χοῖρος (choiros)
choiros
pig
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun choiros simply means a pig or swine. In the New Testament, it appears in thirteen verses, primarily within the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The word carries no hidden metaphorical depth in its literal sense; it refers directly to the animal itself.
Its theological weight comes from how it is used as a symbol of uncleanness or degradation. In the parable of the prodigal son, the younger son longs to eat the pods that the pigs were eating (Luke 15:15-16), highlighting his lowest possible state. Similarly, in the accounts of the Gerasene demoniac, the unclean spirits enter a herd of swine, which then rush into the sea and drown (Matthew 8:30-32; Mark 5:11-13). For first-century Jewish readers, pigs were ritually unclean animals, making this imagery particularly potent for describing spiritual defilement or separation from God.
Translators consistently render choiros as "pig" or "swine," preserving the stark contrast between holy and unholy. The word serves as a concrete marker of boundary-crossing, whether through demonic presence or personal despair. It reminds readers that some things are fundamentally incompatible with the sacred, a theme woven into the narrative fabric of Jesus’ ministry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word choiros refers directly to a pig or swine. In first-century Jewish culture, this animal was ritually unclean and forbidden to eat. When Jesus uses this image, He is pointing to something that cannot receive or value what is holy. It serves as a stark reminder that spiritual truth requires a heart prepared to receive it, not one that is closed off by defilement.
In the parable of the prodigal son, the younger son finds himself feeding pigs and longing for their food. This moment marks his absolute lowest point, far from his father’s home. Yet even in this state of degradation, he begins to turn back. The word choiros highlights the depth of his fall, but it also sets the stage for the grace that meets him when he returns.
Similarly, in the accounts of the Gerasene demoniac, unclean spirits enter a herd of pigs, which then rush into the sea. This event shows Jesus’ authority over spiritual forces and the boundary between the sacred and the profane. It reminds us that some things are fundamentally incompatible with God’s holiness. Yet, even in judgment, Jesus brings liberation to those who are bound.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pigs,4×
- of pigs4×
- pigs3×
- pigs.2×
- of pigs.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χοίρων5×
- χοίρους,3×
- χοίρων.2×
- χοίρους2×
- χοῖροι,1×
- χοίρους.1×
Key Verses
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Luke 15:15
He went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs.
This verse marks the son's lowest point, feeding unclean animals and highlighting his complete separation from his father's household.
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Matthew 8:32
He said to them, “Go!” They came out and went into the herd of pigs; and behold, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the cliff into the sea and died in the water.
The herd rushing into the sea demonstrates Jesus' absolute authority over demonic forces and the physical world.
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Mark 5:13
At once Jesus gave them permission. The unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and they were drowned in the sea.
This account shows the immediate consequence of unclean spirits entering the pigs, emphasizing the seriousness of spiritual defilement.
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Matthew 7:6
“Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Jesus uses this image to warn against offering holy things to those who will only trample and reject them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does choiros mean in the Bible?
Why are pigs mentioned in the parable of the prodigal son?
What is the significance of the herd of pigs in Matthew 8?
Is choiros used metaphorically in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (13 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 4 verses
“Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them…
Matthew 8:30Now there was a herd of many pigs feeding far away from them.
Matthew 8:31The demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of pigs.”
Matthew 8:32He said to them, “Go!” They came out and went into the herd of pigs; and behold, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the…