Deuteronomy 14:8
Deuteronomy 14:8 in Multiple Translations
as well as the pig; though it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. It is unclean for you. You must not eat its meat or touch its carcass.
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.
And the swine, because he parteth the hoof but cheweth not the cud, he is unclean unto you: of their flesh ye shall not eat, and their carcasses ye shall not touch.
And the pig is unclean to you, because though it has a division in the horn of its foot, its food does not come back; their flesh may not be used for food or their dead bodies touched by you.
The same applies to the pig. Even though it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. So you must treat it as unclean. You must not eat its meat or touch its dead body.
Also the swine, because he deuideth the hoofe, and cheweth not the cud, shalbe vncleane vnto you: ye shall not eate of their flesh, nor touch their dead carkeises.
and the sow, for it is dividing the hoof, and not [bringing] up the cud, unclean it [is] to you; of their flesh ye do not eat, and against their carcase ye do not come.
The pig, because it has a split hoof but doesn’t chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat their meat. You shall not touch their carcasses.
And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, is unclean to you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcass.
The swine also, because it divideth the hoof, but cheweth not the cud, shall be unclean, their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch.
Do not eat pigs. They are unacceptable for you to eat; their hooves are split, but they do not chew cud. Do not eat the meat of those animals; do not even touch their dead bodies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 14:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 14:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
הַ֠/חֲזִיר
כִּֽי
מַפְרִ֨יס
פַּרְסָ֥ה
הוּא֙
וְ/לֹ֣א
גֵרָ֔ה
טָמֵ֥א
ה֖וּא
לָ/כֶ֑ם
מִ/בְּשָׂרָ/ם֙
לֹ֣א
תֹאכֵ֔לוּ
וּ/בְ/נִבְלָתָ֖/ם
לֹ֥א
תִגָּֽעוּ
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ֠/חֲזִיר
chăzîyr
H2386
swine
Art | N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מַפְרִ֨יס
pâraç
H6536
to divide
V-Hiphil
פַּרְסָ֥ה
parçâh
H6541
hoof
N-fs
הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
גֵרָ֔ה
gêrâh
H1625
cud
N-fs
טָמֵ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
unclean
Adj
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
לָ/כֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
מִ/בְּשָׂרָ/ם֙
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֹאכֵ֔לוּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וּ/בְ/נִבְלָתָ֖/ם
nᵉbêlâh
H5038
carcass
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִגָּֽעוּ
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 14:8
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ֠/חֲזִיר
chăzîyr
H2386
"swine"
Art | N-ms
Chazir refers to swine, including hogs, boars, and wild boars. In the Bible, swine were considered forbidden food for the Israelites.
Definition: 1) hog, swine, boar 1a) swine (as forbidden food) 1b) wild boar
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: boar, swine. See also: Leviticus 11:7; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 80:14.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מַפְרִ֨יס
pâraç
H6536
"to divide"
V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to break or divide something into parts, like splitting wood or distributing food. It is used in various contexts, including when God divides the Red Sea in Exodus. This word is about separating or sharing things.
Definition: 1) to divide, break in two 1a) (Qal) to break, break up 1b) (Hiphil) to be divided (of hoofs) Aramaic equivalent: pe.ras (פְּרַס "to divide" H6537A)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: deal, divide, have hoofs, part, tear. See also: Leviticus 11:3; Deuteronomy 14:6; Psalms 69:32.
פַּרְסָ֥ה
parçâh
H6541
"hoof"
N-fs
A claw or split hoof, often referring to the feet of animals like cows or horses, is described by this word. It appears in Leviticus 11, where it discusses clean and unclean animals.
Definition: 1) hoof 1a) of ruminants 1b) of horses (undivided hooves)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: claw, (cloven-) footed, hoof. See also: Exodus 10:26; Deuteronomy 14:7; Isaiah 5:28.
הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
גֵרָ֔ה
gêrâh
H1625
"cud"
N-fs
The cud is the food that animals like cows regurgitate and chew on, scraping their throat in the process. This word is used in the Bible to describe the eating habits of certain animals, like goats and sheep. The KJV translates it simply as 'cud'.
Definition: cud
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: cud. See also: Leviticus 11:3; Leviticus 11:7; Deuteronomy 14:8.
טָמֵ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
"unclean"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be unclean in a spiritual sense, often due to sin or impurity, as seen in Leviticus. It can refer to people, places, or things. The concept is key to understanding biblical purity laws.
Definition: 1) unclean, impure 1a) ethically and religiously 1b) ritually 1c) of places
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: defiled, [phrase] infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean. See also: Leviticus 5:2; Numbers 9:6; Isaiah 6:5.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לָ/כֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
מִ/בְּשָׂרָ/ם֙
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֹאכֵ֔לוּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וּ/בְ/נִבְלָתָ֖/ם
nᵉbêlâh
H5038
"carcass"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a dead body or carcass, whether human or animal, often translated as 'dead body' or 'carcass'. It can also symbolize an idol.
Definition: 1) carcass, corpse 1a) of humans, idols, animals
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (dead) body, (dead) carcase, dead of itself, which died, (beast) that (which) dieth of itself. See also: Leviticus 5:2; Joshua 8:29; Psalms 79:2.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִגָּֽעוּ
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 14:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Clean and Unclean Animals
6You may eat any animal that has a split hoof divided in two and that chews the cud.
7But of those that chew the cud or have a completely divided hoof, you are not to eat the following: the camel, the rabbit, or the rock badger. Although they chew the cud, they do not have a divided hoof. They are unclean for you,
8as well as the pig; though it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. It is unclean for you. You must not eat its meat or touch its carcass.
9Of all the creatures that live in the water, you may eat anything with fins and scales, 10but you may not eat anything that does not have fins and scales; it is unclean for you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 11:26–27 | Every animal with hooves not completely divided or that does not chew the cud is unclean for you. Whoever touches any of them will be unclean. All the four-footed animals that walk on their paws are unclean for you; whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean until evening, |
| 2 | Isaiah 66:3 | Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations. |
| 3 | 2 Peter 2:22 | Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” |
| 4 | Luke 15:15–16 | So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing. |
| 5 | Isaiah 65:4 | sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls. |
| 6 | Isaiah 66:17 | “Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves—to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats—will perish together,” declares the LORD. |
Deuteronomy 14:8 Summary
Deuteronomy 14:8 teaches us that God has specific rules about what animals are clean and unclean for us to eat. The pig is considered unclean because it has a divided hoof but does not chew its cud, as required in Deuteronomy 14:6. This reminds us to trust in God's wisdom and goodness, even when we don't fully understand His commands (Romans 11:33-34). By following God's instructions, we can learn to separate ourselves from things that are unclean and focus on living a life that honors Him, as taught in 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Deuteronomy 14:8 specifically mention the pig as unclean?
The pig is mentioned as unclean in Deuteronomy 14:8 because, although it has a divided hoof, it does not chew its cud, which are the two criteria for an animal to be considered clean according to Deuteronomy 14:6 and Leviticus 11:3. This highlights the importance of following God's specific instructions regarding dietary laws.
What is the significance of not eating the meat or touching the carcass of an unclean animal?
In Deuteronomy 14:8, God commands the Israelites not to eat the meat or touch the carcass of an unclean animal, emphasizing the need for physical and spiritual separation from things that are considered unclean, as also taught in Leviticus 11:8 and Ezekiel 4:14.
How do the dietary laws in Deuteronomy 14:8 apply to Christians today?
While the dietary laws in Deuteronomy 14:8 were specifically given to the Israelites, the principle of obeying God's commands and being mindful of our physical and spiritual health is still relevant for Christians today, as seen in Romans 14:14 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
What can we learn from the pig's characteristics in Deuteronomy 14:8?
The pig's divided hoof but lack of cud-chewing ability in Deuteronomy 14:8 can be seen as a symbol of outward appearance versus inward reality, reminding us to examine our own hearts and actions, as taught in Matthew 23:25-26 and 1 Samuel 16:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to appear righteous on the outside but lacking in true spiritual depth, like the pig in Deuteronomy 14:8?
- How can I apply the principle of separation from unclean things in Deuteronomy 14:8 to my own life, in terms of the media I consume, the company I keep, or the habits I practice?
- What are some ways I can trust in God's goodness and wisdom, even when I don't fully understand His commands, like the dietary laws in Deuteronomy 14:8?
- In what ways can I balance the need for physical and spiritual purity, as taught in Deuteronomy 14:8 and other scriptures, with the need for compassion and love towards others, as taught in Matthew 9:10-13 and Luke 15:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 14:8
[See comments on Deuteronomy 14:6]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 14:8
And every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that ye shall eat. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 14:8
(6-8) These directions are the same given in Leviticus 11:3-8.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 14:8
8. swine] ḥ ?ǎ ?zîr, Ar. khanzir; from the animal’s indiscriminate feeding the flesh is liable to become the host of many parasites and therefore without care dangerous especially in warm climates. Used in heathen sacrifices, Isaiah 65:4 f., 17. Nomad Arabs eat the wild boar: ‘only the fellaḥ ?în say that they do not eat the wild-boar; their neighbours, however, assert the contrary of them’ (Musil, Ethn. Ber. 151). On the sacredness of the pig among other peoples and the use of it in making charms and amulets see W. R. Smith, Rel. Sem. 272, 429. LXX has here a fuller text as in Leviticus 11:7. Note that no mention is made of the wilder beasts of prey: lion, panther, bear, wolf, hyaena or jackal.
On the use of the hyaena, etc. by the present fellaḥ ?în see PEFQ, 1905, 120. Wolf-flesh is regarded as medicinal in Arabia (Doughty, i. 337).
Sermons on Deuteronomy 14:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
To What Purpose by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life focused on Christ rather than material possessions. He references the teachings of John Wesley, who advocated |
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Spiritual Religion by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of handling the word of God with sincerity and genuine love for scripture. He warns that simply preaching orthodox teachings d |
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The Portion of the Wicked by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the justice of God in allotting indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish to wicked men, emphasizing that their sinful nature and refusal to repe |
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The Fool's Bauble, the Fool's Fiddle by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks warns against the folly of indulging in sin, describing it as the 'fool's bauble' and 'fool's fiddle.' He emphasizes that fools take delight in wickedness, treating s |
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We Shall All Stand Before the Judgement Seat of Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of appearing before the Judgment Seat of Christ. He references Romans 14:10, which states that everyone will give an account |
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Personal Testimony by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal experience of going against his conscience and the consequences that followed. He describes the moment when his father confronted |
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Die Feinde Des Evangeliums Sollen Abgeschnitten Werden (German) by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, a young man shares his personal testimony of being freed from prison and his desire for forgiveness from his father. He believes that if he sees white bags hanging |