The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom, offering guidance for every aspect of life. While we often seek verses on love, faith, and hope, sometimes God's message is delivered through less obvious channels.
Today, we're diving into a topic that might surprise you: verses about pigs in the Bible. Far from being mere barnyard animals, pigs appear in scripture in ways that offer profound spiritual and practical insights.
These passages, though sometimes challenging, reveal God's perspective on purity, sin, and the consequences of straying from His path.
Let's explore these often-overlooked verses and discover the comfort and wisdom they hold for our faith journey.
The Significance of Pigs in Biblical Context
Before we delve into specific verses, it's helpful to understand why pigs are mentioned in the Bible. In ancient Israel, pigs were considered unclean animals according to the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11:7).
This wasn't just about hygiene; it was a spiritual distinction. Eating pork or even touching a dead pig was forbidden, marking those who did as ritually impure.
This concept of "clean" and "unclean" extended beyond diet, symbolizing the separation between God's people and the surrounding pagan cultures, as well as the contrast between a life lived in obedience and one lived in sin.
Examining Verses About Pigs In The Bible
Let’s journey through scripture and uncover the various mentions of pigs, exploring their context and spiritual implications.
1. Isaiah 65:4
“Which sit among the graves, and lodge in the watch-towers, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;”
Explanation: This verse describes people who have forsaken God and engaged in idolatrous and detestable practices. Eating pork, being forbidden by the Law, is used here as a marker of their rebellion and impurity.
2. Isaiah 66:3
“He that killeth an ox is as he that slayeth a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as he that cutteth off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as he that blesseth an idol, he that burneth incense, as he that blesseth an idol; yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.”
Explanation: Similar to the previous verse, this passage highlights the spiritual corruption of those who have turned away from God.
Their rituals and choices, including the consumption of forbidden foods like pork, are seen as abominations.
3. Proverbs 11:22
“As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.”
Explanation: This proverb uses the image of a pig to illustrate something beautiful being wasted on something unworthy. A beautiful jewel is out of place and devalued in a pig’s snout, just as beauty without good sense is wasted.
4. Matthew 7:6
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
Explanation: Jesus uses this strong metaphor to caution against sharing sacred truths or valuable spiritual insights with those who are unreceptive or hostile to them.
Pigs would likely trample pearls, rendering them worthless, and potentially become aggressive.
5. Luke 15:15
“And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.”
Explanation: This is part of the parable of the Prodigal Son. The son’s desperate state is emphasized by his being forced to do the demeaning work of feeding pigs, an occupation considered utterly degrading for a Jewish person.
6. Luke 15:16
“And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.”
Explanation: The parable continues, showing the depth of the prodigal son’s misery. He was so hungry that he longed for the food given to the pigs, highlighting his complete destitution and the loss of his former status.
7. Luke 8:32
“And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them.”
Explanation: This verse describes the incident where Jesus cast demons out of a man. The demons, upon being expelled, asked to enter a nearby herd of pigs.
8. Luke 8:33
“And when the devils were gone out of the man, they entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.”
Explanation: The demons entering the pigs led to the destruction of the entire herd. This illustrates the destructive nature of demonic forces and the consequences of their influence.
9. 2 Peter 2:22
“But it is happened unto 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.”
Explanation: This verse uses the analogy of a dog returning to its vomit and a washed pig returning to wallowing in mud to describe people who, after experiencing truth, revert back to their sinful ways.
10. Leviticus 11:7
“And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean unto you.”
Explanation: This is a clear statement from the Mosaic Law identifying the pig as an unclean animal. The reasons given relate to its biological characteristics, signifying a separation for God’s people.
11. Deuteronomy 14:8
“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: This reiterates the prohibition against eating pork and touching dead swine, reinforcing the dietary laws and their spiritual significance for Israel.
12. 1 Samuel 20:17
“And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.”
Explanation: While not directly about pigs, this verse sets a context where David is hiding from Saul.
Later, in verses related to this, Saul throws a spear at David, and David's absence is explained by his needing to hide, implying a dangerous situation where even common meals might be observed.
13. Mark 5:11
“Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.”
Explanation: This is another account of the healing of the Gadarene demoniac, mirroring the event in Luke. It describes the setting where the herd of pigs was located.
14. Mark 5:13
“And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep bank into the sea, and were about the space of two thousand, and were choked in the sea.”
Explanation: This parallels the Luke account, detailing the immediate and destructive consequence of the demons entering the pigs, leading to their demise in the sea.
15. Luke 8:14
“And that which fell among thorns, this is they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.”
Explanation: This verse from the parable of the Sower, though not directly about pigs, uses imagery that can be contrasted.
The "thorns" choke the seed, much like the concerns of this world can choke spiritual growth, a contrast to the purity and order God desires.
16. Romans 1:23
“And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.”
Explanation: This verse speaks of humanity's fall into idolatry, worshipping created things instead of the Creator.
The inclusion of "four-footed beasts" can be seen as a general reference to the objects of pagan worship, which sometimes included animals like pigs.
17. Leviticus 20:25
“Ye shall therefore put difference between clean and unclean beast, and between unclean fowl and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast nor by bird nor by any thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have commanded you to put difference upon.”
Explanation: This command reinforces the importance of distinguishing between clean and unclean animals, as dictated by God. It emphasizes that failing to do so makes one’s soul abominable in God’s sight.
18. Revelation 18:2
“And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.”
Explanation: This verse describes the spiritual corruption and judgment of Babylon.
The mention of "every unclean and hateful bird" can be seen as symbolic of the pervasive sin and impurity associated with the fallen city, a theme that the pig's unclean status often represented.
19. Luke 16:13
“No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
Explanation: While not directly mentioning pigs, this teaching by Jesus contrasts serving God with serving wealth.
The prodigal son's descent into feeding pigs represents a complete rejection of his former life and a surrender to worldly desires, a stark contrast to serving God.
20. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
Explanation: This passage lists various sins that prevent inheritance of God’s kingdom. While pigs aren’t named, the concept of uncleanness and sinfulness, often symbolized by pigs in the Old Testament, is central to this warning.
21. Matthew 13:47
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:”
Explanation: This parable of the net describes how the kingdom of heaven will gather all kinds of people, good and bad.
The eventual separation of the good from the bad is a significant theme, where "bad" can be associated with the impurity symbolized by unclean animals.
22. 1 Corinthians 10:31
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do it all to the glory of God.”
Explanation: This verse encourages believers to conduct all aspects of their lives, including diet and daily activities, in a way that honors God.
This implicitly includes respecting the distinctions God made, such as between clean and unclean foods.
23. Acts 10:14
“But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.”
Explanation: Peter's vision in Acts 10, where a sheet filled with animals was lowered from heaven, is a pivotal moment. The vision challenged Peter's understanding of clean and unclean, preparing him to minister to Gentiles.
The presence of pigs and other unclean animals was central to this revelation.
24. Acts 10:15
“And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.”
Explanation: This is the direct message of Peter’s vision. God was showing Peter that the old distinctions between clean and unclean, particularly concerning people and food, were being transcended in the new covenant through Christ.
25. Acts 11:8
“But I said, Not so, Lord: for that which is common or unclean hath never entered into my mouth.”
Explanation: Peter recounts his vision and his initial resistance to God’s message. His strong adherence to the dietary laws, including avoiding pork, highlights how deeply ingrained these distinctions were.
26. Leviticus 11:47
“To make difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.”
Explanation: This verse summarizes the purpose of the dietary laws: to help the Israelites understand and maintain holiness by distinguishing between what was acceptable to God and what was not.
27. Deuteronomy 23:17-18
“There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel. Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these were an abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
Explanation: While this verse doesn’t mention pigs directly, it lists practices considered abominations. The concept of “abomination” is strongly linked to the uncleanliness represented by pigs in the Law.
28. Proverbs 26:11
“As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.”
Explanation: This proverb is very similar to 2 Peter 2:22. It highlights the foolishness of returning to sinful behavior after having been corrected or having experienced something better, much like a pig returning to its mire.
29. Matthew 12:3
“But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungered, and they that were with him;”
Explanation: Jesus uses the example of David eating the showbread, which was for priests only, to illustrate that sometimes divine mercy or need can override ritualistic laws.
This sets a precedent for understanding God's intent beyond strict legalism, which is relevant when considering the broader implications of purity laws.
30. Mark 1:41
“And Jesus moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.”
Explanation: In the healing of the leper, Jesus' compassion leads him to touch someone considered unclean.
This act demonstrates Jesus' power to cleanse and his willingness to bridge the gap between the pure and the impure, going beyond the Old Testament distinctions.
31. John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
Explanation: The incarnation of Jesus brings “grace and truth.” This new covenant reality, embodied by Jesus, fulfills and redefines the old laws, including those concerning ritual purity symbolized by animals like pigs.
32. Romans 8:21
“Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
Explanation: This verse speaks of the redemption of all creation.
While not about pigs specifically, it points to a future restoration where the corruption and separation symbolized by uncleanliness will be done away with in God's perfect kingdom.
33. 1 Timothy 4:4
“For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:”
Explanation: This verse, building on the New Testament understanding, declares that all of God's creation is good.
This is a direct contrast to the Old Testament's specific prohibitions like that against pork, indicating a shift in how believers relate to the created world under the new covenant.
34. Revelation 21:27
“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
Explanation: This verse describes the perfect, holy city of New Jerusalem.
It explicitly states that nothing impure or abominable will enter, reinforcing the ultimate standard of holiness that God demands, a standard that the pig's symbolic uncleanness pointed towards.
35. Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
Explanation: This verse offers a timeless summary of life's purpose.
It connects obedience to God's commands with living a life that is pleasing to Him, which includes understanding and respecting the spiritual principles behind His laws, even those related to dietary distinctions like those concerning pigs.
Finding Hope in Every Word
Exploring verses about pigs in the Bible might seem unusual, but it reveals the depth and breadth of God's communication.
From the Old Testament laws highlighting purity and separation to the New Testament's unfolding of grace and redemption, these passages offer valuable lessons.
They remind us of the seriousness of sin, the importance of distinguishing between good and evil, and God's ultimate power to cleanse and redeem.
Even the most seemingly mundane creatures can serve as powerful metaphors in God's Word to teach us profound truths.
These verses can inspire us to live lives of greater holiness, to be discerning with spiritual truths, and to appreciate the freedom and transformation found in Christ.
They challenge us to examine our own lives and ensure we are not returning to old patterns of sin or embracing what God considers impure.
What are your thoughts on these verses about pigs in the Bible? Do any of them particularly resonate with you? Share your experiences, favorite verses, or reflections in the comments below!
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