Deuteronomy 14:8
And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מַפְרִ֨יס
because it divideth
H6536
מַפְרִ֨יס
because it divideth
Strong's:
H6536
Word #:
4 of 17
to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute
הוּא֙
H1931
הוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 17
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ה֖וּא
H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 17
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
מִבְּשָׂרָם֙
of their flesh
H1320
מִבְּשָׂרָם֙
of their flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
12 of 17
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֹאכֵ֔לוּ
unto you ye shall not eat
H398
תֹאכֵ֔לוּ
unto you ye shall not eat
Strong's:
H398
Word #:
14 of 17
to eat (literally or figuratively)
וּבְנִבְלָתָ֖ם
their dead carcase
H5038
וּבְנִבְלָתָ֖ם
their dead carcase
Strong's:
H5038
Word #:
15 of 17
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
Cross References
Isaiah 66:17They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.Isaiah 66:3He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.Isaiah 65:4Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;2 Peter 2:22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Historical Context
Pork was staple protein throughout the ancient world. Israel's abstention from this widely available meat source set them apart conspicuously from surrounding cultures. This distinction continued through the intertestamental period and into New Testament times.
The Maccabean martyrs chose death rather than eat pork when Seleucid rulers attempted to force abandonment of kosher laws, demonstrating how central this prohibition became to Jewish identity.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did God choose pork as one of the primary forbidden foods?
- How did dietary laws create visible boundary between Jews and Gentiles?
- What theological significance does Jesus' declaration that all foods are clean carry?
- How does Peter's vision demonstrate the expansion of gospel access to all nations?
- What does the removal of dietary restrictions teach about the nature of New Covenant holiness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase. The pig represents the inverse case - split hooves but no cud-chewing. Like the previous examples, one compliant feature cannot overcome the missing requirement. Both criteria must be present.
Pigs were common food animals throughout the ancient Near East and Mediterranean world. This prohibition created one of the most visible distinctions between Jews and Gentiles, lasting into New Testament times. Jewish refusal to eat pork became cultural marker.
The extension to nor touch their dead carcase adds ceremonial uncleanness beyond dietary restriction. Contact with pig carcasses defiled, requiring purification. This amplified separation between Israel and their pork-eating neighbors.
Jesus later declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), removing this ceremonial barrier. Peter's vision (Acts 10) demonstrated that the clean/unclean distinction no longer applied in the New Covenant, opening gospel access to all nations without dietary prerequisites.