Matthew 7:6
“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)
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The core of this saying isn't just about not sharing sacred truths with unbelievers, but a warning that these precious truths can actually provoke rage and rejection, turning those who receive them into attackers. It highlights the danger of presenting the deep realities of faith to those who are utterly unprepared, suggesting their violent reaction can be a direct consequence of such a mismatch.
Jesus is concluding his section on how to address sin in others, urging a gentle, self-examining approach. He’s just warned against being hypocritical by pointing out a speck in someone else’s eye while ignoring a plank in your own. This verse follows as a caution against misplaced discernment, emphasizing that not everyone is receptive to spiritual truth.
Ever feel like you're talking to a brick wall, or worse, that your message is being twisted and attacked? Jesus offers a powerful principle for sharing what's precious.
Jesus uses vivid imagery to teach us about discernment in sharing spiritual truths. He says, "Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs."
What is 'Holy' and 'Pearls'?
Who are the 'Dogs' and 'Pigs'?
Jesus isn't insulting animals; he's using them to represent people.
The core idea is to recognize when sharing something sacred and valuable might be met with scorn, rejection, or even harmful opposition.
What happens when precious truth is thrown to those who can't appreciate it? Jesus warns of a double danger – the desecration of the sacred and a violent backlash.
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
This passage directly parallels the idea of offering spiritual truths to those who are not ready to receive them, describing believers who are like infants needing milk rather than solid food because they are not yet spiritually mature.
Proverbs 9:7-9This proverb offers a similar caution against rebuking a scoffer, stating that doing so will only bring dishonor upon oneself, highlighting the futility and danger of casting precious wisdom before those who will only reject and abuse it.
2 Peter 2:22This verse uses the imagery of a dog returning to its vomit and a pig returning to its wallowing in the mire to describe those who have outwardly reformed but inwardly are still deeply corrupted, illustrating the 'swine' of Jesus' parable who would trample pearls.
Acts 13:45-46This passage shows Paul and Barnabas directly responding to rejection by turning to the Gentiles after the Jews in Antioch rejected the word of God and judged themselves unworthy of eternal life, mirroring Jesus' instruction to move on when faced with hardened opposition.
Philippians 3:2This verse warns against 'dogs' who mutilate the flesh, a strong image of those who attack and pervert sacred truth, directly connecting to the 'dogs' in Jesus' teaching who would aggressively reject and harm the giver of holy things.
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 (…
The core of this saying isn't just about not sharing sacred truths with unbelievers, but a warning that these precious truths can actually provoke rage and rejection, turning those who receive them into attackers. It highlights the danger of presenting the deep realities of faith to those who are utterly unprepared, suggesting their violent reaction can be a direct consequence of such a mismatch.
Jesus is concluding his section on how to address sin in others, urging a gentle, self-examining approach. He’s just warned against being hypocritical by pointing out a speck in someone else’s eye while ignoring a plank in your own. This verse follows as a caution against misplaced discernment, emphasizing that not everyone is receptive to spiritual truth.
Jesus is concluding his section on how to address sin in others, urging a gentle, self-examining approach. He’s just warned against being hypocritical by pointing out a speck in someone else’s eye while ignoring a plank in your own. This verse follows as a caution against misplaced discernment, emphasizing that not everyone is receptive to spiritual truth.
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Jesus doesn't just say "don't share"; he explains the severe consequences of doing so unwisely.
Trampled and Profaned
When "pearls" (precious spiritual truths) are cast before "swine" (those who are spiritually impure or ignorant), the immediate result is that they will "trample them underfoot." This signifies a complete disregard for the value and holiness of the truth. It's treated as worthless, perhaps even mistaken for something edible and then disgustingly ruined. The sacred is made common and defiled by those who have no capacity to honor it.
The Turn to Attack
The second consequence is even more alarming: "and turn again and rend you." This refers to the "dogs" (the hostile and profane) who, after rejecting and mocking what is holy, might turn their fury upon the giver. They might attack you with words, accusations, or even persecution. The very act of trying to share something precious with those who reject it can put you in personal danger.
This isn't about being afraid to share the Gospel. It's a call to wisdom, recognizing that while the Gospel is for all people, there are times and ways to share it that honor its sacredness and protect the messenger.
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.
"“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." — The core of this saying isn't just about not sharing sacred truths with unbelievers, but a warning that these precious truths can actually provoke rage and rejection, turning those who receive them i…
