Claw
NatureWhat is the meaning of Claw in the Bible?
The term claw refers to the divided hoof structure required for an animal to be classified as clean under biblical dietary laws, specifically requiring the hoof to part and cleave into two distinct sections.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific anatomical requirement of a divided hoof allows readers to accurately identify which animals were permitted for consumption in ancient Israelite culture and understand the physical distinctions made in Levitical law.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Claw were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Claw in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Claw clarify?
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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Claw." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/claw/