Leviticus 11:7 – “And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 11:7 continues the dietary laws given to the Israelites by God, specifically focusing on animals considered clean or unclean. In this verse, the pig is mentioned as an unclean animal because, while it has a divided hoof—a characteristic that partially meets the criteria for being clean—it does not chew the cud. This makes it unclean for the Israelites to eat. The dietary laws were more than just about what foods were allowed or forbidden; they were about maintaining a distinct identity as God’s holy people. By avoiding unclean animals like the pig, the Israelites were continually reminded of their unique relationship with God and their call to be different from other nations.
Historical Context
Leviticus is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. The dietary laws found in Leviticus 11 were given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, during their time in the wilderness. In the ancient Near East, various animals, including pigs, were commonly consumed by surrounding nations. However, God’s instructions for Israel were clear—they were to abstain from eating certain animals to remain ritually pure. The pig, specifically, was associated with pagan practices and idolatry in neighboring cultures. By avoiding such animals, Israel would not only maintain physical cleanliness but also spiritual purity, distinguishing themselves from the practices and beliefs of the nations around them.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 11:7 underscores the importance of holiness and obedience. God called Israel to be a holy nation, set apart for His purposes, and the dietary laws were a significant aspect of this calling. The prohibition against eating pigs symbolizes more than dietary restriction; it represents a commitment to God’s standards, no matter how different they are from surrounding cultures. This act of obedience showed a willingness to trust God’s wisdom and authority, even when the reasons for the laws were not fully understood. It also teaches that holiness involves a comprehensive approach to life, where every choice, including what one eats, reflects a commitment to God’s commands.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 11:7 is written in a clear, prescriptive style, which is typical of the legal sections in the book of Leviticus. The verse provides specific details about why the pig is unclean—although it has one characteristic of a clean animal (a divided hoof), it lacks the other (chewing the cud). This pattern of specifying characteristics helps the Israelites understand the criteria for cleanliness and uncleanliness. The repeated phrase “it is unclean for you” reinforces the seriousness and importance of these instructions. This direct approach ensures that God’s commands are unmistakable and authoritative, leaving no room for misunderstanding or compromise.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 14:8: This passage repeats the prohibition against eating the pig, reaffirming the dietary laws for Israel.
- Isaiah 65:4: Describes the rebelliousness of those who eat pork, associating the consumption of unclean animals with disobedience to God.
- Mark 5:11-13: The story of Jesus casting demons into a herd of pigs, which subsequently rush into the sea, shows the negative connotations associated with pigs in Jewish culture.
- Mark 7:18-19: Jesus teaches that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out, signaling a shift from the old dietary laws to a focus on the purity of the heart.
- Acts 10:14-15: Peter’s vision, where God declares all foods clean, demonstrates the end of the Old Testament dietary restrictions and the opening of God’s covenant to the Gentiles.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Leviticus 11:7 may appear to be an ancient rule that no longer applies. Indeed, in the New Testament, Jesus declared all foods clean, and the dietary laws of the Old Covenant were set aside (Mark 7:19). However, the principle behind this verse still holds relevance. God calls His people to live lives that are set apart, marked by obedience to His Word. While the specific law regarding pigs does not bind Christians, the idea of living in a way that honors God’s standards and reflects His holiness is timeless. It’s not about what we eat but how we live, making choices that show our dedication to God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 11:7 demonstrates God’s loving concern for His people by giving them guidelines that would help them live in a way that honored Him. The dietary laws were not given to burden Israel but to teach them the importance of holiness and obedience. God’s laws were designed to protect His people from practices that could lead them away from Him. Like a loving parent setting boundaries for the well-being of their children, God’s instructions were meant to lead His people into a deeper understanding of His character and His desire for them to live lives that are pure and dedicated to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The dietary laws, including those about the pig in Leviticus 11:7, find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasized that true purity comes from the heart and not from external adherence to dietary laws (Matthew 15:11). His death and resurrection brought about a new covenant that is based on faith and grace, not on the Old Testament law. Through His sacrifice, Jesus declared all foods clean and abolished the need for the old dietary restrictions (Acts 10:15). This shift from external regulations to internal transformation underscores the deeper spiritual reality that Christ offers to all who believe in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the principle of being “set apart” apply to Christians today?
- In what ways can Christians live distinct lives in a world that often opposes God’s standards?
- What does it mean to fully trust and obey God’s commands, even when they may not align with the culture around us?
- How does Jesus’ teaching on inner purity challenge our understanding of holiness?
- How can understanding the purpose of Old Testament laws help us appreciate the freedom and grace we have in Jesus Christ?
This exploration of Leviticus 11:7 shows that while the specific dietary restrictions no longer apply to Christians, the underlying call to holiness, obedience, and living a life that is distinct from the world remains as relevant today as it was in ancient Israel.