Pigs are mentioned throughout the Bible, sometimes in ways that surprise people.
In ancient times, these animals were viewed very differently than they are today.
While many cultures today enjoy pork as part of their diet, in biblical times, pigs carried deep symbolic meaning.
Some passages portray them as unclean, while others use them to illustrate deeper spiritual truths.
What does the Bible really say about pigs, and how should we understand their significance today?
Pigs as Unclean Animals in the Old Testament
The Old Testament provides clear instructions about what the Israelites could and could not eat.
In Leviticus 11:7-8, God gave dietary laws, saying, “And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you.
You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you.”
This restriction was part of a larger set of laws designed to set Israel apart from surrounding nations.
Deuteronomy 14:8 repeats this command, reinforcing that pigs were considered unclean.
In a time when food safety knowledge was limited, these laws may have also served a practical purpose.
Pigs often carried diseases, and eating improperly cooked pork could be dangerous.
But more than health reasons, these rules were about obedience and holiness.
God wanted His people to follow His commands and remain distinct from pagan cultures.
Pigs in the Story of the Prodigal Son
One of the most famous references to pigs in the Bible is found in Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son.
In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the story of a young man who wastes his inheritance and ends up in desperate poverty.
Verse 15-16 says, “So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.
He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.”
For Jesus’ Jewish audience, this would have been a shocking image.
Pigs were unclean animals, and working among them was a symbol of how far the son had fallen.
His situation was not just about hunger but about deep spiritual and personal brokenness.
This moment in the story highlights the consequences of turning away from God.
But it also sets up the powerful message of redemption when the son returns home.
The Demons and the Herd of Pigs
Another striking moment involving pigs in the Bible comes from the story of Jesus casting demons into a herd of swine.
In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus encounters a man possessed by many demons.
The demons beg Jesus not to send them out of the region but instead into a nearby herd of pigs.
Verse 13 says, “He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs.
The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.”
This passage raises many questions.
Why pigs?
Why did they rush to their death?
One interpretation is that pigs, already seen as unclean animals, symbolized impurity.
By sending the demons into the swine, Jesus demonstrated His power over unclean spirits and evil forces.
The destruction of the pigs also showed the destructive nature of demonic influence.
Though the people in the area may have been more concerned about the economic loss, Jesus showed that spiritual restoration was more valuable than material wealth.
Jesus’ Words About Pigs and Pearls
In Matthew 7:6, Jesus gives a well-known warning: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.
If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
This verse is not about actual pigs but uses them as a metaphor.
Jesus is teaching about discernment in sharing the truth.
Some people are not ready to receive wisdom or spiritual truth, just as pigs do not understand the value of pearls.
The message is that while Christians should be willing to share the gospel, they should also recognize when people are not open to hearing it.
It is a reminder to use wisdom when engaging in spiritual discussions.
Did the New Testament Change the Rules on Pigs?
While the Old Testament declared pigs unclean, the New Testament brings a shift in perspective.
In Acts 10, Peter has a vision in which he sees a sheet filled with all kinds of animals.
A voice tells him, “Get up, Peter.
Kill and eat.”
Peter refuses, saying he has never eaten anything unclean.
But the voice responds in verse 15, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
This vision was not just about food—it symbolized the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s family.
However, it also indicated a change in dietary restrictions.
Later, in Mark 7:18-19, Jesus declares that food does not make a person spiritually unclean.
Instead, He teaches that what comes from the heart is what truly matters.
This means that for Christians, eating pork is no longer considered sinful.
The focus has shifted from external laws to inner transformation.
Pigs as a Symbol of Sin and Foolishness
The Bible also uses pigs to symbolize sin, foolishness, and spiritual corruption.
Proverbs 11:22 states, “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.”
This verse paints a humorous yet serious picture—beauty is meaningless if a person lacks wisdom.
Another strong image appears in 2 Peter 2:22: “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.”
This verse illustrates the nature of sin.
Even if someone appears clean on the outside, if their heart has not changed, they will return to sinful ways.
These images remind believers to seek true transformation rather than just outward appearances of righteousness.
What Can Christians Learn From the Bible’s Teachings on Pigs?
While pigs were once seen as unclean animals, the New Testament shifts the focus toward the heart rather than external rules.
For Christians, the real lesson is not about whether pigs are good or bad, but about obedience to God.
The Old Testament laws served a purpose for Israel, but Jesus brought a new understanding of holiness.
Believers are no longer bound by dietary restrictions, but they are called to live in a way that honors God.
The Bible also warns against foolishness and returning to sin, using pigs as a vivid symbol.
This serves as a reminder that following Christ means living a transformed life.
Final Thoughts
Pigs play a unique role in the Bible, appearing in laws, parables, and spiritual lessons.
While they were once considered unclean, the New Testament teaches that holiness is about the heart, not just external actions.
Jesus used pigs to illustrate powerful truths about sin, foolishness, and spiritual discernment.
Ultimately, the lesson is about more than animals—it is about choosing a life that reflects God’s wisdom and grace.
For believers today, the challenge is to focus less on outward rules and more on inner transformation, making sure that their actions align with a heart devoted to God.