### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gêrâh**, represented by `{{H1625}}`, refers to the **cud**. It is derived from the word `{{H1641}}` **gârar**, which describes the action of bringing up the cud. It appears 11 times across 9 unique verses in scripture. The term is used exclusively within the context of Old Testament dietary laws to distinguish between clean and unclean animals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, `{{H1625}}` is a primary criterion for determining which land animals are permissible to eat. An animal is considered clean if it both "cheweth the **cud**" and parteth the hoof ([[Leviticus 11:3]], [[Deuteronomy 14:6]]). Conversely, animals that fulfill only one of these conditions are designated as unclean. For example, the camel `{{H1581}}`, the coney `{{H8227}}`, and the hare `{{H768}}` are deemed unclean because, while they chew the **cud**, they do not have a divided hoof ([[Leviticus 11:4-6]], [[Deuteronomy 14:7]]). The swine `{{H2386}}` is also declared unclean because it has a divided hoof but does not chew the **cud** ([[Leviticus 11:7]], [[Deuteronomy 14:8]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are essential for understanding the context of `{{H1625}}`:
* `{{H1641}}` **gârar** (to bring up the cud): This primitive root is the source of **gêrâh** and describes the action of ruminating. It is used directly in reference to the swine, which "cheweth not" the cud [[Leviticus 11:7]].
* `{{H2931}}` **ṭâmêʼ** (foul in a religious sense; unclean): This term denotes the state of ritual impurity. Animals that do not meet the dual requirements of chewing the cud and having a parted hoof are declared **unclean** [[Leviticus 11:4-7]].
* `{{H6536}}` **pâraç** (to split, distribute, part): This word refers to the other key characteristic for clean animals: the divided hoof. It is consistently used alongside the chewing of the **cud** to form the complete standard for clean beasts [[Leviticus 11:3]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1625}}` is primarily theological, tied to principles of holiness and obedience.
* **Ritual Purity:** The act of chewing the **cud** is one of two physical markers God provided to help Israel distinguish between clean and unclean land animals. This distinction was central to maintaining ritual purity and separating them from defilement [[Leviticus 11:26]].
* **Symbol of Divine Order:** The law required two specific traits—chewing the **cud** and having a cloven hoof—for an animal to be considered clean [[Deuteronomy 14:6]]. An animal possessing only one of these traits, like the camel or swine, was seen as incomplete by this standard and therefore designated as unclean [[Deuteronomy 14:7-8]].
* **Obedience to God's Law:** Adherence to these dietary laws, including the rule concerning the **cud**, was an expression of Israel's covenant obedience to the Lord. The command was clear: "Whatsoever... cheweth the **cud**, among the beasts, that shall ye eat" [[Leviticus 11:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1625}}` **gêrâh** is a highly specific term whose importance is found entirely within the framework of the Mosaic covenant's dietary regulations. It is not merely a biological description but a key component of a divine system for identifying purity and impurity. The presence or absence of chewing the **cud** served as a clear, observable sign that guided the daily life and worship of the Israelites, constantly reminding them of their call to be a holy and set-apart people. This illustrates how God used tangible details of creation to teach profound spiritual lessons about obedience and separation.
TRV