Deuteronomy 14:7 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Animals that chew cud but don't have split hooves—camel, hare, coney—are unclean because they fail the second test.
The Context of Deuteronomy 14:7
First exception: animals that chew cud but lack split hooves are forbidden.
What Does Deuteronomy 14:7 Mean?
The camel, hare, and coney all chew cud but lack fully cloven hooves. They fail the second requirement, making them unclean despite meeting the first criterion. Both conditions must be satisfied.
This exception proves the rule: a single positive trait is insufficient. The law demands both split hooves and cud-chewing, creating a strict standard that excludes many otherwise herbivorous animals.
Deuteronomy 14:7 in the Original Language
coney (שׁפן, shaphan) — a small rock-dwelling mammal, likely the hyrax of the Levant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 14:7
What does Deuteronomy 14:7 mean?
Animals that chew cud but don't have split hooves—camel, hare, coney—are unclean because they fail the second test.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 14:7?
First exception: animals that chew cud but lack split hooves are forbidden.