Topical Bible: Swine: Kept in Large Herds

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Topical Encyclopedia

Swine, commonly referred to as pigs, hold a significant place in biblical narratives, particularly in the context of Jewish dietary laws and cultural practices. In the Bible, swine are often associated with uncleanness and are mentioned in various passages that highlight their role in ancient societies and the spiritual lessons derived from their presence.

Biblical References and Cultural Context

Swine are first mentioned in the context of dietary laws given to the Israelites. According to Levitical law, swine were considered unclean animals and were not to be consumed by 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 was part of a broader set of dietary restrictions intended to set the Israelites apart as a holy people.

Despite these prohibitions, swine were kept in large herds by non-Israelite communities, particularly in regions where Gentile populations resided. The presence of swine herds is notably illustrated in the New Testament account of Jesus healing the demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes. 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 account underscores the presence of large swine herds in Gentile territories, where Jewish dietary laws did not apply. The dramatic event of the swine rushing into the sea serves as a powerful illustration of Jesus' authority over evil spirits and the spiritual deliverance He offers.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

In biblical symbolism, swine often represent uncleanness and moral corruption. The keeping of swine in large herds by Gentile communities serves as a backdrop for illustrating the contrast between the holiness expected of God's people and the practices of surrounding nations. The swine's association with uncleanness is further emphasized in Proverbs 11:22 , which states, "Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion." This proverb uses the imagery of a pig to convey the incongruity of external beauty without inner virtue.

The New Testament also uses swine metaphorically to convey spiritual truths. 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, swine symbolize those who are unable to appreciate the value of spiritual truths, highlighting the need for discernment in sharing the gospel.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of swine, particularly in the context of large herds, serves as a multifaceted symbol of uncleanness, moral lessons, and the cultural distinctions between Jews and Gentiles. Through these narratives, the Bible communicates deeper spiritual truths about holiness, discernment, and the transformative power of Christ's authority.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 8:30
And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Journey to Evora
... can gratify curiosity, if we except the kitchens, which are indeed magnificent,
and so large that food ... 'A wild swine on his shoulders he kept, And upon his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/borrow/letters of george borrow/journey to evora.htm

With whom we are to Associate.
... and must find fault with having large numbers of ... they keep; by others they are kept;
and others ... licentious rush readily into uncleanness, like swine rushing to ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv with whom we are.htm

The Life of S. Hilarion.
... man unless an equally vast number of swine had rushed ... he met with a deacon Baisanes
who kept dromedaries which ... boas [4035] because they are so large that they ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the life of s hilarion.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... in the Gospel to him who had boasted of having kept the whole ... eat human flesh, and
that although they find herds of swine, and droves of large or small ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Chronology of the Life of Christ.
... remarked "that it was better to be Herod's swine than his ... are brought in from the
fields, and kept under shelter ... of age, is to be taken in a large sense, and ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 16 chronology of the.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... Neither cast ye your pearls before the swine Lest that ... in his stead, and let me here
be kept My lord's ... accordingly: And Joseph ordering them a large supply Of ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... such important questions, especially before a large audience, composed ... This depressed
and kept me humble, and persuaded ... and cast pearls before swine, [2791] by ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... his hands on his hips, and his head crowned with a large bunch of ... hill; two statues
of Bisu, standing erect against their supporting columns, kept guard over ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... which may be called the foot of the soul, because by that the soul, yea, the whole
man, is carried hither and thither, or else held back and kept from moving.5. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It.
... For Paul declares that they drank the same spiritual drink (1:Cor.10:4). But
the water was common to the herds and flocks of the people. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 of the lords.htm