from an unused root probably meaning to enclose; a hog (perhaps as penned); boar, swine.
Transliteration:chăzîyr
Pronunciation:khaz-eer'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H2386, *chăzîyr* (חֲזִיר), refers specifically to the pig, hog, or swine. Its etymological root is posited as an unused verb likely meaning "to enclose" or "to pen," suggesting an animal kept in captivity. This aligns with the domesticated nature of swine, though wild boars also existed in the ancient Near East. Semantically, *chăzîyr* is consistently used to denote this particular animal species, which held a unique and often negative status within ancient Israelite culture due to its designation as an unclean animal. The term's semantic range is narrow, focusing exclusively on the porcine species, but its cultural and theological implications are profound.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *chăzîyr* appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within legal and prophetic contexts, highlighting its significance as an unclean animal and a symbol of defilement.
1. **Dietary Laws:** In [[Leviticus 11:7]] and [[Deuteronomy 14:8]], the pig is explicitly listed among the animals that are "unclean" (*ṭāmē’*, `{{H2931}}`) for the Israelites. It is forbidden for consumption because, although it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. This prohibition is foundational to Israelite kashrut, establishing a clear boundary between clean and unclean foods and reinforcing Israel's distinct identity as a holy people set apart for YHWH.
2. **Proverbial Wisdom:** [[Proverbs 11:22]] employs *chăzîyr* in a metaphorical comparison: "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion." Here, the pig symbolizes something inherently unworthy or ignoble, rendering the beauty of the gold ring (or the woman) incongruous and ultimately wasted. The pig's perceived uncleanliness or lack of grace underscores the value of wisdom and discretion over mere outward appearance.
3. **Prophetic Condemnation:** The most severe uses of *chăzîyr* occur in Isaiah, where its consumption is directly linked to idolatry and apostasy.
* [[Isaiah 65:4]] describes rebellious people who "eat pig's flesh" and have "broth of abominable things in their vessels." This act is presented as part of a broader pattern of spiritual rebellion, including consulting the dead and dwelling in tombs, all of which are an affront to YHWH.
* [[Isaiah 66:3]] condemns those who offer defiled sacrifices to YHWH while simultaneously engaging in detestable practices, including "slaughtering a pig." The prophet states that YHWH finds such offerings as abhorrent as murder or blessing an idol, emphasizing the extreme defilement associated with the pig.
* [[Isaiah 66:17]] further condemns those who "sanctify themselves and purify themselves, going into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig's flesh and abominable things and mice." These actions are presented as acts of deliberate rebellion against YHWH's commands, leading to their ultimate consumption by divine judgment.
Across these contexts, the pig transitions from a dietary prohibition to a powerful symbol of moral and spiritual defilement, particularly in the context of rebellion against God's covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of *chăzîyr* naturally intersects with several related biblical concepts and terms:
* **Clean and Unclean (Dietary Laws):** The broader categories of *ṭāhôr* (`{{H2889}}`, clean) and *ṭāmē’* (`{{H2931}}`, unclean) are central to understanding the pig's status. The pig is a prime example of an animal designated as *ṭāmē’*, alongside others like the camel, rock badger, and hare.
* **Abomination:** Terms like *šiqqûṣ* (`{{H8251}}`, detestable thing, abomination) and *tô‘ēḇāh* (`{{H8441}}`, abomination, detestable act) are often used in conjunction with forbidden foods and idolatrous practices. In Isaiah, eating pig's flesh is clearly presented as an "abominable thing."
* **Holiness (qōdeš):** The dietary laws, including the prohibition of pig, are intrinsically linked to the concept of Israel's holiness (*qōdeš*, `{{H6944}}`). To be holy meant to be set apart for God, and adherence to these laws was a tangible expression of this separation.
* **Idolatry and Apostasy:** In the prophetic books, eating pig's flesh becomes a marker of deeper spiritual issues, specifically the abandonment of YHWH for foreign deities and practices. This connects *chăzîyr* to the broader themes of covenant faithfulness and rebellion.
* **New Testament Parallels:** While the Greek term for pig is *choiros* (`{{G5594}}`), the concept of pigs appears in the New Testament (e.g., "casting pearls before swine" in [[Matthew 7:6]], or the Gadarene demoniacs' swine in [[Matthew 8:30-32]]). In these instances, pigs often retain a negative connotation, associated with worthlessness or spiritual insensitivity, though the specific dietary prohibition is not the primary focus.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *chăzîyr* extends far beyond a simple dietary regulation, embodying profound truths about Israel's identity, obedience, and relationship with God.
1. **Symbol of Separation and Holiness:** The prohibition against consuming pig's flesh was a concrete expression of Israel's call to holiness. By abstaining from foods common among their pagan neighbors, they visibly demonstrated their unique covenant relationship with YHWH, who is holy and demands holiness from His people ([[Leviticus 11:44-45]]). This dietary distinction served to reinforce their identity as a chosen people, set apart from the nations.
2. **Test of Obedience and Faithfulness:** Adherence to the dietary laws, including the ban on pig, was a fundamental test of obedience to God's commands. It required discipline and a willingness to conform one's life to divine instruction. Conversely, the consumption of *chăzîyr*, particularly as depicted in Isaiah, became a stark symbol of spiritual rebellion, a deliberate defiance of God's revealed will.
3. **Marker of Defilement and Apostasy:** In the prophetic literature, eating pig's flesh is elevated from a ritual impurity to a profound act of moral and spiritual defilement. It is directly associated with idolatry, pagan rituals, and a complete turning away from YHWH. This act signifies a deep-seated rejection of the covenant and a willful embrace of practices abhorrent to God. It marks the individual or community as apostate, deserving of divine judgment.
4. **Consequences of Disobedience:** The Isaiah passages explicitly link the consumption of *chăzîyr* to God's impending judgment. Those who engage in such practices are among those whom YHWH will "consume" ([[Isaiah 66:17]]), underscoring the severe theological implications of defying God's commands and defiling oneself.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *chăzîyr* (H2386) refers to the pig or swine. Its primary significance in the Old Testament is twofold: initially as an animal explicitly declared "unclean" (`{{H2931}}`) and forbidden for consumption by the Israelites within the Mosaic dietary laws ([[Leviticus 11:7]], [[Deuteronomy 14:8]]). This prohibition served to establish and reinforce Israel's unique identity as a holy people set apart for YHWH. Beyond this legal context, *chăzîyr* develops into a potent symbolic representation in prophetic literature. In [[Proverbs 11:22]], it metaphorically highlights a lack of discretion. More profoundly, in Isaiah ([[Isaiah 65:4]], [[Isaiah 66:3]], [[Isaiah 66:17]]), the act of eating pig's flesh becomes a powerful symbol of spiritual rebellion, idolatry, and a complete rejection of God's covenant, marking those who partake as apostates deserving of divine judgment. Thus, *chăzîyr* embodies concepts of ritual purity, obedience, and the dire consequences of spiritual defilement.
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