Topical Bible: Swine: Sow Returns to Her Wallowing

◄ Swine: Sow Returns to Her Wallowing ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Swine, commonly referred to as pigs, hold a significant place in biblical literature, often symbolizing uncleanness and moral degradation. The imagery of swine is used throughout Scripture to convey spiritual truths and moral lessons, particularly in the context of returning to sinful behaviors after experiencing cleansing or redemption.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, swine are considered unclean animals according to the dietary laws given to the Israelites. Leviticus 11:7-8 states, "And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you." This prohibition underscores the symbolic representation of swine as impure and unfit for the people of God, who were called to be holy and set apart.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues to use the imagery of swine to illustrate spiritual truths. One of the most poignant references is found in 2 Peter 2:22 , which states, "Of them the proverbs are true: 'A dog returns to its vomit,' and, 'A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.'" This verse highlights the tragic reality of individuals who, after receiving knowledge of the truth and experiencing a form of spiritual cleansing, revert to their former sinful ways. The sow, despite being washed, returns to the mud, symbolizing the persistent nature of sin and the difficulty of maintaining purity without genuine transformation.

Parable of the Prodigal Son

In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), swine are again used to depict a state of moral and spiritual destitution. The prodigal son, having squandered his inheritance, finds himself in a foreign land, feeding pigs—a task abhorrent to a Jewish audience. Luke 15:16 describes his plight: "He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing." This imagery serves to illustrate the depths of his fall and the degradation of living apart from the Father’s house. The son’s eventual return to his father symbolizes repentance and restoration, contrasting with the sow's return to wallowing.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The recurring theme of swine in Scripture serves as a powerful metaphor for the human condition and the struggle against sin. It warns believers of the dangers of returning to former sinful habits after experiencing the grace and cleansing of God. The imagery of the sow returning to her wallowing is a vivid reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance, spiritual growth, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to maintain a life of holiness and obedience.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of swine, particularly the sow returning to her wallowing, serves as a cautionary tale about the nature of sin and the importance of steadfastness in the Christian walk. It calls believers to a life of continual repentance and transformation, avoiding the pitfalls of returning to a life of impurity and moral compromise.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Peter 2:22
But it is happened to them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Enduring to the End
... Australia"if it stops at Madeira, or returns after reaching ... The sow that was
washed"ay, bring it into ... member of the honorable confraternity of swine before ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... CHAP. XV. Death leaves him for a season, and he returns to his sins, like a sow
that has been washed to her wallowing in the mire,. CHAP. XVI. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... webs; fair and plausible abroad, but like the sow in the ... hidden net, as iniquity
makes men go down her steps to ... follows me; I reject it and it returns upon me ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm