King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 14:8 Mean?

Deuteronomy 14:8 in the King James Version says “And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 14:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat:

10

And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it is unclean unto you.

Read Deuteronomy 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did God choose pork as one of the primary forbidden foods?
  2. How did dietary laws create visible boundary between Jews and Gentiles?
  3. What theological significance does Jesus' declaration that all foods are clean carry?
  4. How does Peter's vision demonstrate the expansion of gospel access to all nations?
  5. What does the removal of dietary restrictions teach about the nature of New Covenant holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְאֶת1 of 17
H853

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

הַֽ֠חֲזִיר2 of 17

“And the swine”

H2386

a hog (perhaps as penned)

כִּֽי3 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מַפְרִ֨יס4 of 17

“because it divideth”

H6536

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

פַּרְסָ֥ה5 of 17

“the hoof”

H6541

a claw or split hoof

הוּא֙6 of 17
H1931

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

וְלֹ֣א7 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

גֵרָ֔ה8 of 17

“yet cheweth not the cud”

H1625

the cud (as scraping the throat)

טָמֵ֥א9 of 17

“it is unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

ה֖וּא10 of 17
H1931

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

לָכֶ֑ם11 of 17
H0
מִבְּשָׂרָם֙12 of 17

“of their flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

לֹ֣א13 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֹאכֵ֔לוּ14 of 17

“unto you ye shall not eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּבְנִבְלָתָ֖ם15 of 17

“their dead carcase”

H5038

a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol

לֹ֥א16 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִגָּֽעוּ׃17 of 17

“nor touch”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

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 14:8 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 14:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 11:26-27Luke 15:15-162 Peter 2:22Isaiah 66:17Isaiah 65:4Isaiah 66:3

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