Deuteronomy 14:7
Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you.
Deuteronomy 14:7
This verse notes exceptions: some animals that chew cud but do not have a split hoof are not clean, with examples like the camel, hare, and coney. This demonstrates the nuance and specificity of Israel’s dietary laws, even among animals that might seem similar to clean ones. It also shows the community’s need for careful scrutiny in applying sacred laws.
The insistence on precise criteria emphasizes that holiness requires precise obedience, not broad generalizations. It protects against lax interpretations and highlights that God’s order has intentional boundaries meant to safeguard health, worship, and community identity.
Today, the principle translates into careful discernment in moral and ethical matters that are easy to blur: work practices, media choices, or consumer habits. It encourages asking: does this reflect God’s design? Do my choices help or hinder others? It’s a call to resist marketing that exploits nuance or moral gray areas and to pursue integrity in every decision.
Cross-References
- Leviticus 11:4-8
- Mark 7:18-23
- Romans 14:2-3
- James 4:17