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 14:8KJVWhat 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.