In the context of the Bible, the term "chops" does not appear explicitly in the text. However, the concept can be related to the broader biblical themes of food, sustenance, and the preparation of meat, which are prevalent throughout Scripture. The Bible often discusses dietary laws, the preparation of food, and the significance of meals in both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides detailed instructions regarding the preparation and consumption of meat, particularly in the context of sacrificial offerings. Leviticus, for example, outlines various offerings and the specific parts of animals that are to be used. While the term "chops" is not used, the division of meat into portions is a common practice. Leviticus 7:31 states, "The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons." This indicates a division of meat portions, which could conceptually include what we might consider "chops."

The dietary laws given to the Israelites also emphasize the importance of consuming clean animals, as outlined in Leviticus 11. These laws were intended to set the Israelites apart and to promote health and holiness. The preparation of meat, including the cutting and cooking processes, was an integral part of adhering to these laws.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from the strict dietary laws of the Old Testament to a more spiritual understanding of food and purity. Jesus, in Mark 7:18-19 , teaches, "Are you still so dull? He asked. Do you not understand? Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated." This passage highlights the transition from ritualistic dietary observance to a focus on inner purity and righteousness.

The early church grappled with the question of dietary laws, particularly as Gentile converts joined the faith. In Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council addressed these concerns, ultimately deciding that Gentile believers were not bound by the full extent of Jewish dietary laws, but were to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, blood, and meat from strangled animals (Acts 15:29).

Symbolic and Spiritual Significance

Throughout the Bible, food and meals often carry symbolic and spiritual significance. The Passover meal, for instance, is a profound symbol of God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 12). In the New Testament, the Last Supper, where Jesus breaks bread and shares wine with His disciples, becomes a foundational event for Christian communion (Luke 22:19-20).

While "chops" as a specific term is not mentioned, the preparation and sharing of meals are deeply woven into the fabric of biblical narrative and teaching. These acts are not merely about physical sustenance but are often imbued with spiritual meaning, reflecting themes of community, covenant, and divine provision.1. (n. pl.) The jaws; also, the fleshy parts about the mouth.

2. (n. pl.) The sides or capes at the mouth of a river, channel, harbor, or bay; as, the chops of the English Channel.

2672. chatsab -- to hew, hew out, cleave
... root Definition to hew, hew out, cleave NASB Word Usage chops (1), cut in pieces
(1), dig (2), engraved (1), hew (2), hewed (2), hewers (1), hewn (5), hewn ...
/hebrew/2672.htm - 6k

2404. chatab -- to cut or gather wood
... root Definition to cut or gather wood NASB Word Usage chops your wood (1), cut
(1), fashioned (1), gather firewood (1), hewers of wood (3), woodcutters (1 ...
/hebrew/2404.htm - 6k

How the Hebrews under the Conduct of Moses Left Egypt.
... they there pressed upon the Hebrews with their army, where [the ridges of] the
mountains were closed with the sea; which army they placed at the chops of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 how the hebrews.htm

Life in London
... he said, "you must keep up your strength, for it will be a pretty hard struggle."
And he ordered me a bottle of port wine every day, and as many chops as I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter v life in london.htm

Outward Bound
... thanks are due alike to captain, officers, crew, and passengers, and also to our
much-maligned friend the North-East wind, who caught us up in the chops of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter i outward bound.htm

Chops (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n. pl.) The sides or capes at the mouth of a river, channel, harbor, or bay;
as, the chops of the English Channel. ...Chops (2 Occurrences). ...
/c/chops.htm - 7k

Chop (5 Occurrences)
... 10. (vi) To vary or shift suddenly; as, the wind chops about. 11. ... See Chap. 17.
(n.) A jaw of an animal; -- commonly in the pl. See Chops. 18. ...
/c/chop.htm - 10k

Brag (6 Occurrences)
... off." (WEB). Isaiah 10:15 Should an axe brag against him who chops with it?
Should a saw exalt itself above him who saws with it? As ...
/b/brag.htm - 8k

Block (22 Occurrences)
... or less bulky; a solid mass of wood, stone, etc., usually with one or more plane,
or approximately plane, faces; as, a block on which a butcher chops his meat ...
/b/block.htm - 16k

Chorashan (1 Occurrence)

/c/chorashan.htm - 7k

Chopped (3 Occurrences)

/c/chopped.htm - 7k

Saws (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah 10:15 Should an axe brag against him
who chops with it? Should a saw exalt itself above him who saws with it? ...
/s/saws.htm - 7k

Ax (12 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB NAS NIV). Isaiah 10:15 Should an axe brag against him who chops
with it? Should a saw exalt itself above him who saws with it? ...
/a/ax.htm - 14k

Axe (19 Occurrences)
... success. (WEB NAS). Isaiah 10:15 Should an axe brag against him who chops with
it? Should a saw exalt itself above him who saws with it? ...
/a/axe.htm - 18k

Exalt (56 Occurrences)
... WEB NIV). Isaiah 10:15 Should an axe brag against him who chops with it?
Should a saw exalt itself above him who saws with it? As ...
/e/exalt.htm - 27k

Chops: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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