In the Bible, hoofs are mentioned in various contexts, often symbolizing strength, power, and the distinction between clean and unclean animals. The hoof, particularly in the context of animals, plays a significant role in the dietary laws given to the Israelites and in metaphorical language throughout Scripture.

Clean and Unclean Animals

The distinction between clean and unclean animals is a prominent theme in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Animals with divided hoofs that chew the cud are considered clean and permissible for consumption. Leviticus 11:3 states, "You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud." This criterion is reiterated in Deuteronomy 14:6 , emphasizing the importance of hoofs in determining dietary laws.

Animals such as the camel, though they chew the cud, do not have divided hoofs and are thus deemed unclean (Leviticus 11:4). The pig, which has a split hoof but does not chew the cud, is also considered unclean (Leviticus 11:7). These distinctions highlight the hoof as a critical factor in the ceremonial purity laws given to the Israelites.

Symbolism and Metaphorical Use

Hoofs are also used metaphorically in the Bible to convey strength and the ability to trample or conquer. In prophetic literature, hoofs often symbolize the power and might of nations or armies. For instance, in the book of Micah, the Lord promises to make Zion's horn iron and her hoofs bronze, signifying strength and victory over enemies: "Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion, for I will give you horns of iron; I will make your hooves bronze, and you will break to pieces many peoples" (Micah 4:13).

In the book of Ezekiel, the hoofs of horses are described as part of the imagery of an invading army, emphasizing the terror and destruction they bring: "With the hoofs of his horses he will trample all your streets" (Ezekiel 26:11). This imagery underscores the formidable nature of the forces described.

Judgment and Deliverance

The sound of hoofs is sometimes associated with judgment and deliverance. In Judges 5:22 , during the Song of Deborah, the sound of the galloping hoofs of horses is depicted as part of the Lord's deliverance of Israel from their enemies: "Then the hooves of horses thundered—the mad galloping of his stallions." This passage highlights the role of hoofs in the narrative of divine intervention and victory.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, hoofs serve as a significant element in the laws of clean and unclean animals, as well as in the symbolic language of strength, judgment, and deliverance. The biblical references to hoofs reflect the broader themes of purity, power, and divine sovereignty that permeate the Scriptures.(n.) Plural of Hoof.6536. paras -- to break in two, divide
... root Definition to break in two, divide NASB Word Usage break (1), breaks (1), divide
(8), divides (4), hoofs (1). deal, divide, have hoofs, part, tear. ...
/hebrew/6536.htm - 6k

6541. parsah -- a hoof
... Definition: hoof. Word Origin from paras Definition a hoof NASB Word Usage
hoof (13), hoofs (7). claw, cloven-footed, hoof. Feminine ...
/hebrew/6541.htm - 6k

8161. shaatah -- a stamping (of hooves)
... stamping. Feminine from an unused root meaning to stamp; a clatter (of hoofs) --
stamping. 8160, 8161. shaatah. 8162 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/8161.htm - 6k

6119. aqeb -- heel, footprint, hind part
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition heel, footprint, hind part NASB Word
Usage footprints (1), footsteps (1), heel (4), heels (3), hoofs (1), rear guard ...
/hebrew/6119.htm - 6k

The Signs of Pentecost.
... sides. When, a horse runs through the street we hear the noise of his hoofs
against the pavement and see the clouds of dust. But ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvii the signs of pentecost.htm

Of the Production of the Beasts and of Man.
... [1811] And so others of them either poise themselves aloft with light plumage, or
are supported by hoofs, [1812] or are furnished with horns; some have arms in ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap ii of the production of.htm

The Church of Notre Dame De Lorette in Paris with Its Yellow ...
... demons who enjoy their demonism,"satyrs, concerning whom, one feels that their polished
boots are cleverly designed to cover their animal hoofs, and that ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xiii the church of notre.htm

Why Man is Destitute of Natural Weapons and Covering
... all things useful, worthy, according to appearances, of pity rather than of admiration,
not armed with prominent horns or sharp claws, nor with hoofs nor with ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/vii why man is destitute.htm

Demonstration v. --Of Wars.
... shoulders of Lebanon. [737] I will dig and drink water and will dry up
with my horses' hoofs all the deep rivers. And because he ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration v of wars.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... or is it to be swift and strong in its legs, and even in its paces, and to have
hoofs suitable to a well bred horse, and courage fitted for long journies and ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... When did the horse-hoofs resound With the galloping, galloping of their steeds? ... Then
did the horse-hoofs resound With the galloping, galloping of their steeds. ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

Argument. --He First of all Asserts that the Law is Spiritual; and ...
... Moreover, it gave this character to those that were clean, that those which chew
the cud and divide the hoofs are clean; those are unclean which do neither one ...
/.../novatian/on the jewish meats/chapter ii argument he first of.htm

Argument. --And Thus Unclean Animals are not to be Reproached ...
... For of those creatures which divide the foot into two hoofs the walk is always vigorous;
the tendency to slip of one part of the hoof being sustained by the ...
/.../novatian/on the jewish meats/chapter iii argument and thus unclean.htm

The Doctrine of Satan.
... describing him after his fall. There is certainly no ground for presenting the
evil one as having horns, tail, and hoofs. This is only to ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of satan.htm

Hoofs (18 Occurrences)
...Hoofs (18 Occurrences). Leviticus 11:3 Whatever hath cloven hoofs, and feet quite
split open, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts that shall ye eat. ...
/h/hoofs.htm - 12k

Cloven (12 Occurrences)
... by a participle from shaca, "to split," and applied to beasts that divide the hoof
(Leviticus 11:3 Deuteronomy 14:7). Beasts with hoofs completely divided into ...
/c/cloven.htm - 11k

Split (36 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Leviticus 11:3 Whatever hath cloven hoofs, and feet quite split open, and
cheweth the cud, among the beasts that shall ye eat. (DBY NAS NIV). ...
/s/split.htm - 19k

Quite (55 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Leviticus 11:3 Whatever hath cloven hoofs, and feet quite split open,
and cheweth the cud, among the beasts that shall ye eat. (DBY). ...
/q/quite.htm - 22k

Flint (12 Occurrences)
... Ezek. 3:8, 9.) The words "like a flint" are used with reference to the
hoofs of horses (Isaiah 5:28). Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/f/flint.htm - 14k

Camel (13 Occurrences)
... drinking. Its hoofs are small, and situated at the extremities of the toes,
and the weight of the animal rests on the callous. The ...
/c/camel.htm - 21k

Galloping (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Galloping (4 Occurrences). Judges 5:22 "Then loud beat
the horses' hoofs with the galloping, galloping of his steeds. (DBY RSV NIV). ...
/g/galloping.htm - 7k

Wheels (30 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 5:28 whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent. Their horses'
hoofs will be like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind. ...
/w/wheels.htm - 16k

Divides (9 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 11:3 any dividing a hoof, and cleaving the cleft of the hoofs, bringing
up the cud, among the beasts, it ye do eat. (See NAS). ...
/d/divides.htm - 8k

Dividing (23 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 11:3 any dividing a hoof, and cleaving the cleft of the hoofs,
bringing up the cud, among the beasts, it ye do eat. (YLT). ...
/d/dividing.htm - 13k

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