“Whatever parts the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and chews the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.”
This verse is part of the larger passage in Leviticus 11 that outlines the dietary laws given to the Israelites by God. These laws, known as the laws of kosher or clean and unclean animals, provided guidelines for what the Israelites could and could not eat.
Here are a few key points to consider when studying Leviticus 11:3:
- Hoof and Cud: The verse mentions two specific characteristics of animals that determine their dietary status. First, the animal must have a split or divided hoof, meaning the hoof is divided into two distinct parts. Second, the animal must chew the cud, which refers to the process of regurgitating partially digested food and chewing it again. Animals possessing both these traits were considered clean and permissible for consumption.
- Symbolic and Practical Significance: While the dietary laws of Leviticus 11 had practical implications for the health and well-being of the Israelites, they also carried symbolic and spiritual significance. These laws were a means of setting the Israelites apart from the surrounding nations, reinforcing their identity as God’s chosen people and promoting holiness and obedience to God’s commands.
- Obedience and Separation: The dietary laws emphasized the importance of obedience to God’s instructions. By adhering to these laws, the Israelites demonstrated their trust and submission to God’s authority. Additionally, the dietary restrictions served as a reminder to the Israelites to maintain separation from practices and customs associated with idolatrous worship in the cultures surrounding them.
- Jesus and the New Testament: In the New Testament, Jesus declared that it is not what goes into a person’s mouth that defiles them but what comes out of their heart (Mark 7:15). This teaching is often understood as a shift in focus from external ritual purity to the condition of one’s heart and inner thoughts. The dietary laws of the Old Testament were fulfilled and no longer binding on Christians, as stated in Acts 10 and Peter’s vision of the unclean animals.
In summary, Leviticus 11:3 provides specific guidelines for determining which animals were considered clean and permissible for the Israelites to eat. These dietary laws served as a way to distinguish the Israelites from other nations and promote obedience and holiness. While the dietary laws are no longer binding on Christians, they still offer insights into God’s desire for obedience and separation from ungodly practices.
