Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the concept of "chewed" is primarily associated with dietary laws and the classification of clean and unclean animals as outlined in the Old Testament. The act of chewing the cud is a significant criterion used to determine the cleanliness of certain animals for consumption by the Israelites.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 11:3-4 : "You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud. But of those that only chew the cud or have a split hoof, you are not to eat the camel, though it chews the cud, it does not have a split hoof; it is unclean for you." 2. Deuteronomy 14:6-7 : "You may eat any animal that has a split hoof divided in two and that chews the cud. But of those that chew the cud or have a split hoof, you are not to eat the camel, the rabbit, or the rock badger. Although they chew the cud, they do not have a split hoof; they are unclean for you." Interpretation and Significance: The act of chewing the cud is a process where certain animals, known as ruminants, regurgitate their food and chew it again to aid in digestion. This characteristic, along with having a split hoof, is used in the Mosaic Law to identify animals that are considered clean and permissible for consumption. The distinction between clean and unclean animals is part of the broader Levitical code, which was given to the Israelites to set them apart as a holy people dedicated to God. The requirement for animals to both chew the cud and have a split hoof serves as a symbolic representation of purity and separation. The chewing of the cud can be seen as a metaphor for meditation and reflection on God's Word, emphasizing the importance of internalizing and contemplating divine teachings. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the dietary laws, including the criteria of chewing the cud, underscore the call to holiness and obedience to God's commandments. These laws were not merely about physical health but were deeply connected to spiritual discipline and identity. By adhering to these dietary restrictions, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to living according to God's standards and maintaining a distinct identity among the nations. In the New Testament, the dietary laws are reinterpreted in light of Christ's fulfillment of the Law. In Acts 10, Peter's vision of a sheet containing all kinds of animals signifies the removal of these dietary restrictions, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community. However, the principles of discernment and holiness continue to be relevant for believers, encouraging them to live lives that reflect God's character. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern culture, dietary practices were often linked to religious beliefs and social identity. The Israelites' adherence to specific dietary laws served as a boundary marker that distinguished them from surrounding nations. The practice of chewing the cud, therefore, was not only a physical characteristic but also a cultural and religious symbol of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Overall, the concept of "chewed" in the Bible is intricately connected to the themes of purity, obedience, and identity, reflecting the broader narrative of God's covenantal relationship with His chosen people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Chew.Strong's Hebrew 3772. karath -- to cut off, cut down... root Definition to cut off, cut down NASB Word Usage beams (3), cease (1), chewed (1), completely cut off (1), covenanted (1), cut (10), cut her off (1), cut ... /hebrew/3772.htm - 6k Library What the Big Chest Contained In the Sod Cellar From Patriarchal, Tertullian Comes to Legal, Precedents. Labors in a New Field A Dog which Ate the Bible Simplified Spelling. How we Don't Get In, and How we Do. A Human Picture of God. "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh ... Copiousness of Words Thesaurus Chewed (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Chewed (2 Occurrences). ... Jonah 4:7 But God prepared a worm at dawn the next day, and it chewed on the vine, so that it withered. ... /c/chewed.htm - 7k Chew (5 Occurrences) Cud (9 Occurrences) Cheweth (8 Occurrences) Kindled (83 Occurrences) Ere (14 Occurrences) Mastick Mastic Teeth (50 Occurrences) Consumed (213 Occurrences) Resources How can I overcome grieving the loss of a pet? | GotQuestions.orgChewed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Chewed (2 Occurrences)Numbers 11:33 Jonah 4:7 Subtopics Related Terms |