King James Version

What Does Matthew 7:6 Mean?

Matthew 7:6 in the King James Version says “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their ...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 7:6 · King James Version

Context

4

Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

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.

7

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Read Matthew 7 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance Jesus's command not to judge with His command to exercise discernment about sharing truth?
  2. When have you seen gospel truth mocked or attacked by those hostile to it, and how did you respond?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Μὴ1 of 25

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

δῶτε2 of 25

“Give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τοῖς3 of 25

“that which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἅγιον4 of 25

“is holy”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

τοῖς5 of 25

“that which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυσίν,6 of 25

“unto the dogs”

G2965

a dog ("hound") (literally or figuratively)

μηδὲ7 of 25

“neither”

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

βάλητε8 of 25

“cast”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

τοῖς9 of 25

“that which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαργαρίτας10 of 25

“pearls”

G3135

a pearl

ὑμῶν11 of 25

“ye your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἔμπροσθεν12 of 25

“before”

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

τοῖς13 of 25

“that which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χοίρων14 of 25

“swine”

G5519

a hog

μήποτε15 of 25

“lest”

G3379

not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)

καταπατήσωσιν16 of 25

“they trample”

G2662

to trample down; figuratively, to reject with disdain

αὐτῶν17 of 25

“them”

G846

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

ἐν18 of 25

“under”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς19 of 25

“that which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποσὶν20 of 25

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

αὐτῶν21 of 25

“them”

G846

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

καὶ22 of 25

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

στραφέντες23 of 25

“turn again”

G4762

to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)

ῥήξωσιν24 of 25

“and rend”

G4486

to "break," "wreck" or "crack", i.e., (especially) to sunder (by separation of the parts; g2608 being its intensive (with the preposition in compositi

ὑμᾶς25 of 25

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 7:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 7:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 9:7-8Proverbs 23:9Matthew 10:14-15Proverbs 26:11Acts 13:45-47Matthew 15:26

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