“And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” – Mark 7:20-23
The Nature of Pigs in Scripture
Throughout the Bible, pigs are often mentioned in a context that highlights their spiritual significance. We discover that pigs symbolize more than just physical creatures; they reflect moral teachings and insights intended to guide our daily actions. The nature of pigs serves as a reminder that we must be mindful of what we consume, both spiritually and physically. In scriptures, the presence of pigs often signifies impurity or uncleanliness, leading us to contemplate our heart’s condition. As we read, we find valuable lessons that teach us about maintaining holiness and avoiding the pitfalls of spiritual uncleanliness.
Leviticus 11:7-8
“And the pig, because it parts the hoof but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.” – Leviticus 11:7-8
Deuteronomy 14:8
“And the pig, because it has a divided hoof but does not chew the cud, is unclean for you. You shall not eat their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcass.” – Deuteronomy 14:8
Isaiah 66:17
“Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig’s flesh and the abomination and mice, shall come to an end together, declares the LORD.” – Isaiah 66:17
Matthew 7:6
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” – Matthew 7:6
Luke 15:15-16
“So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.” – Luke 15:15-16
The Spiritual Symbolism of Pigs
Pigs in the Bible are symbolic of spiritual lessons that help us to reflect on our own spiritual health. Encountering pigs in Biblical narratives can lead us to think about our choices and the consequences of our actions. We learn that pigs represent excess and the distractions that can lead us away from God’s path. As Christians, we must understand that not everything that seems appealing and tangible is good for our souls. The contrast drawn between pigs and holiness invites us into a deeper commitment to align with God’s truths, instead of succumbing to worldly temptations.
Mark 5:11-13
“Now a great herd of pigs was there feeding on the hillside, and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.” – Mark 5:11-13
Luke 8:32-33
“Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.” – Luke 8:32-33
Proverbs 11:22
“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.” – Proverbs 11:22
Matthew 8:30-31
“Now there was a herd of many pigs feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” – Matthew 8:30-31
James 1:22-24
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.” – James 1:22-24
Pigs and Lessons on Holiness
The way the Bible presents pigs teaches us valuable lessons about holiness and the importance of boundaries in our spiritual lives. Pigs are often depicted as unclean animals, reminding us that we are called to live a life that seeks purity. As we explore Biblical themes surrounding pigs, we draw parallels on how to filter the influences around us that may lead to spiritual contamination. The lessons on pigs serve to encourage us in our pursuit of a closer walk with the Lord, reminding us to walk away from that which can lead us astray.
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” – Galatians 5:19-21
2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17
1 Peter 1:16
“Since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2
Ephesians 5:3
“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” – Ephesians 5:3
The Parables and Pigs
Jesus often used parables to teach deeper truths, and sometimes pigs play a crucial role in illustrating these lessons. Through the stories surrounding pigs, we are encouraged to consider our priorities and understand the value of repentance and forgiveness. The parables featuring pigs can remind us of our need for spiritual reality checks and the importance of turning back to God. We see that, even when we stray, the hope of restoration and unconditional love remains available to all of us.
Luke 15:17-18
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” – Luke 15:17-18
Luke 15:20-21
“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” – Luke 15:20-21
Matthew 26:14-15
“Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.” – Matthew 26:14-15
Luke 12:30
“For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.” – Luke 12:30
Luke 18:14
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 18:14
Pigs and God’s Creation
Pigs also prompt us to reflect on God’s creation and the delicate balance of His design. As stewards of the world, we must respect all creatures, including pigs, and recognize their role in the ecosystem. Understanding the place of pigs within God’s creation elevates our awareness of our responsibilities toward all living beings. We are called to be wise caretakers and act with kindness and compassion towards every part of creation.
Genesis 1:24-25
“And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:24-25
Job 12:7-10
“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” – Job 12:7-10
Psalm 104:25-27
“There is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great. There go the ships, and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it. These all look to you, to give them their food in due season.” – Psalm 104:25-27
Proverbs 12:10
“Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.” – Proverbs 12:10
Romans 1:20
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20
Understanding Clean and Unclean Animals
The distinction between clean and unclean animals in the Bible, including pigs, speaks to God’s intention for His followers. This teaches us about obedience, respect for God’s commandments, and the importance of spiritual cleanliness. We are called to discern what is pleasing to God and to live our lives accordingly. Learning about the dietary laws could serve as a practical application of our faith, guiding us to consider how our choices reflect our relationship with the Lord.
Acts 10:14-15
“But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” – Acts 10:14-15
Leviticus 11:46-47
“This is the law about beasts and birds and every living creature that moves through the waters and every creature that swarms on the ground, to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the creature that may be eaten and the creature that may not be eaten.” – Leviticus 11:46-47
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” – 1 Timothy 4:4-5
Mark 7:18-19
“And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)” – Mark 7:18-19
Romans 14:20
“Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.” – Romans 14:20
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the biblical perspective of pigs reveals profound insights about purity and spiritual life. We learn that everything God created has a role, and each creature, including pigs, serves to teach us vital truths about holiness and our journey with God. As we explore these lessons, we are reminded to be discerning in our choices and to seek to honor God in every aspect of our lives.
By understanding the spiritual symbolism of pigs and their place in creation, we gain clarity on how we can maintain our spiritual well-being. It is crucial to allow these insights to lead us closer to Him, deepening our love for His commandments and our relationships with each other.
We encourage everyone to continue their exploration of biblical truths, and you can find more enriching insights, such as Bible verses about livestock or delve into Bible verses about killing animals. Each offers a different view of God’s creation and our responsibilities as stewards of it.