“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is warning against sharing precious spiritual truths with those who will not only reject them but actively desecrate them. The "dogs" and "swine" represent people so hardened and hostile that they'll trample what's holy and then turn on you in a rage, demonstrating that discernment is key when sharing the Gospel.
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse follows Jesus' teachings on not judging others, urging discernment between addressing a "speck" in a brother's eye versus a "log" in one's own. It then pivots to a practical caution about sharing sacred truths; after warning against hypocrisy, Jesus emphasizes that spiritual insights and the gospel message are precious and not to be wasted on those who will only mock, defile, or violently reject them.
Jesus tells us not to give 'that which is holy' to dogs. What does that mean in practical terms for us today?
This teaching zeroes in on the sacredness of God's truth. The 'holy thing' likely refers to consecrated sacrifices in the Old Testament, which only priests could handle and consume. It was set apart, not for common use.
In the New Testament, this concept expands to the precious truths of the Gospel, the teachings of Jesus, and even personal testimonies of God's work in your life. These are 'holy' because they come from God and are meant to draw people closer to Him.
Giving these truths to those who are hostile or utterly indifferent (the 'dogs' and 'swine') isn't sharing; it's a desecration. It risks trivializing something holy and can even provoke a hostile reaction.
Why would Jesus compare the Gospel to pearls and people to pigs? What's the real danger in sharing spiritual truth unwisely?
The image of 'casting pearls before swine' is incredibly vivid. Pearls were valuable gems, and swine were considered unclean and would have no concept of a pearl's worth. They'd likely trample them in their confusion, mistaking them for food, and then become agitated.
Jesus uses this to show that spiritual truth—the 'pearls' of the Gospel—can be similarly misunderstood and devalued by those unprepared or unwilling to receive it. These individuals, described as 'swine,' are often characterized by impurity and a lack of discernment for spiritual things.
The danger isn't just that the truth is wasted; it's that it can be actively desecrated. The 'swine' might trample the pearls, and the 'dogs' (representing hostile or aggressive individuals) might 'turn and rend you.' This highlights the potential for rejection, mockery, and even personal danger when sacred truths are forced upon those who will only defile or attack them.
Ask a follow-up
Does Jesus want us to hoard His truth, or share it widely? How do we balance His command to preach the Gospel with this warning?
This verse isn't a license to withhold the Gospel from anyone. Jesus' Great Commission is to 'go and make disciples of all nations' (Matthew 28:19). Instead, Matthew 7:6 is about discernment and prudence in how and to whom we initially present the most sacred aspects of our faith.
It's about recognizing that not everyone is ready or receptive. Some individuals, by their ongoing behavior and hostility, demonstrate they are not capable of valuing or respecting spiritual truths. Trying to force deep theological concepts or personal testimonies on such individuals can be counterproductive.
The goal is to protect the sanctity of God's message and to avoid needless conflict or backlash. This calls for wisdom in sharing, listening to the Spirit's leading, and understanding that sometimes, the most loving act is to withhold certain deep truths until a more receptive moment or in a less confrontational way, rather than inviting rejection and hostility.
Understand the original words
kyōn · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, this term refers to animals that were ritually unclean. Metaphorically, it represents people who are hostile to the gospel or those who demonstrate a complete lack of spiritual discernment and disdain for sacred truths.
hagios · Greek Adjective
That which is set apart for God's use or presence. It refers to things dedicated to divine service, moral purity, or the sacred truths of the Kingdom of God.
margaritēs · Greek Noun
Valuable, precious, and beautiful items. Biblically, this often represents the profound truths, wisdom, or grace of God, which are of immense worth to those with spiritual sight.
choiros · Greek Noun
Commonly associated with uncleanness and gluttony. Metaphorically, they represent those who have no appreciation for spiritual treasure and may actively despise or devalue the truth of God.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 7:6, advising against reproving a scoffer, as they will only hate you for it, and suggesting instead that a wise person will love you for correction.
1 Corinthians 1:23This verse highlights the 'stumbling block' of the cross to those who are perishing, underscoring Jesus' point that some people are simply not receptive to spiritual truth and may even react with hostility.
2 Peter 2:22This passage describes those who have returned to sin as being like a dog returning to its vomit or a pig that has washed only to wallow again, directly illustrating the 'swine' imagery Jesus uses for those who reject what is holy.
Philippians 3:2Paul warns against 'dogs' who mutilate the flesh, a strong image of those who aggressively oppose or distort the true message of the gospel, much like the 'dogs' Jesus warns against.
Acts 13:45-46When the Jews rejected Paul's message and contradicted him, he and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles, stating, 'We had to first speak the word of God to you. But since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.'
barnesMatthew 7:6: "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."
Give not that which is holy ... - By some the word "holy" has been supposed to mean "flesh offered in sacrifice," made holy, or separated to a sacred use; but it probably means here "anything connected with religion" - admonition, precept, or doctrine. Pearls are precious stones found in shell-fish, chiefly in India, in the wat…
vincentMatthew 7:6: "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."
That which is holy (τὸ ἅγιον)The holy thing, as of something commonly recognized as sacred. The reference is to the meat offered in sacrifice. The picture is that of a priest throwing a piece of flesh from the altar of burnt-offering to one of the numerous dogs which infest the streets of Eastern cities.Pearls before swine (…
Jesus is warning against sharing precious spiritual truths with those who will not only reject them but actively desecrate them. The "dogs" and "swine" represent people so hardened and hostile that they'll trample what's holy and then turn on you in a rage, demonstrating that discernment is key when sharing the Gospel.
This verse follows Jesus' teachings on not judging others, urging discernment between addressing a "speck" in a brother's eye versus a "log" in one's own. It then pivots to a practical caution about sharing sacred truths; after warning against hypocrisy, Jesus emphasizes that spiritual insights and the gospel message are precious and not to be wasted on those who will only mock, defile, or violently reject them.
This verse follows Jesus' teachings on not judging others, urging discernment between addressing a "speck" in a brother's eye versus a "log" in one's own. It then pivots to a practical caution about sharing sacred truths; after warning against hypocrisy, Jesus emphasizes that spiritual insights and the gospel message are precious and not to be wasted on those who will only mock, defile, or violently reject them.
"“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you." — Jesus is warning against sharing precious spiritual truths with those who will not only reject them but actively desecrate them. The "dogs" and "swine" represent people so hardened and hostile that t…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026