Matthew 7:6

Matthew 7:6

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.

a. ASV:  Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the swine, lest haply they trample them under their feet, and turn and rend you.

  

b. YLT: 'Ye may not give that which is holy to the dogs, nor cast your pearls before the swine, that they may not trample them among their feet, and having turned -- may rend you.

d. Amplified Bible Classic: Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.

1. “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs…”

a. Give [Strong: 1325 dídōmi, did'-o-mee; a prolonged form of a primary verb (which is used as an alternative in most of the tenses); to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection):—adventure, bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), give, grant, hinder, make, minister, number, offer, have power, put, receive, set, shew, smite (+ with the hand), strike (+ with the palm of the hand), suffer, take, utter, yield.]

b. not [Strong: 3361 mḗ, may; a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas G3756 expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas G3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether:—any but (that), × forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations.]

c. that which [Strong: 3588 ὁ ho, ho; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):—the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.] [Thayer: [to] ὁ, ἡ, τό, originally τος, τῇ, τό (as is evident from the forms τοι, ται for οἱ, αἱ in Homer and the Ionic writings), corresponds to our definite article the (German der, die, das), which is properly a demonstrative pronoun, which we see in its full force in Homer, and of which we find certain indubitable traces also in all kinds of Greek prose, and hence also in the N. T.]

d. [is] holy [Strong: 40 hágios, hag'-ee-os; from ἅγος hágos (an awful thing) (compare G53, G2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):—(most) holy (one, thing), saint.]

e. [unto] the [Strong: 3588 ho, ho; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):—the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.] [Thayer: [tois]- Ο, ο: -- on its interchange with omega see Ω, ω. ὁ, ἡ, τό, originally τος, τῇ, τό (as is evident from the forms τοι, ται for οἱ, αἱ in Homer and the Ionic writings), corresponds to our definite article the (German der, die, das), which is properly a demonstrative pronoun, which we see in its full force in Homer, and of which we find certain indubitable traces also in all kinds of Greek prose, and hence also in the N. T.]

  

f. dogs [Strong: 2965 kýōn, koo'-ohn; a primary word; a dog ("hound") (literally or figuratively):—dog.] [Zodhiates: In the East, dogs were not usually pets and were without masters, wandering at large in the streets and fields and feeding upon whatever they could find (1 Kings 14:11; 16:4; 21:19; Psalm 59:6, 14.) They were looked upon as unclean, and to call one a “dog” was a stronger expression of contempt than today 1 Samuel 17:43; 2 Kings 8:13). Jews called Gentiles “dogs”... It is used metaphorically...in Philippians 3:2 where it is spoken of Judaizing teachers. It refers in the plural to sodomites (Revelation 22:15; Septuagint Deuteronomy 23:18).    

1). In this verse Jesus refers to certain individuals as “dogs’’ and “pigs”.

2). Rick Renner Daily Devotional 6/15/16 The word “dogs” comes from the Greek word kunun, which is the same word used to describe the vicious, wild, unclean dogs that roamed the countryside just outside the city of Jerusalem. These dogs were famous for pillaging the garbage dump outside the city where unclaimed dead bodies were thrown to rot or to be eaten by dogs and hungry vultures (see April 23). These dogs were not tamed pets, but an out-of-control, wild, dangerous, wandering, nomadic collection of diseased, mangy dogs. Even worse, they were always trying to get into people’s houses and gardens where they could find better food. To prevent the dogs from getting in where they weren’t supposed to be, walls often had to be built as defenses to keep them out! Sadly, there are some people who behave just like dogs, and apparently Jesus had encountered some of them. That is the reason He used the example of wild dogs to depict this category of people. Jesus was referring to a type of people who are undomesticated and untamed. These are people who refuse to submit to anyone’s authority.

3). Jesus called a Canaanite woman a dog and not worthy of divine healing from a Covenant perspective. When the woman basically agreed saying she would be satisfied with the crumbs, Jesus complimented her faith and said her daughter would be healed.

a). Matthew 15:22-28   And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

15:25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

15:26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.

15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

2.  “...neither cast ye your pearls before swine…”

a. neither [Strong: 3366 mēdé, may-deh'; from G3361 and G1161; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor:—neither, nor (yet), (no) not (once, so much as).]

b. cast [Strong: 906 bállō, bal'-lo; a primary verb; to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense):—arise, cast (out), × dung, lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust.]

c. ye your [Strong: 5216 hymōn, hoo-mone'; genitive case of G5210; of (from or concerning) you:—ye, you, your (own, -selves).]

d. pearls [Strong: 3135 margarítēs, mar-gar-ee'-tace; from μάργαρος márgaros (a pearl-oyster); a pearl:—pearl.]

1). Rick Renner Daily Devotional 6?16/16 The word “pearls” is the Greek word margarites. You may find it interesting to know that this is where we get the names Margaret and Margarita. Since Jesus uses the example of pearls in this verse, let’s talk about pearls for a moment. Pearls are not easily found. To obtain the richest and most beautiful pearls, a diver must dive again and again and again and again. Then after lifting the shells from the sea floor, he must force open the mouth of each shell and dig through the tough meat of the muscle, poking and searching for the tiny white pearl that was formed over a long period of time. These pearls are precious, rare, valuable, and hard to obtain. This is how you should view the things God has done in your life. You can’t put a price on what you have learned through your life experiences as you’ve walked with Him. Like precious pearls, those life lessons are inestimable in their value because they cost you something. They weren’t the result of shallow swimming. You had to go deep into God to obtain those spiritual treasures. Each time you open the door to those treasures and begin to share them with someone else, you need to remember that you’re sharing your pearls with that person. The counsel and advice you’re giving may be free to him, but it has cost you everything! So if what you are sharing isn’t appreciated, stop giving that person your pearls!

e. before [Strong: 1715 émprosthen, em'-pros-then; from G1722 and G4314; in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time):—against, at, before, (in presence, sight) of.]

  

f. swine [Strong: 5519 choîros, khoy'-ros; of uncertain derivation; a hog:—swine.]

1). Rick Renner Daily Devotional 6/16/16 The word “swine” is from the Greek word choipos, and it can be translated as pig, sow, swine, or hog. Of course, pigs were very well known in Jesus’ day — and in Jewish circles, they were considered to be the lowest, basest, and the most unclean of filthy, stinking animals. For Jesus to refer to people as swine was a very powerful and graphic depiction!

2). The Scripture describes a beautiful woman who has no discretion as a pig. The passage could be used to include men without discretion also.

a). Proverbs 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

3. “...lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

a. lest [Strong: 3379 mḗpote, may'-pot-eh; from G3361 and G4218; not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps):—if peradventure, lest (at any time, haply), not at all, whether or not.]

b. [they] trample [Strong: 2662 katapatéō, kat-ap-at-eh'-o; from G2596 and G3961; to trample down; figuratively, to reject with disdain:—trample, tread (down, underfoot).]

c. them [Strong: 846 autós, ow-tos'; from the particle αὖ aû (perhaps akin to the base of G109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); 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:—her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]

d. under [Strong: 1722  en, en; a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:—about, after, against, + almost, × altogether, among, × as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), × mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, × outwardly, one, × quickly, × shortly, (speedi-)ly, × that, × there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

e. their [Strong: 846 autós, ow-tos'; from the particle αὖ aû (perhaps akin to the base of G109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); 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:—her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]

  

f. feet [Strong: 4228 poús, pooce; a primary word; a "foot" (figuratively or literally):—foot(-stool).]

g. and [Strong: 2532 kaí, kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:—and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

h. turn again [Strong: 4762 stréphō, stref'-o; strengthened from the base of G5157; to twist, i.e. turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively):—convert, turn (again, back again, self, self about).]

i. [and] rend [Strong: 4486 rhḗgnymi, hrayg'-noo-mee; both prolonged forms of ῥήκω rhḗkō (which appears only in certain forms, and is itself probably a strengthened form of ἄγνυμι ágnymi (see in G2608)) to "break," "wreck" or "crack", i.e. (especially) to sunder (by separation of the parts; G2608 being its intensive (with the preposition in composition), and G2352 a shattering to minute fragments; but not a reduction to the constituent particles, like G3089) or disrupt, lacerate; by implication, to convulse (with spasms); figuratively, to give vent to joyful emotions:—break (forth), burst, rend, tear.]

  

j. you [Strong: 5209 hymâs, hoo-mas'; accusative case of G5210; you (as the objective of a verb or preposition):—ye, you (+ -ward), your (+ own).]