What Do Swine Have to Do with Pearls?

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February 2, 2003 - Matthew 7.6

Any attempt to understand a passage of scripture is dependent upon an understanding of the significant words that are used. A broader understanding may be achieved by seeing how the same word is used in another passage by a different, or the same writer.

As you seek to understand the meaning and application of the significant words in Matthew 7.6: swine, dogs, pearls, and holy,

  1. Who or what are "dogs"?
    1. How many times in the New Testament is this word used.
    2. What are the circumstances of its use.
    3. To whom or what does it refer?
    4. Does this help you with your understanding?

      5. You might want to look up these references: Psalm 22:16; Matthew 7:6; Matthew 15:26; Mark 7:27; Philippians 3:2; Revelation 22:15

  2. Who or what are swine?
    1. How many times in the New Testament is the word used?
    2. What are the circumstances of its use?
    3. To whom or what does it refer?
    4. Does this help you with your understanding.

You might want to look up these references: Leviticus 11:7; Deuteronomy 14:8; Isaiah 65:4; Isaiah 66:17; Matthew 7:6; Matthew 8:30; Mark 5:11; Mark 5:14; Luke 8:32; Luke 15:15; 2 Peter 2:22

  1. What do pearl or pearls describe?
    1. How many times in the New Testament is the word used?
    2. What are the circumstances of its use?
    3. To what or whom does it refer?
    4. Does this help with your understanding?

You might want to look up these references: Matthew 13:45; 1 Timothy 2:9; Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:12; Revelation 21:21; Proverbs 9:7; Proverbs 16:22; Proverbs 23:9; Proverbs 26:4; Ezekiel 3:26; Matthew 7:6

  1. Why are we cautioned not to throw pearls before swine?
  2. Why does Jesus admonish us not to give what is holy to dogs.
  3. What is holy?
  4. How may it be given to dogs?
  5. Do you know people who might fall in the biblical category of swine or dogs?
  6. What has been your experience in attempting to share your faith with them>
  7. Why are these individuals not receptive to the good news of the Gospel?

Here are some resources that you might find helpful.

DOG See Animals. Dogs served as watchdogs for herds (Isa. 56:10; Job 30:1) and for the dwelling (Ex. 11:7). Some were trained for hunting (Ps. 22:17, 21), but some ran stray in the streets (Ex. 22:30; 1 Kings 14:11). Metaphorically, "dog" was a term of contempt (1 Sam. 17:43) and self-abasement (1 Sam. 24:15). "Dog" may refer to a male cult prostitute (Deut. 23:19), though the exact meaning of "dog's wages" is disputed. The prophet insulted the priests by saying their sacrifices were no better than breaking a dog's neck and sacrificing the dog (Isa. 66:3). This means sacrifices is not needed in the new age and that the priests had neglected their first task, that of determining God's will.

Jesus used dogs to teach people to be discriminating in whom they chose to teach (Matt. 7:6). Paul insulted his Judaizing opponents, calling them dogs (Phil. 3:2; compare 2 Pet. 2:22; Rev. 22:15). (Holman Bible Dictionary).

SWINE Israelites were forbidden to eat swine (Lev. 11:7; Deut. 14:8). Swine were considered ceremonially unclean and were used as metaphors for uncleanness. (Prov. 11:22; Matt. 7:6; 2 Pet. 2:22). Mark 5:11-17 speaks of a large herd of swine in the Decapolis area where Jesus saw them as fit bearers of demons. Many ancient people ate swine and used swine for sacrifice to idols. See Animals. (Hoffman bible Dictionary)

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