Deuteronomy 14:7
Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you.
Original Language Analysis
אַ֣ךְ
H389
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 26
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֹֽאכְלוּ֙
Nevertheless these ye shall not eat
H398
תֹֽאכְלוּ֙
Nevertheless these ye shall not eat
Strong's:
H398
Word #:
5 of 26
to eat (literally or figuratively)
מַעֲלֵ֧ה
for they chew
H5927
מַעֲלֵ֧ה
for they chew
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
6 of 26
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
הִפְרִ֔יסוּ
but divide
H6536
הִפְרִ֔יסוּ
but divide
Strong's:
H6536
Word #:
8 of 26
to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute
הַשְּׁסוּעָ֑ה
the cloven
H8156
הַשְּׁסוּעָ֑ה
the cloven
Strong's:
H8156
Word #:
10 of 26
to split or tear; figuratively, to upbraid
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשָּׁפָ֜ן
and the coney
H8227
הַשָּׁפָ֜ן
and the coney
Strong's:
H8227
Word #:
16 of 26
a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
17 of 26
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מַעֲלֵ֧ה
for they chew
H5927
מַעֲלֵ֧ה
for they chew
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
18 of 26
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
22 of 26
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִפְרִ֔יסוּ
but divide
H6536
הִפְרִ֔יסוּ
but divide
Strong's:
H6536
Word #:
23 of 26
to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute
Historical Context
Surrounding cultures ate these animals, particularly camels which were important for desert transport and trade. Israel's refusal to eat them despite their economic value demonstrated commitment to covenant law above practical convenience.
The specificity of these examples shows God's concern for clear communication - He names specific animals rather than leaving Israel to guess which creatures qualify.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the insufficiency of partial compliance teach about approaching God?
- How does this principle apply to contemporary ideas about customizing religion?
- Why is Christ's complete obedience necessary for our salvation?
- What does Israel's willingness to forgo eating economically important animals reveal about covenant faithfulness?
- How should this principle shape our understanding of obedience to God's word?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you. God specifies animals that meet one criterion but not both. Despite chewing the cud, these animals lack split hooves and therefore remain ceremonially unclean. Partial compliance is insufficient.
This teaches a crucial theological principle - approaching God requires meeting all His requirements, not selecting preferred elements. Modern tendencies to customize religion by accepting some commands while rejecting others contradicts this principle. God sets the terms for relationship; humans cannot negotiate partial obedience.
The camel, hare, and coney (rock badger) were common in the region, making this prohibition practically relevant. Israelites regularly encountered these animals and needed clear guidance about their status.
Reformed theology affirms that salvation requires complete righteousness - partial obedience cannot justify. Only Christ's perfect fulfillment of all God's law provides the righteousness necessary for salvation. Our partial obedience, like these partially compliant animals, cannot make us clean before God.