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Swine

/SWINE/

Summary

Pigs forbidden as food under Mosaic law, held in abhorrence by Jews, yet used figuratively throughout Scripture as symbols of uncleanness and degradation.

☩Levitical Prohibition

Swine were forbidden as food because though they divide the hoof, they do not chew the cud, failing the definition of clean animals. The Jews' abhorrence of swine may be inferred from Isaiah's condemnation of those 'eating swine's flesh' in idolatrous rites, and from Eleazar the scribe who chose death rather than eat it under Antiochus's persecution. Dietetical reasons may have influenced Moses—swine's flesh was believed liable to induce cutaneous disorders in hot countries.

Key verses:Leviticus 11:7Deuteronomy 14:8Isaiah 65:4Isaiah 66:17

☩New Testament References

The Gadarene demoniac episode shows a herd of swine into which the demons entered, rushing into the sea—whether owned by Jews (who would be violating the law) or Gentiles is uncertain. The Prodigal Son reached his lowest point when he would have eaten the swine's food, representing complete degradation for a Jewish audience. Peter uses the proverb 'the sow that was washed returns to wallowing in the mire' to describe apostates.

Key verses:Matthew 8:28-32Mark 5:11-14Luke 15:15-162 Peter 2:22

☩Figurative Uses

Solomon compares a beautiful woman without discretion to 'a jewel of gold in a swine's snout.' Jesus warns against casting pearls before swine—giving holy things to those who cannot appreciate them and may turn to attack. The wild boar ravaging the vineyard pictures enemies destroying God's people.

Key verses:Proverbs 11:22Matthew 7:6Psalm 80:13

Related Verses21 mentions

Mark· 5 verses

5:115:125:135:145:16

Matthew· 4 verses

7:68:308:318:32

Luke· 4 verses

8:328:3315:1515:16

Isaiah· 3 verses

65:466:366:17

See Also

The Bible panorama, or The Holy Scriptures in picture and story (1891) (14782582774)
Agriculture
The Animals Entering Noah's Ark, oil on canvas painting by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione called Il Grechetto
Animals
Boar
Boar

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Swine," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  2. 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Swine," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
  3. 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Swine," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
  4. 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Swine," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  5. 5.George Morrish, "Swine," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  6. 6.George Morrish, "Swine," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  7. 7.John McClintock and James Strong, "Swine," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  8. 8.George Morrish, "Swine," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  9. 9.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Swine," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).