‘Give Not That Which is Holy Unto the Dogs’ (Matthew 7:6) By Babatunde Olugboji
Once again, we encounter a statement from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–2) that is familiar to many, including those who do not identify as Christians. The phrase most frequently referenced originates from the King James translation, which cautions against “casting…your pearls before swine.”
It’s tempting to get caught up in the negative connotations associated with dogs and pigs and overlook the fundamental message, which is not intended to be derogatory. The core idea is about squandering valuable things on individuals who not only will fail to appreciate them but may even react with hostility to such gesture.
The long-awaited Messiah, Jesus, arrived to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven was imminent (Matthew 4:17). Those who embraced this and chose to follow him were eager to share this remarkable news with others. Unsurprisingly, not everyone accepted it. The religious authorities at that time, in particular, would dismiss Jesus’ assertion of being the Messiah. They would charge him with heresy and blasphemy (Mark 14:61–65).
What Christ claimed was accurate (John 14:6) and immensely precious (John 10:28), but the reaction from people was one of denial and animosity. In Jewish society, dogs were seldom kept as pets. They were feral creatures that wandered in packs, scavenging for food and preying on weaker animals. Dogs represented immorality, savagery, crudeness, and ignorance. Pigs were deemed unclean by God’s law (Leviticus 11:7) and were also known to forage for food. Pigs were insatiable eaters, indiscriminate in their food choices. However, they could become aggressive when hungry; offering a group of pigs something they couldn’t eat when they were expecting food could provoke them further.
In the cultural context of Jesus’ time, referring to someone as a dog or a pig was considered a severe insult. Nevertheless, Jesus did not shy away from likening those who reject Him as the Messiah to these animals. Importantly, His intention was not to demean anyone; rather, the focus was on the people of God. This serves as a caution to Christians against engaging with those who are clearly antagonistic, as it may lead to unnecessary conflict. The Scriptures speaks of the importance of persuading others of the truth, as seen in passages like Matthew 28:19 and 1 Peter 3:15.
However, there exists a distinction between engaging with those open to dialogue and expending effort on those who are resolutely opposed. In this context, Jesus advised His followers to recognize this distinction. Often, this realization comes only after attempts to connect have been made, as illustrated in Matthew 10:14-15: “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” There are instances, akin to the metaphor of pearls and pigs, where it is prudent to anticipate rejection of what is offered.
In spiritual terms, “casting pearls before swine” does not reflect love for the unbeliever; rather, it represents a misallocation of divine resources. Later in the Gospel of Matthew, Christ would provide His disciples with further guidance on this matter, reinforcing the importance of discernment in their interactions (Matthew 15:14).
Have a happy ending to 2024, and a brilliant 2025 ahead.
For Questions or comments?
Reach out on (WhatsApp): +1-732-554-1376
