Ella 
Read the Bible Verse of the Day – Deuteronomy 14:7 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Deuteronomy 14:7 is part of a chapter in which God gives instructions to the Israelites about clean and unclean animals. These commands were important for the people of Israel as they learned how to live holy lives. This specific verse lists some animals that are not to be eaten. Though we live under the New Covenant today, this verse still has value and relevance for us.
The Context of Deuteronomy 14:7 KJV
Understanding the Book of Deuteronomy
The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible. It is a book of laws and instructions given to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The name “Deuteronomy” means “second law.” It is not a new law but a restatement and reminder of God’s commands.
Moses is the speaker throughout much of the book. He is preparing the new generation of Israelites for life in the land of Canaan. Their parents had died in the wilderness because of disobedience. Now, this new generation must be reminded of God’s standards.
Chapter 14: A Call to Holiness
Deuteronomy 14 focuses on holiness. It starts with a reminder that Israel is a people set apart for God. They are His special possession. Because of this, they must live differently than the nations around them. This includes how they dress, how they mourn, and especially what they eat.
The chapter divides animals into two main groups: clean and unclean. Clean animals could be eaten. Unclean animals had to be avoided. These laws were part of God’s covenant with Israel. They taught the people how to be holy in daily life.
Deuteronomy 14:7 is part of a list of animals that are considered unclean, even though they seem to meet some requirements for clean animals.
Deuteronomy 14:7 (KJV)
Here is the verse in the King James Version:
Deuteronomy 14:7 (KJV):
“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.”
This verse describes three animals: the camel, the hare, and the coney. Though they chew the cud, they do not have a divided (cloven) hoof. Because of this, they are considered unclean.
Deuteronomy 14:7 Meaning
What Does It Mean to Chew the Cud?
Chewing the cud refers to an animal’s method of digestion. Animals like cows, sheep, and goats swallow food and later bring it back up to chew again. This is called rumination. It is a process found in animals that are clean, according to God’s dietary laws.
Animals that chew the cud are usually herbivores. They feed on grasses and plants, which was considered clean behavior in the biblical view.
What Is a Divided Hoof?
A divided or cloven hoof means the animal’s hoof is split into two parts. This is a physical characteristic of clean land animals. For an animal to be clean, it must both chew the cud and have a cloven hoof (see Leviticus 11:3 for the same principle).
Why Were These Three Animals Unclean?
Let’s look at each animal mentioned in this verse:
1. The Camel
The camel chews the cud but does not have a completely divided hoof. Because it fails to meet both requirements, it is unclean.
2. The Hare
The hare (similar to a rabbit) appears to chew the cud, but in reality, it performs a chewing action for digestion that is different from true rumination. It also lacks a divided hoof.
3. The Coney
The coney is also known as the hyrax or rock badger. It is a small, furry mammal found in rocky areas. It appears to chew the cud but does not have hooves at all.
Each of these animals met only one of the two requirements for clean land animals. They were not to be eaten by the Israelites.
Symbolism and Deeper Meaning
God did not give these laws randomly. These rules taught the people to observe and obey. Animals that were clean had both the right internal process (chewing the cud) and the right external characteristic (a divided hoof). This could symbolize the need for both inward and outward holiness.
A person could not be clean before God by having the right heart only (inward), or by acting correctly only (outward). Both are needed. God wants a pure heart and a holy life.
The Israelites were to learn the importance of distinction, discernment, and discipline. These food laws were a daily reminder of God’s call to be different.
Deuteronomy 14:7 Application in Life
Even though we are not under the Old Testament dietary laws today (see Mark 7:18–19 and Acts 10:9–15), we can still learn spiritual truths from them. Let’s look at how this verse can apply to us today.
1. God Cares About Details
God gave very detailed instructions. This shows us that He is a God of order. He cares about how we live and what we do—even in small matters. We should not think that some parts of life are too small for God.
Whether it’s our words, our habits, or our entertainment choices, God sees it all. He wants every part of our life to reflect His holiness.
2. Both Inside and Outside Matter
Clean animals had to meet two standards. They needed to chew the cud (internal) and have a divided hoof (external). In the same way, our inner life and our outward actions must be pure.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart” (Matthew 5:8). But He also said that we must let our “light shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). A Christian must have a clean heart and a good testimony.
We cannot say we love God but live like the world. We must walk in truth and love. Our lives should match our words.
3. Be Set Apart
The Israelites were different from other nations. They did not eat whatever they wanted. They followed God’s commands. This made them holy and set apart.
As Christians, we are called to be set apart too. Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the world. We are to be transformed by renewing our minds.
That means we should not follow worldly trends that go against God’s Word. We should be bold in living for Christ, even if we stand alone.
4. Discernment in Daily Life
The Israelites had to look carefully at animals before eating them. They needed to see if the animal met both standards.
In the same way, we need discernment in our choices. Not everything that looks good is good for us. Some things may seem acceptable but are not godly.
We must examine our decisions, habits, friendships, and even our goals in light of God’s Word. Is it holy? Is it pure? Does it honor God?
5. A Reminder of Our Need for Christ
The food laws reminded Israel of their need to be clean before God. But no one could keep the law perfectly. That’s why we need Jesus.
He fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17). Through Him, we are made clean—not by what we eat but by His blood.
We are not made holy by following a list of rules but by faith in Christ. He gives us a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26).
However, grace is not a license to live however we want. God still calls us to holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). The food laws may be gone, but the call to be holy remains.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 14:7 may seem like a small part of the Bible, but it holds deep meaning. It is part of a section where God calls His people to live holy and set-apart lives. In this verse, three animals are listed as unclean because they do not meet both criteria of chewing the cud and having a divided hoof.
This teaches us that God values both inward and outward holiness. He cares about our hearts and our actions. Though the dietary laws do not apply to Christians today, the principle of holiness still stands.
We must live lives that reflect our identity as God’s people. Let us be careful about the choices we make. Let us seek to be pure in heart and upright in conduct. Let us strive to honor God in every part of our lives.
“Nevertheless these ye shall not eat… for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you.” (Deuteronomy 14:7, KJV)
May this verse remind us that we are called to live holy, disciplined, and discerning lives before our holy God.
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