King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:6 in the King James Version says “And every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 14:6 · KJV

Context

4

These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep , and the goat,

5

The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois.

6

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.

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.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. God provides the classification principle - clean animals must have both split hooves and chew the cud. Both criteria must be met; possessing only one is insufficient.

The dual requirement teaches that external and internal characteristics both matter for ceremonial cleanness. Split hooves represent outward walk; chewing the cud represents inward digestion and meditation. Spiritually, this pictures that true holiness involves both external conduct and internal character.

Reformed theology sees here a principle applicable to Christian life - genuine faith manifests in both doctrine (internal truth) and practice (external behavior). Neither alone suffices; both must characterize the believer.

These physical characteristics served as simple, observable criteria enabling Israelites to quickly determine which wild animals they could eat when hunting or traveling. God's law was practical and clear, not requiring specialized knowledge to apply.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This classification system distinguished Israel from surrounding peoples who ate pork, horses, camels, and other animals forbidden under kosher law. These dietary differences created visible, daily markers of Israel's distinct covenant identity.

Modern science notes that some forbidden animals carried higher disease risk in ancient conditions without refrigeration, though the primary purpose was ceremonial and symbolic rather than health-related.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual principles do the two requirements (split hoof and chewing cud) illustrate?
  2. How does this dual criterion teach that external behavior and internal character must align?
  3. What New Testament principles about genuine faith parallel this Old Testament illustration?
  4. Why is it important that God's laws were clear and practically observable?
  5. How did dietary distinctions reinforce Israel's separate covenant identity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְכָל1 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בַּבְּהֵמָ֑ה2 of 13

“And every beast”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

מַפְרֶ֣סֶת3 of 13

“that parteth”

H6536

to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute

פְרָס֔וֹת4 of 13

“claws”

H6541

a claw or split hoof

וְשֹׁסַ֤עַת5 of 13

“the cleft”

H8156

to split or tear; figuratively, to upbraid

שֶׁ֙סַע֙6 of 13

“and cleaveth”

H8157

a fissure

שְׁתֵּ֣י7 of 13

“into two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

פְרָס֔וֹת8 of 13

“claws”

H6541

a claw or split hoof

מַֽעֲלַ֥ת9 of 13

“and cheweth”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

גֵּרָ֖ה10 of 13

“the cud”

H1625

the cud (as scraping the throat)

בַּבְּהֵמָ֑ה11 of 13

“And every beast”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

אֹתָ֖הּ12 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃13 of 13

“that ye shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 14:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 14:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 18:12 Corinthians 6:17Psalms 1:1-2

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