what does this Bible passage mean?

M

Michelle

New member
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces".

Matthew 7.

can someone please help me understand this.
Thank you
 
'dog' has at least three meanings 1)a male prostitute 2) a non 'Jew' -- an unbeliever, and 3)a canine. 'Pigs' might refer to the unclean, heathen, or swine. Pearls might refer to valuable things, or gems of wisdom, and in another parable referred to salvation (the 'pearl of great price'). Thus you see there are many layers of meaning, and puns (double meanings) layered into that verse. (Is that clear enough?)
 
"Dogs" signify people who spurn, oppose, and abuse that doctrine; people of special sourness and malignity of temper, who meet it like growling and quarrelsome curs, Philippians 3:2; II Peter 2:22; Revelation 22:15. "Swine" denote those who would trample the precepts underfoot; people of impurity of life; those who are corrupt, polluted, profane, obscene, and sensual; those who would not know the value of the gospel, and who would tread it down as swine would pearls, II Peter 2:22; Proverbs 11:22. The meaning of this proverb, then, is, do not offer your doctrine to those violent and abusive people who would growl and curse you; nor to those especially debased and profligate who would not perceive its value, would trample it down, and would abuse you.
 
It means don't preach the Gospel to someone who is not willing to listen, otherwise they will take what you gave them and tear it apart because they don't want to hear the truth.

Jesus is basically telling His disciples don't try to preach the Gospel to people who are not willing to listen. It's better not to preach the Gospel to those who will not listen.
 
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