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Why Were the Israelites Forbidden to Eat Pork?

by Dr. Eitan Bar
3 minutes read

In the Torah, the Israelites were forbidden to eat pork because pigs were classified as ritually unclean animals. The reasoning is explicitly stated: while pigs have split hooves, they do not chew the cud (Leviticus 11:7-8; Deuteronomy 14:8). This distinction served as a symbol of Israel’s call to holiness and obedience to God’s covenant. The dietary laws, including the prohibition of pork, were a tangible reminder of Israel’s unique identity as a nation set apart for God.

Holiness Over Practical Concerns

The primary purpose behind the prohibition of pork was spiritual and symbolic, not health-related. Some modern commentators speculate that health concerns, such as the risk of trichinosis from undercooked pork, might have motivated the ban. However, the biblical text itself places the emphasis on holiness: “I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44). The prohibition was part of a broader framework designed to set Israel apart from the surrounding nations.

Holiness (Kadosh) means “set apart” or “unique.” For instance, the Sabbath day was declared holy (Genesis 2:3) not because the other weekdays were wicked but because the Sabbath was a unique day, a day of rest.

By abstaining from pork, Israel demonstrated obedience to God’s laws and maintained its distinctiveness as a holy nation. This distinctiveness extended beyond dietary habits to all aspects of life, reflecting the character of God and His call for Israel to be “Kadosh”—separated, unique, and special.

Pigs and Idolatry

Pigs were not merely considered unclean; they were also associated with idolatry and pagan worship practices. Historical evidence from the ancient Near East suggests that pigs were often used in rituals dedicated to pagan deities.1 For example, the Greeks and Romans offered pigs in sacrificial ceremonies, particularly to deities like Demeter and Ceres. In some cases, pigs were associated with debased and immoral rituals, reinforcing their unclean status in the eyes of Israel.

The Torah’s dietary laws served as a safeguard against participating in or even being tempted by idolatrous practices. By prohibiting pork, God not only reinforced Israel’s separation from the nations but also ensured they avoided practices tied to pagan worship.2 This separation was critical for maintaining the purity of Israel’s worship and devotion to the one true God.3

The Social Impact of Avoiding Pork

Avoiding pork had significant social implications. In ancient cultures, shared meals were a cornerstone of community and relationship-building. By abstaining from pork, Israelites were naturally excluded from many social and religious gatherings of their pagan neighbors. This dietary restriction acted as a barrier, preventing close friendships and alliances with those who did not worship the God of Israel. It served as a practical way to keep Israel holy, shielding them from adopting the corrupt behaviors and idolatrous practices of surrounding nations.

This separation was not about disdain for outsiders but about preserving the sanctity of Israel’s relationship with God. The prohibition of pork became a symbol of fidelity to God’s covenant, a daily reminder of their unique calling.

Conclusion: A Call to Be Kadosh

The prohibition of pork ultimately reflects God’s call for His people to be “Kadosh”—set apart as He is holy. This concept of holiness encompasses more than moral purity; it signifies being distinct, unique, and devoted to God’s purposes. By following dietary laws and avoiding pork, the Israelites lived out their identity as God’s chosen people, visibly demonstrating their separation from pagan nations and their commitment to God’s covenant.

In conclusion, the prohibition of pork in the Torah was deeply symbolic. It underscored Israel’s call to holiness, reminded them of their unique relationship with God, and protected them from idolatrous influences. The avoidance of pork was not merely about what they ate but about who they were—a people consecrated to the Lord, reflecting His holiness in every aspect of their lives.


  1. Evolution of a Taboo: Pigs and People in the Ancient Near East by Max D. Price explores the ritual roles of pigs during the Bronze Age, highlighting their association with various deities and religious practices. ↩︎
  2. Lidar Sapir-Hen’s article, “Food, Pork Consumption, and Identity in Ancient Israel,” discusses how the avoidance of pork served as an ethnic marker, distinguishing Israelites from neighboring groups. ↩︎
  3. The article “Pigs as an Ethnic Marker? You Are What You Eat” examines how dietary practices, including the avoidance of pork, reinforced social boundaries and identity in ancient Israel. ↩︎



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Dr. Eitan Bar
Author, Theologian, Activist