Topical Bible: Swine: Viciousness of

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Swine, commonly referred to as pigs, are mentioned several times in the Bible, often symbolizing uncleanness and moral degradation. The viciousness of swine is not explicitly detailed in terms of physical aggression, but rather in their symbolic representation of spiritual and moral corruption.

In the Old Testament, swine are considered unclean animals according to the dietary laws given to the Israelites. Leviticus 11:7 states, "And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you." This classification underscores the spiritual impurity associated with swine, which extends beyond their physical characteristics to a broader moral and spiritual symbolism.

The New Testament provides a vivid illustration of the destructive nature of swine in the account of Jesus casting demons into a herd of pigs. In Mark 5:11-13 , it is recorded: "There on the nearby hillside a large herd of pigs was feeding. So the demons begged Jesus, 'Send us to the pigs, so that we may enter them.' He gave them permission, and the unclean spirits came out and went into the pigs. And the herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the water." This passage highlights the self-destructive behavior of the swine once possessed by the demons, symbolizing the chaos and ruin that accompany spiritual impurity and evil.

The viciousness of swine is further illustrated in the teachings of Jesus, where He uses pigs metaphorically to convey the futility and danger of casting valuable spiritual truths before those who are unworthy or hostile. In Matthew 7:6 , Jesus warns, "Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces." Here, the viciousness is not a physical trait of the animals but a metaphor for the potential hostility and rejection of sacred truths by those who are spiritually unclean or unreceptive.

In the cultural and religious context of the Bible, swine are consistently associated with uncleanness and moral corruption. Their viciousness is depicted not through physical aggression but through their symbolic representation of spiritual degradation and the destructive consequences of sin. This portrayal serves as a warning against moral and spiritual impurity, urging believers to maintain holiness and discernment in their lives.

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Matthew 7:6
Give not that which is holy to the dogs, neither cast you your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
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Library

God's Banished Ones
... so pleasant when provisions and clothing fell short, and the swine's trough was
the ... him, and went flaunting about the court until his viciousness culminated in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods banished ones.htm

The Fourth Book
... the stain of polygamy or do they think they can live like dogs or swine with as ... Perhaps
the answer may be made: if we are equal to them in viciousness, why are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fourth book.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... of cleansing from the mire and marks of spiritual shame which our viciousness has
contracted ... which is holy to the dogs, and cast pearls before swine, [2791] by ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm