Topical Bible: Swine: Hypocrites

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, swine are often used symbolically to represent uncleanness and moral corruption. This symbolism extends to the concept of hypocrisy, where individuals outwardly display righteousness but inwardly harbor sin and deceit. The association between swine and hypocrites is rooted in the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, where pigs were considered unclean animals according to Mosaic Law.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament explicitly categorizes swine as unclean animals. In Leviticus 11:7-8 , it is stated: "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 against swine underscores the broader theme of purity and holiness that God required of His people. The pig, as an unclean animal, became a symbol of impurity and was often used metaphorically to describe those who were spiritually defiled.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of swine to convey the futility of offering sacred truths to those who are unworthy or unappreciative. In Matthew 7:6 , Jesus instructs, "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, swine represent those who are incapable of valuing spiritual truths, akin to hypocrites who may outwardly appear religious but lack genuine understanding or appreciation of God's word.

Hypocrisy and Swine

The connection between swine and hypocrisy is further illustrated in the teachings of Jesus, who frequently condemned the Pharisees and religious leaders for their hypocritical behavior. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus declares, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." The imagery of impurity aligns with the symbolic use of swine, emphasizing the inner corruption masked by an outward show of piety.

Cultural and Religious Implications

The use of swine as a metaphor for hypocrites reflects the broader cultural and religious disdain for duplicity and moral corruption. In Jewish tradition, the pig's unclean status served as a powerful symbol of the need for spiritual integrity and purity. This symbolism carried over into early Christian teachings, where the emphasis on inner righteousness over external appearances was a central theme.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of swine as symbols of uncleanness and hypocrisy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of genuine faith and moral integrity. The association between swine and hypocrites underscores the biblical call to live authentically, aligning one's outward actions with an inward commitment to God's truth and righteousness.

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

How Brother Juniper Cut Off the Foot of a Pig to Give it to a Sick ...
... to the convent and abused the friars, calling them hypocrites, deceiver, robbers,
and evil men. "Why," said he, "have you cut off the foot of my swine?" At the ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter i how brother juniper.htm

The Casting Out of Devils.
... It was for the sake of the people that he called the Pharisees hypocrites, and not
for their own sakes, for how should he argue with men who ... Here were swine. ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/vii the casting out of.htm

Woes on the Pharisees
... The use of swine's flesh, and the flesh of certain other animals, was prohibited,
as likely to fill the blood ... "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm

The Folly and Danger of Parting with Christ for the Pleasures and ...
... the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently ... Persecution
would scatter the hypocrites, and make nominal Christians afraid to worship ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of 2.htm

Directions How to Lead a Heavenly Life Upon Earth.
... approve of their practice, who conclude men to be dogs or swine before ever ... speech,
upon disputes that less concern your souls; but when hypocrites are feeding ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xii directions how to.htm

The True Sign
... Here the people, alarmed at the destruction of the swine, had constrained Jesus
to depart from among them. ... "O ye hypocrites," said Jesus, "ye can discern the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 44 the true sign.htm

Nothing but Leaves
... through the malice of the devils, for needs must even swine run when ... thunderbolt,
and that for boasting pretenders; only one curse, and that for hypocrites. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/nothing but leaves.htm

Secondly, to Assign Some Reasons Why Christians must Make this the ...
... dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he ... heart
goeth after their covetous." Here was a company of formal hypocrites, as is ...
/.../flavel/on keeping the heart/secondly to assign some reasons.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... Of such hypocrites Salvian complains, who had Christ in their mouths but to no purpose.
We must go further. ... A swine may be washed, yet a swine still. ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the ...
... reptiles, the irascible to lions, the voluptuous to swine, the rapacious ... Again,
therefore, some venomous and false hypocrites, who plotted against righteousness ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter i exhortation to abandon the.htm