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.

DEUTERONOMY 14:8KJV
Know the Bible

Deuteronomy 14:8 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 14:8 mean?

Deuteronomy 14:8 explains that the Israelites were not allowed to eat pigs (swine) because, although pigs have split hooves, they do not chew the cud, making them "unclean." The verse also says not to eat their meat or even touch their dead bodies.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel, giving them specific food laws as part of God's instructions. The verse is part of a larger section listing which animals are considered clean or unclean for eating. The focus is on ritual purity and setting the Israelites apart from other nations through their diet.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 14:8

  • חֲזִיר (chazir, "swine"): This word refers specifically to pigs, an animal common in the region but considered unclean in Israelite law. The mention highlights a clear example of what is forbidden.
  • טָמֵא (tame, "unclean"): This word means ritually impure or unsuitable for use in worship or daily life. Here, "unclean" is not about hygiene but about religious status.
  • נָגַע (naga, "touch"): This verb means to physically touch or come into contact with. The law goes beyond eating to include even touching the dead body of a pig, emphasizing strict avoidance.

Why Deuteronomy 14:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the distinction between clean and unclean animals is not just about what can be eaten, but also about contact with the animal, showing the seriousness of ritual purity in Israelite life.
  • Deuteronomy 14:8 helps explain why certain animals, even if they meet one requirement (like having a split hoof), are still not allowed if they do not meet all the criteria (such as chewing the cud).
  • The verse connects to the broader theme in Deuteronomy of Israel being set apart as a holy people, with daily practices—including diet—reflecting their unique relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“swine” Hebrew H2386 · used in 7 verses

  • Leviticus 11:7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.
  • Proverbs 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
  • Isaiah 66:3 He 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.

“cud” Hebrew H1625 · used in 9 verses

  • Leviticus 11:3 Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.
  • Leviticus 11:5 And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
  • Leviticus 11:26 The carcases of every beast which divideth the hoof, and is not clovenfooted, nor cheweth the cud, are unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean.

“divideth” Hebrew H6536 · used in 12 verses

  • Leviticus 11:3 Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.
  • Leviticus 11:6 And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
  • 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.

“hoof” Hebrew H6541 · used in 16 verses

  • Exodus 10:26 Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.
  • Leviticus 11:7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.
  • Jeremiah 47:3 At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to their children for feebleness of hands;