Topical Bible: Swine: Described: Filthy in Its Habits

◄ Swine: Described: Filthy in Its Habits ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Swine, commonly referred to as pigs, hold a significant place in biblical texts, often symbolizing uncleanness and moral degradation. In the cultural and religious context of the Bible, swine are frequently associated with impurity and are considered unclean animals according to Mosaic Law.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The dietary laws given to the Israelites in the Old Testament explicitly prohibit the consumption of swine. In Leviticus 11:7-8 , it is stated: "And the pig, though it has a split hoof completely divided, 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 perception of swine as unclean, reinforcing their symbolic representation of impurity.

In Deuteronomy 14:8 , the command is reiterated: "And the pig is unclean for you because it has a split hoof but does not chew the cud. You are not to eat their meat or touch their carcasses." The repetition of this commandment highlights the importance of maintaining ritual purity and the avoidance of defilement through contact with swine.

Swine in Proverbs and Parables

The book of Proverbs uses the imagery of swine to convey moral lessons. Proverbs 11:22 states: "Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion." Here, the swine is used metaphorically to illustrate the incongruity of external beauty paired with a lack of inner virtue, emphasizing the futility of adornment without wisdom.

In the New Testament, Jesus employs the imagery of swine in His teachings. In Matthew 7:6 , He 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." This admonition serves as a caution against offering sacred truths to those who are incapable of appreciating their value, likening such individuals to swine who would disregard and desecrate what is precious.

The Prodigal Son and the Swine

The parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11-32, further illustrates the association of swine with degradation and repentance. The younger son, having squandered his inheritance, finds himself in dire circumstances, reduced to feeding swine—a task abhorrent to a Jewish audience. In Luke 15:15-16 , it is recounted: "So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him a thing." This imagery underscores the depth of the son's fall from grace and his subsequent realization of the need for repentance and return to his father.

Cultural and Religious Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, swine were often associated with filth and were considered unsuitable for consumption or sacrifice. This cultural perception is reflected in the biblical texts, where swine are consistently depicted as unclean and undesirable. The avoidance of swine in the Israelite community served as a marker of identity and obedience to God's commandments, distinguishing them from surrounding nations.

The portrayal of swine in the Bible, therefore, serves as a powerful symbol of impurity and moral corruption, reinforcing the call to holiness and separation from defilement. Through various passages and parables, the Bible uses the imagery of swine to convey spiritual truths and ethical teachings, emphasizing the importance of purity, wisdom, and repentance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Carey's College
... hides, amid pincers, paste-horns, rosin, swine-bristles, and a ... The book is described
as an "attempt to relieve ... all our righteousness was like filthy rags.' I ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter i careys college.htm

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... God the Creator, as when He is described as being ... those who, after eating the impure
and filthy food of ... the dogs, nor pearls be cast before swine, which will ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... that although they find herds of swine, and droves ... their lust, and who, sunk in filthy
pleasure, are ... way of satirizing voluptuous men, he described himself as ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

part ii
... Everything that disturbs us, and as though undermines the heart in its foundation
and oppresses it, proceeds from the Devil, for he himself is eternal ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... Yet, eventually that swine-herd was clothed in ... abhorred their own righteousness as
filthy and insufficient ... Pilgrim's Progress, his father is described as 'an ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... slight, and abhor their own righteousness, as filthy and insufficient ... a young man,
and my nature in its prime; but ... we did part the hoof like the swine, yet if ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm