Deuteronomy 14:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that ye shall eat.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Any land animal with split hooves and that chews cud is clean and may be eaten.
The Context of Deuteronomy 14:6
Establishes the twofold test for clean land animals: cloven hooves and cud-chewing.
What Does Deuteronomy 14:6 Mean?
This verse sets down the biological criteria: an animal must have both a fully cloven hoof (divided into two parts) and practice rumination (cud-chewing). These are the markers of clean animals under the law.
The criteria apply universally—any beast meeting both conditions is permitted, not just those previously named. This rule establishes a principle broader than a simple list.
Deuteronomy 14:6 in the Original Language
cleaveth the cleft into two claws (שׁסע, shasa) — literally splits or divides; the hoof must be fully divided, not merely cleft.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 14:6
What does Deuteronomy 14:6 mean?
Any land animal with split hooves and that chews cud is clean and may be eaten.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 14:6?
Establishes the twofold test for clean land animals: cloven hooves and cud-chewing.