Today we will talk about Bible Verse About Pigs. Many Christians might find the topic of pigs rather unusual or funny, but the Bible actually provides some significant narratives and lessons involving these creatures. It’s fascinating how certain animals can symbolize various spiritual truths and moral lessons. Pigs might not be the first animals we think to discuss in biblical contexts, but they offer us insights into our own hearts and behavior. As we engage with God’s word today, let’s remember to keep our hearts open to the lessons that can be learned from these passages. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word.
Bible Verse About Pigs
Unclean Animals in the Law
In the Old Testament, we find that God gave the Israelites dietary laws that included animals considered clean and unclean. Pigs were labeled unclean for their habits and habits, and these instructions helped set the Israelites apart as God’s chosen people. Reflecting on this can remind us that the guidelines we follow in our faith help shape our identity as followers of Christ. Just like the Israelites, we too are called to live in a way that reflects our relationship with God. We can take these rules into our lives as a metaphor for avoiding what leads us away from God and seeking His holiness in everything we do.
Leviticus 11:7
“And the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean to you.” – Leviticus 11:7
Deuteronomy 14:8
“And the pig, because it has a divided hoof, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean for you. You shall not eat their flesh or touch their dead carcasses.” – Deuteronomy 14:8
Isaiah 66:17
“Those who sanctify and purify themselves, to go to the gardens after an idol in the midst, eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse, shall be consumed together,” says the Lord. – Isaiah 66:17
Mark 5:11
“Now a great herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains.” – Mark 5:11
Acts 10:12
“In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.” – Acts 10:12
Metaphors and Parables
Jesus often used metaphors and parables when teaching His followers, and pigs appear in a few of these lessons! When Jesus spoke of pigs, it often represented those who have strayed away from righteousness. This allows us to reflect on our lives and how we can sometimes find ourselves in unholy situations, just like the prodigal son who ended up feeding pigs. The lesson is clear: we must recognize our missteps and return to the Father, who awaits us with open arms. Each story reminds us that even if we stray, redemption is always possible.
Matthew 7:6
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” – Matthew 7:6
Luke 15:15
“Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.” – Luke 15:15
Luke 15:16
“And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.” – Luke 15:16
Matthew 8:31
“So the demons begged him, saying, ‘If you cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.'” – Matthew 8:31
Mark 5:13
“And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine; there were about two thousand of them, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.” – Mark 5:13
Remembering Our Identity
Pigs in the Bible remind us of our identity as the people of God. Just as the Israelites were set apart through the cleanliness laws, we too are called to live lives that reflect our commitment to God. Our identity in Christ means we should not indulge in the sinfulness of the world, but instead walk in holiness and grace. When we remember that we are His children, we can better act as a reflection of His love and righteousness as we avoid “swine-like” behavior and embrace our true purpose.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Galatians 4:7
“Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” – Galatians 4:7
Romans 8:14
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” – Romans 8:14
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10
Colossians 3:3
“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” – Colossians 3:3
The Danger of Perversion
Scripture shows us the negative results of perversion through the mention of swine. A life disconnected from God leads us into perversion and ruin. Just as the prodigal son’s journey led him to the unclean swine, we must be aware of how straying from God can lead to spiritual filth and decay. By recognizing the dangers that come from living for ourselves or indulging in sin, we can learn to stay close to the Lord who guides us toward a purified and blessed life.
2 Peter 2:22
“But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “A sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” – 2 Peter 2:22
Proverbs 26:11
“As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” – Proverbs 26:11
Proverbs 11:22
“As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion.” – Proverbs 11:22
Luke 11:24
“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.'” – Luke 11:24
Ecclesiastes 7:26
“And I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are fetters. He who pleases God shall escape from her, but the sinner shall be trapped by her.” – Ecclesiastes 7:26
Divine Provision and Abundance
Despite the warnings, animals like pigs exemplify God’s ability to provide abundantly. They serve purposes beyond their roles as unclean creatures in the Bible. Every aspect of creation, including pigs, is part of God’s divine plan. When we see these animals, we can recognize that God’s resources and provisions are vast, and He provides for all of His creation. Trusting in His provision will protect us from longing for the false security that comes from worldly ways, choosing instead to rely on God’s abundance!
Philippians 4:19
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Psalm 37:25
“I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” – Psalm 37:25
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” – Matthew 6:26
John 10:10
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10
Luke 12:24
“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?” – Luke 12:24
Lessons of Repentance
The pigs we find so often in Scripture remind us of the importance of repentance. In Jesus’ parables, pigs are often creatures that symbolize our need for turning away from sin and returning to a right relationship with God. When we understand the depths of our sin, much like the prodigal son, we recognize that true repentance redirects our path from degradation to redemption. God’s love and forgiveness are waiting for us whenever we choose to turn back towards Him!
Matthew 4:17
“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!'” – Matthew 4:17
Acts 3:19
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
Luke 15:18
“I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you.” – Luke 15:18
Isaiah 55:7
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” – Isaiah 55:7
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
God’s Sovereignty Over Creation
Pigs and all other creatures remind us of God’s sovereignty over His creation. Everything belongs to Him, and He is the ultimate authority over all things. While pigs are labeled unclean and serve a specific role in the biblical narrative, they are still part of God’s designed ecosystem. Each creature has a place and purpose, no matter how odd it may seem. Understanding God’s sovereignty should give us comfort; He rules over our lives, guiding us purposefully through the unique landscape He has crafted.
Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” – Psalm 24:1
Genesis 1:26
“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” – Genesis 1:26
Job 12:10
“In whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?” – Job 12:10
Psalm 50:10-11
“For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.” – Psalm 50:10-11
Colossians 1:16
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” – Colossians 1:16
Final Thoughts
As we come to the end of our exploration of Bible verses about pigs, it’s important to reflect on the lessons we can glean from these teachings. We have discovered that pigs serve as reminders of our identity, the consequences of living apart from God, and the importance of repentance in our walk of faith. Just as pigs appear throughout Scripture, we too can find richness in the experiences we face and the choices we make. Ultimately, our God desires a close relationship with each of us, no matter how far we wander. We can always return to Him and embrace the grace that awaits us.
Moreover, the concept of God’s sovereignty reminds us that all creation is under His guidance, which can provide comfort when life feels chaotic. Whether it is through the parables of Jesus or the dietary laws in the Old Testament, pigs continue to challenge us to reflect on our spiritual journeys and connect more deeply to God’s purpose for our lives. We are not just to observe these verses passively but to allow them to transform our hearts and actions as we seek to live for Him.
Let’s carry with us the understanding that even the smallest details in the Bible convey profound truths. Just as we have considered the significance of pigs in our faith, let us strive to see God’s handiwork in every aspect of our lives, trusting that He knows what is best and leads us on our path toward Him.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog, Topical Bible Verses
30 Powerful Bible Verse Fortune Cookies (Full Commentary)