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Deuteronomy 14:6 - Which animals are kosher?

Deuteronomy 14:6 - דברים 14:6

Hebrew Text

וְכָל־בְּהֵמָה מַפְרֶסֶת פַּרְסָה וְשֹׁסַעַת שֶׁסַע שְׁתֵּי פְרָסוֹת מַעֲלַת גֵּרָה בַּבְּהֵמָה אֹתָהּ תֹּאכֵלוּ׃

English Translation

And every beast that parts the hoof, forming thereby two entirely cloven hoofs, and chews the cud among the beasts, that may you eat.

Transliteration

Vechol-behema mafreset parsah veshoasa shesa shtei fersot maalat gerah babehemah otah tochelu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכׇל־בְּהֵמָ֞ה מַפְרֶ֣סֶת פַּרְסָ֗ה וְשֹׁסַ֤עַת שֶׁ֙סַע֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י פְרָס֔וֹת מַעֲלַ֥ת גֵּרָ֖ה בַּבְּהֵמָ֑ה אֹתָ֖הּ תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃
וְכׇל־בְּהֵמָ֞ה מַפְרֶ֣סֶת פַּרְסָ֗ה וְשֹׁסַ֤עַת שֶׁ֙סַע֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י פְרָס֔וֹת מַעֲלַ֥ת גֵּרָ֖ה בַּבְּהֵמָ֑ה אֹתָ֖הּ תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Signs of Kosher Animals

The verse (Vayikra 11:3) establishes two key signs that determine whether an animal is kosher for consumption according to halacha:

  • Split Hooves (Mafreset Parsa): The animal must have completely split hooves, divided into two distinct parts (Rashi). The Talmud (Chullin 59a) clarifies that the split must extend through the entire hoof.
  • Chewing the Cud (Ma'alat Gerah): The animal must regurgitate and re-chew its food, a process known as rumination (Rambam, Ma'achalot Asurot 1:2).

Halachic Analysis from Talmudic Sources

The Gemara (Chullin 59a) discusses these signs in detail:

  • The requirement for "shosa'at shesa" (cleft-footed) teaches that both hooves must be fully split, unlike animals like the camel which has a partially split hoof (Rashi).
  • The Sages derived that an animal must possess both signs to be kosher - an animal with only one sign remains forbidden (Chullin 60b).

Philosophical Insights

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 13:2) connects these physical signs to spiritual concepts:

  • The split hoof symbolizes discernment - the ability to separate between holy and profane, just as the hoof separates between earth and animal.
  • Chewing the cud represents meditation on Torah - just as the animal repeatedly processes its food, we must constantly review and internalize Torah wisdom.

Practical Halachic Considerations

Poskim emphasize several practical applications:

  • One must verify both signs before consuming an unfamiliar animal (Shulchan Aruch YD 79:1).
  • The Mishnah (Chullin 3:6) lists four animals that have only one sign (camel, hare, hyrax, and pig) as specifically prohibited.
  • Contemporary authorities require reliable mesorah (tradition) for identifying kosher species beyond the explicit biblical list (Igrot Moshe YD 1:36).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 59a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of kosher animals, specifically regarding the signs that make an animal permissible to eat.
📖 Niddah 51b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the characteristics of kosher animals and their anatomical features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 14:6 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 14:6 lists the two signs of kosher land animals: they must have split hooves (completely divided into two parts) and chew their cud (bring up food from their stomach to chew again). Only animals with both signs may be eaten according to Jewish law.
Q: Why are split hooves and chewing cud important for kosher animals?
A: The Torah teaches that these two signs (split hooves and chewing cud) distinguish kosher from non-kosher animals. Rashi explains that these physical traits symbolize spiritual refinement - just as animals carefully process their food (chewing cud) and have discernment in their steps (split hooves), we too must be thoughtful in our actions and choices.
Q: What animals are kosher according to this verse?
A: Common kosher animals include cows, sheep, goats and deer because they have fully split hooves and chew their cud. The Talmud (Chullin 59a) provides detailed examinations of these signs to determine an animal's kosher status.
Q: Why does the Torah specify which animals we can eat?
A: The Rambam (Guide for the Perplexed 3:48) explains that the kosher laws elevate our physical acts into spiritual ones. By being selective in what we eat, we train ourselves to be selective in our behaviors and thoughts, connecting everyday actions with holiness.
Q: How do we know if an animal chews its cud?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 59a) describes how to recognize cud-chewing: if you see an animal bringing up food from its stomach to re-chew it. Modern zoology confirms that kosher animals have a multi-chambered stomach that enables this unique digestive process.