Matthew 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.
Original Language Analysis
Μὴ
not
G3361
Μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 25
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
δῶτε
Give
G1325
δῶτε
Give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
2 of 25
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τοῖς
that which
G3588
τοῖς
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιον
is holy
G40
ἅγιον
is holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
4 of 25
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
τοῖς
that which
G3588
τοῖς
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βάλητε
cast
G906
βάλητε
cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
8 of 25
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
τοῖς
that which
G3588
τοῖς
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔμπροσθεν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθεν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
12 of 25
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
τοῖς
that which
G3588
τοῖς
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καταπατήσωσιν
they trample
G2662
καταπατήσωσιν
they trample
Strong's:
G2662
Word #:
16 of 25
to trample down; figuratively, to reject with disdain
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοῖς
that which
G3588
τοῖς
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
στραφέντες
turn again
G4762
στραφέντες
turn again
Strong's:
G4762
Word #:
23 of 25
to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Proverbs 23:9Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.Proverbs 26:11As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.Matthew 15:26But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.Philippians 3:2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.Hebrews 10:29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?2 Peter 2:22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.Matthew 24:10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.Proverbs 11:22As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.Hebrews 6:6If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Historical Context
Dogs were unclean scavengers in Jewish culture, not pets. Swine were particularly unclean. The imagery warns against wasting sacred truth on those who will only profane it. Jesus Himself sometimes refused to answer hostile questioners (Matthew 27:14) and told disciples to shake dust off feet when rejected (Matthew 10:14).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance Jesus's command not to judge with His command to exercise discernment about sharing truth?
- When have you seen gospel truth mocked or attacked by those hostile to it, and how did you respond?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Holy things (things of God) shouldn't be given to 'dogs' (a Jewish term for Gentiles or impure persons), nor pearls cast before swine. This isn't ethnic prejudice but wisdom about presenting gospel truth to those who will only mock and attack it. Discernment is needed about when to speak and when to remain silent.