic forces by Christ's authority.
* **Metaphorical Use in the Sermon on the Mount:** In [[Matthew 7:6]], Jesus warns, "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn and tear you to pieces." Here, χοῖρος is used metaphorically to represent individuals who are spiritually unappreciative, profane, or who would contemptuously defile sacred truths. It is a caution against indiscriminately sharing profound spiritual insights with those who lack the capacity or desire to receive them reverently.
* **The Parable of the Prodigal Son:** In [[Luke 15:15-16]], the younger son, having squandered his inheritance, finds himself in a foreign land reduced to the utterly degrading task of feeding swine. For a Jew, this was the epitome of destitution and defilement, symbolizing the lowest possible state of moral and spiritual degradation, far removed from the purity and provision of his father's house.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word χοῖρος is intrinsically linked to several key biblical concepts:
* **Uncleanliness and Purity:** The most immediate association is with the Old Testament laws concerning ritually unclean animals (e.g., `{{H2386}}`, *chazir*, for swine in the Hebrew Bible). This concept extends to ritual purity and defilement, which were central to Jewish identity and worship.
* **Demonic Forces:** In the exorcism narratives, χοῖρος becomes a vessel for demonic spirits, highlighting the unclean nature of such entities and the destructive power they embody.
* **Gentile Context:** The presence of swine herds often indicates a non-Jewish environment or practices, subtly pointing to the geographical and cultural scope of Jesus' ministry beyond strictly Jewish territories.
* **Spiritual Degradation and Apostasy:** The metaphorical uses of χοῖρος (in [[Matthew 7:6]] and [[Luke 15:15-16]]) powerfully convey ideas of spiritual blindness, profanity, and the profound depths of human sin when one departs from God's ways.
* **Discernment:** The warning in [[Matthew 7:6]] emphasizes the need for spiritual wisdom and discernment in proclaiming the Gospel and sacred truths.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5519 (χοῖρος) is multifaceted:
* **Christ's Authority Over Impurity and Evil:** The exorcism of demons into the herd of swine profoundly demonstrates Jesus' absolute authority over all forms of evil and impurity. The subsequent destruction of the herd symbolizes the definitive defeat and vanquishing of the demonic presence, ensuring their removal from the human sphere and highlighting the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive power.
* **The Profundity of Human Sin and Redemption:** The Prodigal Son's descent into feeding swine vividly illustrates the abject degradation and spiritual defilement that results from self-will and separation from God. This imagery powerfully underscores the depth of human sin and the glorious, unconditional grace of the Father that welcomes the repentant sinner back from such a state of defilement.
* **The Sacredness of Divine Truth:** The admonition in [[Matthew 7:6]] regarding "pearls and pigs" elevates the value and sacredness of God's truths. It calls believers to exercise wisdom and discernment in sharing the Gospel and spiritual wisdom, recognizing that not all hearts are prepared to receive or appreciate such precious gifts, and that profaning them can lead to spiritual harm.
* **Foreshadowing of Gentile Inclusion:** The very presence of swine in the Gerasene/Gadarene region, and Jesus' ministry there, subtly prefigures the expansion of the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries to the Gentiles, where such dietary laws were not observed.
### Summary
The Greek word G5519 (χοῖρος, *choîros*) denotes a pig or swine, an animal consistently deemed unclean within Jewish law. Its literal appearances in the New Testament, most notably in the accounts of the Gadarene/Gerasene demoniac, serve to underscore Christ's supreme authority over demonic forces and impurity, culminating in their destruction. Metaphorically, χοῖρος represents those who are spiritually unappreciative or profane ([[Matthew 7:6]]) and vividly portrays the lowest depths of human degradation and defilement when separated from God ([[Luke 15:15-16]]). Theologically, the presence and usage of χοῖρος in the New Testament narratives illuminate profound truths concerning Christ's power over evil, the gravity of human sin and the glory of redemption, and the sacred nature of divine truth requiring discerning stewardship.
TRV