Definition: And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it [is] unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down Deuteronomy 14:8. It’s a really important verse about food and cleanliness – and it has some serious implications for how we handle animals! Here’s the simple explanation: “And the swine, because it divides the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it [is] unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.” Let's unpack that part by part: "The swine..." : This refers to a pig. Pigs are often used as a symbol in Jewish tradition and are associated with sinfulness and impurity. "...because it divides the hoof..." : This is the key part. A pig has two hooves – one on each side of its body. When it’s eating the cud (the grass they chew), its tongue moves from side to side, allowing it to move through the grass more efficiently. "...yet cheweth not the cud..." : This means the pig is eating the cud. It's still consuming the grass, but it's doing so in a way that’s not as natural or healthy for its system. "...it [is] unclean unto you:" : This is where the message really comes in. The verse says that because the pig isn't chewing the cud properly – it’s not using its digestive system as efficiently – it’s considered unclean to eat. It’s not fit for consumption. "ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase." : This is the final warning. You are specifically forbidden from eating the pig's flesh (the meat) and touching its dead carcass (its remains). So, what does this verse mean in a nutshell? It’s a rule set by God to protect us from unclean food. It emphasizes that we should be careful about how we treat animals – especially pigs – because they are meant to graze on grass, not process it like a pig. It's a reminder of the importance of following God’s instructions and being mindful of what we consume. Why is this important? This verse is rooted in a deep understanding of the relationship between animals and humans. It highlights that animals are created for a specific purpose – to live peacefully with us, not to be used as food. It's about respecting God’s creation and recognizing the sanctity of life. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Talk about its significance in Jewish tradition? Give a historical context for when this verse was issued?