In Matthew 7:6, Jesus says, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs,” a verse that’s often misunderstood. At its core, Jesus is urging us to use wisdom and discernment when sharing spiritual truth. He’s not calling people animals—He’s warning that some will reject, mock, or even attack what’s holy if they’re not open to receiving it. This isn’t about withholding the Gospel, but recognizing when someone is clearly unreceptive, and knowing when it’s time to step back rather than force the message.
Understanding this verse helps protect both the sacredness of God’s truth and your own emotional and spiritual well-being. Jesus calls us to share the Gospel, but also to be wise in how and when we do it. If you’ve ever struggled with how to respond to someone who constantly mocks or rejects your faith, this teaching offers clarity and practical direction. Keep reading for a deeper dive into what Jesus really meant, why He said it, and how it applies to your life today.
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One of Jesus’ most cryptic statements in the Bible comes from Matthew 7:6, where He says:
“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 7:6 (NIV)
At first glance, it sounds harsh. Dogs? Pigs? Pearls? What’s going on here?
Let’s break it down clearly and biblically so you understand exactly what Jesus meant—and how it applies to you today.
Context: Where Does This Verse Appear?
This statement is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount—Matthew chapters 5 through 7—where He teaches about kingdom living. Just before this verse, Jesus talks about not judging others (Matthew 7:1-5). Then, suddenly, He says not to give what’s holy to dogs or cast pearls before pigs.
It seems like a shift, but it’s actually connected.
Key Phrases Explained
To understand the verse, we need to understand three things:
1. What Does “What Is Sacred” Mean?
“Sacred” or “holy” (in some translations) refers to something set apart for God. In Jesus’ time, this would’ve brought to mind temple offerings—meat or bread that had been sacrificed and dedicated to God.
Today, it could represent:
- The truth of God’s Word
- The Gospel
- Spiritual wisdom
In other words, the sacred is anything deeply spiritual, valuable, and meant for those open to receive it.
2. Who Are the “Dogs” and “Pigs”?
This is symbolic language—not literal.
In Jewish culture:
- Dogs weren’t pets. They were wild, unclean scavengers.
- Pigs were also unclean animals (Leviticus 11:7). Jews wouldn’t eat them or even touch them.
Jesus isn’t insulting specific people but is using strong imagery. He’s describing those who mock, reject, or despise spiritual truth. These are people who’ve made it clear they have no interest in God’s wisdom and respond to it with hostility, contempt, or ridicule.
So:
- Dogs = those who attack or show contempt for what’s holy
- Pigs = those who don’t value truth and treat it as worthless
So What Does It All Mean?
Here’s the straightforward meaning of the verse:
Don’t waste God’s sacred truth on people who are aggressively unreceptive or hostile to it.
Jesus is telling us to use discernment. It’s not about being judgmental—it’s about recognizing when someone is not ready or willing to hear what’s holy.
It doesn’t mean we never share the Gospel. After all, Jesus told us to go into all the world and preach it (Mark 16:15). But there’s a difference between:
- Sharing with someone genuinely curious or open, and
- Pushing truth on someone who mocks or rejects it outright
A Biblical Example
Jesus Himself followed this principle.
In Matthew 10:14, when sending out the disciples, He said:
“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.”
That’s the same idea. Don’t force the message. Move on if it’s clear someone isn’t open.
Later, in Luke 23:9, Jesus refuses to speak to Herod during His trial. Why? Herod had no interest in truth—he just wanted a show. Jesus gave him nothing.
Why Did Jesus Say This? (The Real Reason)
Let’s be clear: Jesus wasn’t being cruel. He was being wise—and He wants you to be wise too.
Here’s why He said it:
1. To Protect the Message
When you give holy things to those who don’t respect them, they’ll just trash it. They’ll mock God, ridicule Scripture, or twist your words.
Just like a pig won’t value a pearl—it’ll step on it, maybe even bite you.
Jesus is saying: Don’t let truth be disrespected unnecessarily.
2. To Protect You
Notice the warning at the end of the verse:
“…they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
Trying to force spiritual truth on someone who’s hostile can backfire. You could:
- Be verbally attacked
- Damage your relationship
- Harden their heart even more
Jesus doesn’t want you to be harmed or discouraged by this kind of response.
3. To Encourage Discernment
Jesus wants His followers to be loving—but not naïve.
There’s a time for planting seeds, and there’s a time to move on. Wisdom helps you tell the difference.
Proverbs 9:8 says it plainly:
“Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.”
Same principle.
When to Share and When to Hold Back
So how do you know when to speak and when to hold back?
Here are some signs someone might be open:
- They ask honest questions
- They show curiosity
- They respect your faith, even if they disagree
And here are signs someone might be a “dog” or “pig” in the sense Jesus meant:
- They constantly mock or blaspheme
- They twist Scripture just to argue
- They’re openly hostile or insulting
When that’s the case, it may be time to step back. You can pray for them, but you don’t need to keep pushing truth they’ve made clear they reject.
What Should You Do Instead?
If you’re dealing with someone who’s unreceptive, here’s what you can do:
1. Pray for Them
God can soften the hardest hearts. Your words may not reach them now, but God’s Spirit can do what you can’t.
2. Live the Truth
Let your life be a testimony. Sometimes actions speak louder than sermons.
3. Wait for the Right Moment
You may not be the one to reach them—but someone else might. Or maybe later, they’ll be ready.
Summary: What Jesus Really Meant
Let’s recap what Jesus was saying in Matthew 7:6:
✦ Don’t share holy, sacred truths with people who are hostile and unreceptive.
✦ Use discernment—not everyone is ready to hear the Gospel.
✦ Protect both the message and yourself from being trampled.
This isn’t about judging people’s worth—it’s about recognizing where they are spiritually. Everyone can be reached, but not everyone is ready right now.
Final Thought
Jesus’ teaching here isn’t a call to give up on people—it’s a call to be wise with your efforts.
You’re not responsible for forcing truth into someone’s heart. You’re called to:
- Love
- Share
- Discern
- Trust God with the results
Sometimes, the most faithful thing you can do is stop talking and start praying.
“He who has ears, let him hear.”
— Matthew 11:15
Some will listen. Others won’t—yet. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead you to the right people at the right time.
🔟 FAQs: Why Did Jesus Say “Do Not Give Dogs What Is Sacred”?
1. What does Jesus mean by “Do not give dogs what is sacred”?
Jesus is warning against sharing holy, spiritual truths with people who are openly hostile, disrespectful, or unreceptive. The “dogs” symbolize those who trample on sacred things with contempt.
2. Why are dogs and pigs used in this verse?
In Jewish culture, dogs and pigs were both considered unclean. Jesus uses these animals symbolically to represent people who reject or mock spiritual truths and don’t appreciate their value.
3. Is Jesus saying some people aren’t worth the Gospel?
No. Jesus isn’t saying people are worthless—He’s teaching discernment. While everyone needs the Gospel, not everyone is ready or willing to receive it at a given time.
4. What is considered “sacred” or “holy” in this verse?
“Sacred” refers to anything devoted to God, including the truth of the Gospel, spiritual wisdom, and godly instruction. These things are meant for those who are open to hear and respond.
5. Does this mean we shouldn’t share our faith?
Not at all. Jesus calls us to share the Gospel. But this verse reminds us not to force truth on those who clearly reject it. It’s about timing and discernment—not silence.
6. How do I know if someone is a “dog” or “pig” in this context?
Look at how they respond to spiritual conversations:
- Are they hostile, mocking, or dismissive?
- Do they twist your words or attack your beliefs?
- Are they showing clear signs they’re not open?
If so, it may be wise to step back and pray for them instead.
7. Is there a biblical example of this principle in action?
Yes. In Matthew 10:14, Jesus tells His disciples to leave towns that reject them. He Himself refused to speak to Herod (Luke 23:9) because Herod wasn’t sincerely seeking truth.
8. What should I do when someone rejects the truth?
Pray for them, live out your faith, and wait for the right moment. Sometimes it’s better to show the Gospel through your actions than to argue with your words.
9. Does this verse contradict “Do not judge”?
No. “Do not judge” (Matthew 7:1) warns against hypocritical or self-righteous judgment. But verse 6 encourages wise discernment. They go together: love people, but don’t cast truth where it’ll be trampled.
10. What’s the main takeaway from “Do not give dogs what is sacred”?
Jesus wants you to value the truth, share it wisely, and protect it from unnecessary ridicule. Not everyone is ready—so be loving, but also discerning in who you share with.
