Chew; Cud
NatureWhat is the meaning of Chew; Cud in the Bible?
The chewing of the cud is a physiological process characteristic of ruminant quadrupeds, serving as a biological criterion for classifying animals as clean or unclean in Leviticus 11:3 and Deuteronomy 14:6. Species identified as clean include cattle, sheep, goats, deer, gazelles, roebucks, wild goats, ibex, antelopes, and chamois.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the biological mechanism of rumination clarifies the specific physical traits required for an animal to be considered ritually clean, providing a concrete basis for the dietary restrictions outlined in the Mosaic law.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.