The term "cloven-footed" refers to animals that have hooves split into two distinct parts. This characteristic is significant in the dietary laws outlined in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of distinguishing between clean and unclean animals for consumption by the Israelites.

Biblical References:

The primary biblical reference to cloven-footed animals is found in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus 11:3 states, "You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud." This verse establishes the criteria for clean animals, which must both chew the cud and have cloven hooves. The distinction is reiterated in Deuteronomy 14:6 : "You may eat any animal that has hooves divided in two and that chews the cud."

Significance in Dietary Laws:

The cloven hoof is a key feature in the dietary laws given to the Israelites. Animals that possess both a cloven hoof and chew the cud are considered clean and permissible for consumption. Examples of such animals include cattle, sheep, and goats. These dietary laws served not only as a means of physical health and hygiene but also as a symbol of spiritual purity and obedience to God's commandments.

Conversely, animals that do not meet both criteria are deemed unclean. For instance, the pig, which has a cloven hoof but does not chew the cud, is considered unclean (Leviticus 11:7: "And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you"). This distinction underscores the importance of adhering to God's specific instructions regarding holiness and separation from practices deemed impure.

Symbolic and Spiritual Implications:

The concept of cloven-footed animals extends beyond dietary regulations to embody broader spiritual principles. The requirement for animals to have both a cloven hoof and chew the cud can be seen as a metaphor for discernment and meditation on God's Word. Just as the cloven hoof represents a clear division, believers are called to discern between holy and unholy, clean and unclean. Chewing the cud symbolizes the continuous reflection and internalization of Scripture, leading to spiritual growth and maturity.

In the New Testament, while the dietary laws are fulfilled in Christ and no longer binding (Mark 7:18-19, Acts 10:15), the principles of discernment and holiness remain relevant. The cloven hoof serves as a reminder of the call to live a life set apart, dedicated to God, and marked by obedience and purity.

Conclusion:

The concept of being cloven-footed, as outlined in the Old Testament, holds significant theological and practical implications. It reflects God's desire for His people to be distinct in their practices and devoted in their relationship with Him. Through the lens of the New Covenant, the spiritual truths behind these laws continue to inspire believers to pursue holiness and discernment in their walk with God.(a.) Alt. of Cloven-hoofed.8156. shasa -- to divide, cleave
... cleave, be cloven footed, rend, stay. A primitive root; to split or tear; figuratively,
to upbraid -- cleave, (be) cloven ((footed)), rend, stay. 8155, 8156. ...
/hebrew/8156.htm - 6k

6541. parsah -- a hoof
... claw, cloven-footed, hoof. Feminine of perec; a claw or split hoof -- claw,
(cloven-)footed, hoof. see HEBREW perec. 6540, 6541. parsah. 6542 . ...
/hebrew/6541.htm - 6k

8157. shesa -- cleft
... Word Origin from shasa Definition cleft NASB Word Usage hoof (1). cleft,
cloven-footed. From shaca'; a fissure -- cleft, clovenfooted. see HEBREW shaca'. ...
/hebrew/8157.htm - 6k

Spiritual Significance of the Precepts of Moses Respecting ...
... But Moses says still further, "Ye shall eat every animal that is cloven-footed and
ruminant." What does he mean? ... But what means the cloven-footed? ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /chapter x spiritual significance of the.htm

Subject Index
... Animal men, the, of the Valentinians, [85]323, [86]327. Animals. cloven-footed,
[87]144. forbidden or allowed as food to Israel, spritual significance of, [88]143 ...
/.../irenaeus/fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/subject index.htm

Jacob Boehme's Influence in England
... eternal essences" and "our nobel Genealogy should mind us of our Father's House
and make us weary of tutelage under hairy Faunes and cloven-footed Satyres."[3 ...
/.../chapter xii jacob boehmes influence.htm

The Clean and the Unclean
... Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the
beasts ... The swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven-footed, yet he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the clean and the unclean.htm

Clovenfooted (3 Occurrences)
...Clovenfooted (3 Occurrences). Leviticus 11:3 Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is
clovenfooted, 'and' cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that may ye eat. (ASV). ...
/c/clovenfooted.htm - 7k

Cloven-footed (3 Occurrences)
Cloven-footed. Clovenfooted, Cloven-footed. Club . Noah Webster's Dictionary ...
(WEB KJV WBS YLT RSV). Clovenfooted, Cloven-footed. Club . Reference Bible
/c/cloven-footed.htm - 7k

Cloven (12 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Leviticus 11:3 Whatever parts the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and chews
the cud among the animals, that you may eat. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). ...
/c/cloven.htm - 11k

Parteth (9 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 11:3 Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and cheweth the ...
And the swine, because he parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, but cheweth ...
/p/parteth.htm - 8k

Cud (9 Occurrences)
... Cud (9 Occurrences). Leviticus 11:3 Whatever parts the hoof, and is cloven-footed,
and chews the cud among the animals, that you may eat. ...
/c/cud.htm - 11k

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

Hoof (11 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 11:3 Whatever parts the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and chews the cud
among the animals, that you may eat. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/hoof.htm - 11k

Divideth (20 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Leviticus 11:7 And the swine, though he divideth the hoof, and is
cloven-footed, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. (WBS). ...
/d/divideth.htm - 12k

Chew (5 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 11:7 The pig, because he has a split hoof, and is cloven-footed,
but doesn't chew the cud, he is unclean to you. (WEB ...
/c/chew.htm - 9k

Chews (6 Occurrences)
... Chews (6 Occurrences). Leviticus 11:3 Whatever parts the hoof, and is cloven-footed,
and chews the cud among the animals, that you may eat. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/c/chews.htm - 8k

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