Old Testament
Deuteronomy 14:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Pigs are also unclean for you, because even though their hooves are divided, they don't bring their food back up to chew it again. Don't eat their meat, and don't even touch their dead bodies.
Compare translations
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.
What Deuteronomy 14:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the focus is on dietary laws that distinguish clean and unclean animals. Pigs are considered unclean because, despite having split hooves, they do not chew their cud. This means they do not digest their food in a way that is deemed acceptable. The instruction is clear: avoid eating pig meat and even touching their dead bodies. This reflects a broader principle of maintaining purity and making choices that align with one's values. The guidelines serve to remind the community of their identity and the importance of following specific practices. These dietary restrictions were not just about health; they were about obedience and connection to a larger purpose. By adhering to these rules, individuals were reminded of their commitment to a way of life that was distinct and meaningful. This passage encourages reflection on what we consume and how it aligns with our beliefs and values, urging us to consider the impact of our choices on our lives and communities.
How to apply Deuteronomy 14:8 to your life
Consider what you consume, not just in food but in all aspects of life. Reflect on how your choices align with your values and beliefs. This passage invites you to think about the impact of your decisions on your identity and community. Make choices that reflect who you want to be and what you stand for. Embrace practices that nurture your well-being and purpose in life.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Deuteronomy 14:8
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Deuteronomy 14:8
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 14:8 mean?
Deuteronomy 14:8 outlines dietary laws regarding clean and unclean animals, specifically stating that pigs are unclean because they do not chew their cud despite having split hooves. This verse instructs followers to avoid eating pig meat and touching their dead bodies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity in dietary choices.
Why are pigs considered unclean in Deuteronomy 14:8?
Pigs are considered unclean in Deuteronomy 14:8 because, although they have split hooves, they do not chew their cud. This classification reflects the dietary laws that distinguish acceptable food for the community.
What is the significance of dietary laws in Deuteronomy 14:8?
The dietary laws in Deuteronomy 14:8 serve to define clean and unclean animals, reinforcing the identity and values of the community. These guidelines are about more than health; they symbolize obedience and a commitment to a distinct way of life.
What should I take away from Deuteronomy 14:8?
From Deuteronomy 14:8, you should consider how your dietary choices reflect your values and beliefs. This passage encourages you to think about the impact of your decisions on your identity and community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.