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 · KJV


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.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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?

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

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