Meaning of Matthew 7:6

This verse, often referred to as the "pearls before swine" saying, serves as a cautionary admonition from Jesus within the broader discourse of the Sermon on the Mount, specifically following his teachings on judgment and hypocrisy. It advises believers to exercise discernment in sharing sacred truths and spiritual riches, highlighting that not everyone is receptive or capable of valuing what is holy. The imagery of dogs and pigs, considered unclean animals in Jewish tradition, represents those who are spiritually insensitive, hostile, or unappreciative of divine wisdom. To "give dogs what is sacred" and "throw pearls to pigs" signifies offering profound spiritual truths, the Gospel message, or sacred teachings to individuals who will likely disregard, mock, or even attack them, thereby devaluing the sacred and potentially endangering the messenger. This counsel is not about withholding the Gospel from any group, but rather about strategically and prayerfully discerning when and how to share it for maximum impact and minimal harm.

Context and Background

Matthew 7:6 is situated within the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7), a foundational teaching of Jesus. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus instructs his followers not to judge others hypocritically (Matthew 7:1-5). The emphasis is on self-examination and humility before critiquing others. Verse 6, therefore, acts as a practical corollary to this teaching on judgment. It suggests that while we should not be quick to condemn, we also must be wise about whom we entrust with sacred matters. The cultural context of ancient Judaism viewed dogs and pigs as ritually unclean (Leviticus 11:7; Deuteronomy 14:8), making them fitting symbols for those who would defile or reject what is holy.

Key Themes and Messages

• Discernment in Ministry: The primary message is the need for wisdom and discernment in spiritual matters. It's about understanding that not all audiences are prepared to receive or appreciate sacred truths.
• Value of the Sacred: The verse underscores the immense value of spiritual truths, the Gospel, and the teachings of God. These are likened to "sacred" things and "pearls," implying their preciousness and purity.
• Rejection and Hostility: The potential consequences of indiscriminate sharing are highlighted: trampling and tearing. This points to the real possibility of spiritual truths being scorned, corrupted, or met with aggressive opposition by those who are unreceptive.
• Strategic Evangelism: It implies a strategic approach to sharing the faith, rather than a blanket, indiscriminate proclamation to every person encountered, regardless of their disposition.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this verse calls for prayerful discernment regarding how and to whom they share their faith. It does not mean ceasing evangelism, but rather approaching it with wisdom, seeking opportunities where receptivity is more likely, and avoiding confrontational situations where sacred truths will be mocked or misused. It encourages believers to understand their audience, to sow seeds where the soil is prepared, and to protect the sacredness of God's Word from being trivialized or defiled. This might involve building relationships, demonstrating Christ-like love, and speaking truth in appropriate contexts.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The principle of discernment in sharing divine truth is woven throughout Scripture. God often revealed Himself progressively and selectively. For instance, the Old Testament law was given to Israel, not directly to all surrounding pagan nations in the same manner. Jesus himself often spoke in parables, concealing deeper meaning from those who were not ready to understand (Matthew 13:10-17). The Apostle Paul also speaks of becoming "all things to all people" (1 Corinthians 9:22) in order to win some, implying a nuanced approach to evangelism. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) calls for discipleship, which inherently requires teaching and guiding, but this verse adds a layer of practical wisdom to that command.

Analogies

• A skilled gardener: A gardener doesn't scatter precious seeds indiscriminately in arid or rocky soil; they prepare the ground and plant where conditions are favorable for growth.
• A doctor with medicine: A doctor doesn't give potent medication to someone who will misuse it or is allergic to it; they administer it carefully and appropriately.
• A teacher with advanced material: A teacher doesn't present complex calculus to students who haven't mastered basic arithmetic; they build understanding progressively.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 7:1-5: This verse directly follows the teaching against hypocritical judgment, suggesting that while we shouldn't judge others' hearts, we should use wisdom in sharing sacred truths.
• Matthew 13:10-17 (Parables): Jesus' use of parables, which he explained privately to his disciples, illustrates a similar principle of withholding deeper truths from those who are not yet ready to receive them.
• 1 Corinthians 2:14: "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them, because they are discerned spiritually." This verse explains why some people are like "dogs" and "pigs" in their reception of spiritual truth.
• Proverbs 26:4-5: "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes." This proverb offers a similar tension between confronting folly and avoiding being ensnared by it, highlighting the need for careful judgment.
• Acts 13:45-46: When the Jews rejected Paul's message, he declared, "We had to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles." This demonstrates a practical application of shifting focus when a message is being rejected.