Matthew 7:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And to those that are right-minded and have understanding, when revealed they appear good; but to those without understanding, they seem to be more deserving reverence because they are not understood.

The term ‘dogs’ refers to the unbelievers, while ‘swine’ signifies those who, despite having faith, live in immorality. Consequently, we should refrain from discussing the profound mysteries of faith in the presence of unbelievers and avoid sharing the radiant truths of theology with those who are spiritually impure. This is because the swine will either disregard what is offered to them or trample over it, while the dogs will turn against us, much like certain so-called philosophers. When they hear that God was crucified, they begin to challenge us with their arguments, attempting to use flawed reasoning to demonstrate that such a notion is impossible.

Because the simplicity to which He had been directing in the foregoing precepts might lead some wrongly to conclude that it was equally wrong to hide the truth as to utter what was false, He well adds, Give not that which is holy to the dogs, and cast not your pearls before swine.

How can a person present sacred items to dogs or scatter pearls before swine, and why is it noted that their feet should not trample them, for when they turn, you will be consumed? The Apostle provides clarity on this matter, stating to the Jews, “If thou that art in the law boast thyself, by transgression of the law thou dishonourest God” (Rom. 2:23). Therefore, the Lord admonishes against the disrespect we show to His holy words through their violation. As a result of this wrongdoing, those who lack faith perceive the Lord's teachings as disregarded, emboldening them to criticize us more vehemently, as if they are admonishing the transgressor with their accusations and condemnation.

Jesus warns against offering sacred gifts to dogs or casting pearls before swine. Such actions require discernment. The Lord specifies that holy treasures should not be entrusted to those who act wickedly; the Apostle also advises us to beware of dogs and evildoers (Philippians 3:2), as well as those likened to swine, representing the morally impure. This analogy is apt; just as a pig feels no regret when pulled from the mud, so too the lustful view someone enticing them toward purity as an adversary rather than an ally. Therefore, we should not present our sacred treasures before those who defile themselves like pigs. You may argue that they seek to share in the sacred, but they remain shameless, indulging in vice. Thus, withhold what is holy from them.

Just as one who fails to declare the gospel is guilty of sin for not adhering to the commandments, so too is the one who offers sacred gifts to unworthy recipients. Although the unclean animals may not consume the holy gifts or desecrate the precious truths, the person who acts in such a manner is complicit with the one who conceals the master’s wealth. This individual did not increase what was entrusted to him and ultimately failed to preserve it.

Do not share what is sacred with dogs. The sacred element symbolizes the children's bread. Hence, we must not discard the bread meant for the children to give to dogs. Likewise, do not present your pearls to swine. A pig does not recognize the value of a beautiful piece of jewelry while it wallows in the muck, and as the Proverbs of Solomon say, “as a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion” (Proverbs 11:22). Some interpret the term "dogs" as referring to those who, after believing in Christ, return to the filth of their sinful nature, while "swine" signifies those who have yet to accept the gospel and remain mired in the dirt of disbelief and immoral behavior. Therefore, it is inappropriate to hastily share the precious truths of the Gospel with such individuals, lest they trample upon them and later come back to destroy these sacred teachings.

You are not to give your sacred truths to those unworthy, nor cast your pearls before swine. By sacred truths, He refers to the sacrament of our faith, esteemed as divine, and by pearls due to the precious nature of the teachings it embodies. Conversely, He identifies those with deep-seated wickedness as dogs and swine: dogs represent those who bark at Christ, while swine are those entrenched in the filth of sinful desires. Therefore, He instructs that these sacred doctrines should not be shared with such individuals. They should not even be marked or offered to them, as they are unworthy to receive such knowledge. He further clarifies the reason for this. It is better for them to remain unaware than to gain knowledge only to turn against you.

No one should partake of your Eucharist unless they have been baptized in the name of the Lord, as the Lord Himself has stated, Do not give what is holy to the dogs.

The profound statement you have requested to elucidate is indeed remarkable. The phrase, “Give not your holy things unto the dogs, nor cast your pearls before swine; lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you,” conveys a similar sentiment. The Word of God is sacred, embodying the utmost value, while the dogs and swine represent those who stray not only in belief but also in their conduct. The act of trampling symbolizes the contentiousness and disputes of individuals who seek to distort the truth of these beliefs and undermine virtuous living; dissolution reflects the harsh rebuke of those living immorally and the disregard shown towards those who share the Word of God and offer righteous counsel.

Or; The dogs are returned to their vomit; the swine not yet returned, but wallowing in the mire of vices.

The term 'dogs' refers to those malicious adversaries of faith and truth who, upon hearing the sacred mysteries of God's Kingdom, fail to accept them with the humility of lambs and do not turn them towards the salvation of their souls. Instead, with the audacity of dogs, they bark at divine messengers, eagerly waiting for a chance to attack. 'Swine' describes those sinners ensnared by unclean desires, who, although they hear the word of God, lack the discernment to appreciate the value of these heavenly treasures. In their ignorance, they disregard the gift of eternal life, choosing instead a life of indulgence in their filthy passions. In response to such individuals, the Savior instructs the ministers of the Gospel to exercise holy discernment when sharing the mysteries of His Kingdom.

In a similar manner, while instructing not to judge, the Lord simultaneously urges His followers to discern between those who are worthy and capable of receiving the word of God and those who are unworthy. He cautions, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs"—meaning, do not present the sacred mysteries of the true faith to those who are malicious adversaries of the truth, or to persistent heretics who are unable to accept these truths with the gentleness of lambs, but rather react to the messengers of the truth with the aggression of dogs, eager to destroy them.

As previously noted, only someone who has been liberated from sin—who has removed not just the large beam from their own eye, but even the tiniest speck—can be regarded as a true child of the heavenly Father and have the authority to judge their brother’s behavior, admonish him, and guide him in overcoming his transgressions. However, Christ cautions even such individuals against the disdain of those who are entrenched in sin. He states that not everyone is capable of grasping your intentions or valuing your compassion. Those who dwell in immorality and depravity may resist your efforts to elevate them from their base existence. They have become so acclimated to their moral degradation and the darkness enveloping them that any attempt to bring them into the light is met with hostility.

Do not cast sacred items before dogs, nor place your pearls before swine. Dogs and pigs represent unclean creatures. The lesson of this parable is to protect holy things from being profaned, ensuring that we are not harmed by those who scorn the sacred. Sanctity encompasses not only the essence of Christianity but also all that is true and virtuous. In this context, the Fathers of the Church also refer to our own passions when speaking of dogs and swine.

Do not give what is sacred to those lacking discernment. This statement is metaphorical. The notion of throwing sacred items to dogs represents the act of offering holy things, which are dedicated to God, to those unworthy of them. Here, holy things encompass all aspects of the Christian faith and the entirety of the Gospel message: commandments, principles, teachings, and all sacred artifacts. The term "pearls" signifies precious spiritual treasures (Matt. 13:45; Rev. 17:4; Matt. 18:12-16) and in this context alludes to the profound truths of the Christian faith, particularly the Most Pure Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, as emphasized by Athanasius the Great.