Leviticus 11:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Douay-RheimsHebrew (Masoretic text)

But whatsoever cheweth indeed the cud, and hath a hoof, but divideth it not, as the camel, and others: that you shall not eat, but shall reckon it among the unclean.
Douay-Rheims

אַ֤ךְ אֶת־זֶה֙ לֹ֣א תֹֽאכְל֔וּ מִֽמַּעֲלֵי֙ הַגֵּרָ֔ה וּמִמַּפְרִיסֵ֖י הַפַּרְסָ֑ה אֶֽת־הַ֠גָּמָל כִּֽי־מַעֲלֵ֨ה גֵרָ֜ה ה֗וּא וּפַרְסָה֙ אֵינֶ֣נּוּ מַפְרִ֔יס טָמֵ֥א ה֖וּא לָכֶֽם׃
Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Theodoret of Cyrus
Clement of Alexandria

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

What is signified by 'the divided hoof and the chewing cud'? The 'divided hoof' represents the ability to discern between righteous acts and those that are contrary, indicating a life that embraces not only the present but also the age to come. This means dedicating what is necessary to each age—offering both the soul and the body, along with all that is related to the body. The phrase 'chewing cud' refers to the continuous meditation on Divine truths. Just as sheep and similar creatures ruminate their food repeatedly, the devout and God-loving individual passionately declares to the Almighty, ‘I love Thy law, O Lord; all the day long it is my instruction’ (Ps. 118:97).

Read more (126 words)

Among animals, some have divided hooves and ruminate, while others, like donkeys, elk, horses, and similar beasts, lack both traits. There are also creatures that have divided hooves but do not ruminate, such as pigs; and others that ruminate but do not have divided hooves, like camels and hares. Similarly, within humanity, there are those who are exemplary in their love for the Divine word and diligent in their virtuous pursuits, while others may articulate the Divine word with their lips but lack true discernment, resembling the camel. It is also seen that some have yet to experience godliness and have just begun to engage with the Divine teachings, focusing on honorable deeds, while others may lack any faith and are devoid of all good works.

Clement of Alexandria

2nd centuryChurch Father

The Teacher, through Moses, prohibited the Jewish people from consuming a wide variety of foods. The rationale for these restrictions was communicated to them—partly concealed and spiritual, yet also clear and physical; the latter being what they still adhere to today. Certain laws prohibited the consumption of animals lacking a divided hoof, while others forbade those that did not ruminate. Additionally, aquatic creatures without scales were also excluded (see Leviticus 11:1-47; Deuteronomy 14:3-20). As a result, the selection of permissible foods was significantly narrowed. Furthermore, from those allowed, they were not permitted to eat animals that were dead, offered to idols, or strangled; they were even instructed not to touch such items (see Deuteronomy 14:21; Acts 21:25).