Leviticus 11:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

"For those who are pure," the apostle states, "all things are pure." Do you grasp the implication of the earlier statement? "To those who are defiled and unfaithful," he notes, "nothing is clean" (Titus 1:15). This brings us to the question of the swine: why was it deemed unclean and forbidden for consumption? It cannot be inherently unclean, since all creation is declared clean by nature; otherwise, one would have to argue that fish, which also consumes human detritus, is the most unclean of all, yet it was allowed and regarded as clean. Similarly, one could argue that a hen, which feeds on worms, or a deer, named for its consumption of serpents, are less pure, yet these animals were available for eating. So, why were swine and a few others designated as unclean? It was not due to their nature but rather to curb excess and gluttony. Had God explicitly commanded this, the Israelites might have resisted; instead, through the fear of uncleanness, He guided their actions.

What is the significance of "the divided hoof and the chewing of the cud"? The "divided hoof" denotes the ability to discern between good actions and those that are contrary, and it embodies the notion of living not just in the present but also in the age that is to come, allocating what is necessary to one era while offering all—both soul and body, along with that which pertains to the body—to the other. On the other hand, "chewing the cud" represents engagement with the Divine teachings. Just as sheep and similar creatures constantly ruminate on their food, the devoted and God-fearing individual expresses love for the Lord, proclaiming, “I love Thy law, O Lord; all the day long it is my instruction” (Ps. 118:97).

The pig represents the allure of indulgence, unclean cravings for food, sensuality, and base licentiousness. It is perpetually driven by bodily desires, immersing itself in dirt and gathering excess fat in preparation for slaughter.

The divine wisdom of the Pedagogue, through Moses, designates the association with wicked individuals as akin to that of swine. This is why the consumption of pork is prohibited for the ancient people. It illustrates that those who acknowledge God should not engage with immoral people, who, like pigs, yield to carnal appetites, consume unclean, desire-driven foods, and, incited by sensual lust, devote themselves with wicked delight to the worship of false idols.