Meaning of Leviticus 11:7

This verse from Leviticus 11:7 declares the pig to be unclean for consumption by the Israelites, specifying its failure to meet two criteria for permitted land animals: having a divided hoof and chewing the cud. This prohibition is part of a larger dietary law given to the Israelites through Moses, intended to set them apart as a holy people distinct from the surrounding nations. The uncleanness associated with the pig was not necessarily indicative of inherent moral sin in the animal itself, but rather a regulatory measure designed to promote health, hygiene, and a conscious obedience to God's commands, thereby reinforcing their covenant relationship.

Context and Background

Leviticus 11 outlines the distinction between clean and unclean animals that the Israelites were permitted or forbidden to eat. This legislation was delivered during the wilderness wanderings, following the exodus from Egypt. The purpose of these laws was multifaceted: to establish a distinct identity for Israel as God's chosen people, to teach them about holiness by differentiating between the sacred and the common, and to promote public health in their community. The pig was common in the ancient Near East, often associated with pagan rituals and agricultural practices, and its consumption was widespread. By forbidding it, God was deliberately separating Israel from these cultural norms and pagan associations.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary theme is holiness and separation. God calls His people to be holy, and this includes adhering to His specific instructions, even in seemingly mundane areas like diet. The verse highlights the concept of discerning the sacred. Not all animals were created equal in God's regulatory plan; some were designated as clean for use and consumption, while others were unclean. This also points to obedience as an act of worship. Following these dietary laws, even when the rationale wasn't fully understood by the people, demonstrated their commitment to God's authority and His covenant.

Spiritual Significance and Application

In a New Testament context, the dietary laws of the Old Testament are often understood as having been fulfilled in Christ. The Apostle Paul, particularly in passages like 1 Corinthians 10:25-26 and Romans 14, teaches that these specific food prohibitions are no longer binding on believers. Jesus Himself declared all foods clean in Mark 7:19. However, the principle of separation and holiness remains. Believers are still called to distinguish themselves from the world, to live lives that are pure and pleasing to God, and to exercise discernment in what they consume, not just physically, but also spiritually and intellectually, through media, associations, and influences.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This Levitical prohibition is a foundational element of the Old Covenant. It underscores the meticulous nature of God's law and the importance of ritual purity in approaching a holy God. The eventual abrogation of these specific dietary laws in the New Testament, as seen in the visions of Peter in Acts 10, signifies a broader theological shift: the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people and the spiritual purification brought about by Christ's sacrifice, which transcends outward ritual. The uncleanliness of the pig serves as a tangible, everyday reminder of the need for internal purity and adherence to God's will.

Analogies

One analogy is that of a parent setting rules for a child's safety and well-being. While the child might not understand the deep scientific reasons behind why they shouldn't touch a hot stove, obeying the rule protects them. Similarly, the dietary laws protected the Israelites from diseases prevalent in the ancient world and set them apart. Another analogy is a professional athlete adhering to a strict training regimen and diet. While some restrictions might seem arbitrary, they are essential for peak performance and achieving their goals. For Israel, these laws were part of their spiritual "training" to be a holy nation.

Relation to Other Verses

Leviticus 11:4-6 describes the prohibition of the camel and the hare, also for failing to chew the cud. Leviticus 11:8 provides the consequence: "You shall not eat their flesh or touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you." This theme of distinction between clean and unclean is present throughout Leviticus, seen in laws concerning sacrifices, purity rituals, and the priesthood. In the New Testament, Acts 10:15 (Peter's vision) and Romans 14:14 (Paul's assertion) directly address the abrogation of these dietary distinctions for believers in Christ, highlighting the fulfillment of the law in Him and the expansion of God's covenant.