Do Not Give Dogs What Is Sacred Meaning

Complete Explanation

The phrase ‘Do not give dogs what is sacred’ is a biblical admonition found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 7, verse 6. It appears within the Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings by Jesus Christ. The full verse reads: ‘Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.’ The meaning centers on the concept of discernment—the wisdom to know when and to whom to offer sacred or precious things. In the original context, ‘dogs’ and ‘swine’ were considered unclean animals in Jewish culture, symbolizing people who are hostile, unappreciative, or morally impure. The ‘sacred’ or ‘holy’ refers to teachings, truths, or blessings that are meant for those who can receive them with reverence. The warning implies that offering divine truth to those who despise it can lead to contempt, rejection, and even harm to the giver.

• Literal Meaning:
  A direct command to withhold holy items (such as consecrated meat or temple offerings) from dogs, and valuable pearls from swine, because these animals cannot appreciate them and may react destructively.
• Metaphorical Meaning:
  An allegory for spiritual and moral discernment, advising believers not to share deep spiritual insights or precious truths with people who are hostile, scornful, or incapable of understanding or valuing them.
• Theological Interpretation:
  Many Christian theologians see this as a call to prudence in evangelism and teaching, ensuring that the message of the gospel is not cheapened or subject to ridicule by those who will only mock or reject it.
• Practical Application:
  In modern contexts, the phrase is often used to advise against wasting effort, time, or resources on people who show no appreciation or respect, especially in relationships, communication, or sharing personal beliefs.

History / Background

The verse originates from the Gospel of Matthew, written approximately between 70 and 110 AD. Matthew’s Gospel is the first book of the New Testament and is traditionally attributed to the apostle Matthew. The Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5–7) includes foundational teachings of Jesus, such as the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, and instructions on judgment and prayer. Verse 6 immediately follows the teaching about judging others (‘Judge not, that you be not judged’) and provides a cautionary complement: while believers should not be judgmental, they also must exercise wisdom in sharing sacred things. In Jewish culture, dogs were not domesticated pets but often feral scavengers, and swine were considered unclean under Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11:7). Thus, using these animals as symbols would have been instantly understood by a first-century Jewish audience as representing contemptible or unworthy recipients. Early church fathers such as Augustine and John Chrysostom commented on this verse, emphasizing the need for discretion in sharing the mysteries of faith. Throughout church history, the ‘pearls before swine’ part has become a common proverb, while the ‘dogs’ phrase is less frequently cited but carries the same principle.

Importance and Impact

This verse has had a significant influence on Christian ethics and pastoral practice. It reinforces the idea that spiritual truths are not to be indiscriminately broadcast but shared with due regard for the listener’s disposition. The principle of ‘not casting pearls before swine’ has entered common parlance in Western culture, often used in secular contexts to advise against offering valuable advice or gifts to those who will not appreciate them. The verse has also been invoked in debates about religious exclusivism, evangelism strategies, and the tension between open proclamation and prudent discretion. In literary and philosophical works, it has been cited as a metaphor for the protection of high ideals from vulgarization. Some interpreters have historically used the verse to justify withholding certain teachings from outsiders (the discipline of the secret in early Christianity), though modern scholarship generally sees it as a practical warning rather than a doctrinal mandate.

Why It Matters

For contemporary readers, the phrase ‘Do not give dogs what is sacred’ holds practical relevance in several areas. In personal relationships, it encourages discernment about whom to trust with one’s deepest values, beliefs, or vulnerabilities. In professional and educational settings, it can be applied to the allocation of resources and the choice of audiences for important messages. The concept also appears in discussions about online communication, where sharing profound ideas without considering the audience may lead to ridicule or misinterpretation. Understanding the biblical context helps avoid misapplications, such as using the verse to justify elitism or exclusion. Instead, it promotes thoughtful engagement: recognizing the value of what one offers and choosing recipients wisely, without abandoning the call to love and witness.

Common Misconceptions