Topical Encyclopedia The term "cheweth" is derived from the Hebrew word "עָלָה" (alah), which means to bring up or to ruminate. In the context of the Bible, "cheweth" is primarily associated with the dietary laws given to the Israelites, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. These laws distinguish between clean and unclean animals based on specific characteristics, one of which is whether an animal "cheweth the cud."Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 11:3-4 (BSB): "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 following: the camel, though it chews the cud, does not have a split hoof; it is unclean for you." 2. Deuteronomy 14:6-7 (BSB): "You may eat any animal that has hooves divided in two and that chews the cud. But of those that chew the cud or have divided hooves, you are not to eat the camel, the rabbit, or the rock badger. Although they chew the cud, they do not have divided hooves; they are unclean for you." Significance in Dietary Laws: The act of chewing the cud is a process of digestion where certain animals regurgitate their food and chew it again to aid in digestion. This characteristic is one of the criteria used in the Mosaic Law to determine the cleanliness of animals for consumption. Animals that both chew the cud and have a split hoof are considered clean and permissible to eat, while those that do not meet both criteria are deemed unclean. Symbolic and Spiritual Implications: From a symbolic perspective, the requirement for animals to chew the cud and have split hooves can be seen as a call for discernment and meditation on God's Word. Just as cud-chewing involves a process of thorough digestion, believers are encouraged to meditate on Scripture, allowing it to be fully absorbed and understood. The split hoof may symbolize a walk that is separated from the world, emphasizing holiness and dedication to God's commandments. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, dietary laws served not only as a means of physical health but also as a way to set the Israelites apart from surrounding nations. By adhering to these laws, the Israelites demonstrated obedience to God and maintained a distinct identity as His chosen people. The distinction between clean and unclean animals reinforced the concept of holiness and the importance of living according to God's standards. Theological Reflections: The dietary laws, including the criteria of chewing the cud, are part of the broader Levitical code that underscores the holiness and purity required by God. While these specific laws are not binding on Christians under the New Covenant, as articulated in passages such as Acts 10:9-16 and Colossians 2:16-17, they continue to offer valuable insights into God's nature and His desire for His people to live in a manner that reflects His holiness. In summary, the concept of "cheweth" in the Bible serves as a practical guideline for dietary practices in ancient Israel and carries deeper spiritual lessons about meditation, discernment, and holiness. Library The Clean and the Unclean Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Thesaurus Cheweth (8 Occurrences)...Cheweth (8 Occurrences). Leviticus 11:3 Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat. ... /c/cheweth.htm - 8k Parteth (9 Occurrences) Divideth (20 Occurrences) Hoofs (18 Occurrences) Cloven (12 Occurrences) Divide (71 Occurrences) Quite (55 Occurrences) Clovenfooted (3 Occurrences) Split (36 Occurrences) Swine (15 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Cheweth (8 Occurrences)Leviticus 11:3 Leviticus 11:4 Leviticus 11:5 Leviticus 11:6 Leviticus 11:7 Leviticus 11:26 Deuteronomy 14:6 Deuteronomy 14:8 Subtopics Related Terms |