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.

MATTHEW 7:6KJV
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Matthew 7:6 (KJV)

What does Matthew 7:6 mean?

Matthew 7:6 warns against giving what is sacred or valuable to those who will not appreciate it, using the images of dogs and pigs to represent people who might reject or disrespect what is holy. Jesus is teaching that some truths or gifts should be shared wisely, not carelessly, to avoid harm or disrespect.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his followers during the Sermon on the Mount, instructing them about discernment in sharing spiritual truths. The "holy" things and "pearls" symbolize valuable teachings or blessings, while "dogs" and "swine" were common Jewish symbols for those outside the faith or those who scorn spiritual matters. The warning is practical: sharing precious things with those who are hostile or unreceptive can lead to those things being trampled or even to personal harm.

The Greek behind Matthew 7:6

  • ἅγιον (hagion, G40) — "holy": This word refers to something set apart for God, sacred or consecrated. Here, it emphasizes that what is being shared is not just valuable, but spiritually significant.
  • μαργαρίτας (margaritas, G3135) — "pearls": Pearls were rare and highly prized in the ancient world, symbolizing something of great worth. The use of this word highlights the preciousness of the teachings or truths being discussed.
  • κυσίν (kysin, G2965) — "dogs" and χοίρων (choirōn, G5519) — "swine": In Jewish culture, both animals were seen as unclean and often represented outsiders or those who rejected God's ways. Their mention here stresses the need for discernment in sharing spiritual treasures.

Why Matthew 7:6 matters

  • Matthew 7:6 helps clear up the idea that all spiritual truths should be shared with everyone, instead teaching that wisdom and discernment are needed in how and with whom we share what is sacred.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by balancing the earlier call not to judge harshly (Matthew 7:1-5) with a reminder that not every situation or person is the same; discernment is part of loving others well.
  • It highlights the value and dignity of spiritual truth, reminding readers that some things are too precious to be treated carelessly or exposed to ridicule.

Where else these words appear

“dogs” Greek G2965 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
  • Philippians 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
  • 2 Peter 2:22 But 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.

“trample” Greek G2662 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
  • Luke 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

“rend” Greek G4486 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
  • Luke 9:42 And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

“pearls” Greek G3135 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
  • 1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
  • Revelation 18:12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,