What is sacred in Matthew 7:6? I. Overview of Matthew 7:6 Matthew 7:6 in the Berean Standard Bible reads: “Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” This verse offers a vivid image: taking “what is holy” (or “sacred”) and “pearls” and giving them to “dogs” and “swine.” Readers often ask, “What exactly is sacred here?” The question arises from the imagery Jesus uses to illustrate the value and sanctity of God’s truth and the caution that believers should hold in sharing that truth. Over the centuries, biblical scholars and theologians have understood “what is holy” or “sacred” to refer to the precious realities of God’s kingdom—His revealed Word, His eternal counsel, and the transformative truths of the gospel. The text warns against carelessly exposing these wonders to mockery or abuse. Below is a comprehensive study of the phrase “what is holy” within its scriptural and historical context, along with theological, behavioral, and archaeological considerations that underscore the sacredness in view. II. Literary and Historical Context Matthew 7:6 is part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), which outlines the ethics, attitudes, and kingdom-focused living that Jesus teaches His followers. Throughout these chapters, Jesus addresses: • The heart attitude required to truly fulfill God’s law (Matthew 5). • The importance of genuine devotion over hypocrisy (Matthew 6). • Correct judgment and discernment in interpersonal relationships (Matthew 7:1–5). Immediately following the command not to judge hypocritically (Matthew 7:1–5), Jesus offers another pivotal directive: not to give what is holy to dogs or to cast pearls before swine. Historically, dogs were often viewed as unclean scavengers, and swine were ceremonially unclean animals in Jewish culture (cf. Leviticus 11:7). The original audience would have understood these metaphors to imply those who would reject or even desecrate sacred truth. III. Meaning of “What Is Holy” in the Greek Text In the Greek manuscript tradition, the underlying word for “what is holy” in Matthew 7:6 is often “τὸ ἅγιον” (to hagion). Derived from “ἅγιος” (hagios), this term encompasses that which is set apart unto God. It indicates something entirely sacred, pure, and dedicated for divine purposes. Multiple early manuscripts and scriptural citations support the presence of this phrase in Matthew’s Gospel without textual variant. Ancient documents such as Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus (both 4th century) contain Matthew 7:6 intact, demonstrating the reliability and consistency of this verse’s transmission. These manuscripts are widely recognized as among the best witnesses to the original text. IV. Broader Scriptural Usage of “Sacred” 1. Holy Offerings: In the Mosaic Law, sacrificial offerings were considered holy (e.g., Leviticus 2:3). They were set apart for a sacred function and not to be defiled. 2. God’s Words: Jeremiah 23:29 compares God’s words to fire and a hammer—powerful and transformative. Such words are also seen in Psalm 119:105 as a lamp to the feet. They carry divine authority that is not to be casually entrusted to scoffers. 3. The Gospel Message: In Matthew 28:19–20, the commission to make disciples includes teaching others all that Jesus commanded. This Great Commission underscores that the message itself is holy and life-changing. Taken together, “what is holy” can represent the entirety of God’s revelation—His Word, His promises, and the saving message of Christ’s resurrection (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). V. Interpretations Through Church History Early Church writings consistently affirm that Jesus’s words in Matthew 7:6 caution believers against trivializing sacred truths. Church Fathers such as Tertullian interpreted “dogs” as those who vigorously oppose or blaspheme the faith, indicating the need for discernment. Origen wrote that believers must guard the mysteries of God’s kingdom from contempt while still fulfilling the command to preach the gospel universally (cf. Mark 16:15). A balanced interpretation acknowledges that the gospel is to be offered to everyone (e.g., Romans 1:16), yet disciples are to use spiritual wisdom when confronted with persistent mockery or hostility, so as not to cheapen the sacred by continued exposure to derision. VI. The “Pearls” and Their Connection to “What Is Holy” The term “pearls” in Matthew 7:6 is often linked with wisdom and ultimate value (cf. Matthew 13:45–46, the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price). In the same way, “what is holy” speaks to treasures of divine origin—the “good news” of Christ’s death and resurrection, teachings that lead to salvation (Romans 10:9–10), and the transforming truths of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). Together, pearls and what is holy emphasize the reality that God’s truths possess immeasurable worth. Just as pearls would not be appreciated by swine, so the sacred truths of God’s kingdom can be trampled underfoot by those who reject or ridicule it. VII. Behavioral and Philosophical Implications Matthew 7:6 has implications for how believers share and safeguard truth: 1. Discernment in Witness: The directive does not contradict the evangelistic mandate. Rather, it calls for prudence in situations where the gospel is continuously met with outright hostility. 2. Respect for the Sacred: Recognizing that spiritual truths carry eternal weight fosters a posture of reverence and sober-minded teaching. 3. Wise Stewardship: Followers of Christ are stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1). This stewardship includes knowing both when to speak and when to refrain (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:7). These guidelines align with a holistic Christian worldview grounded in Scripture’s reliability and consistency. They also resonate with observed human behavior: repeated exposure to truth in a context of mockery can harden hearts, impeding open dialogue or genuine reflection. VIII. Archaeological and Historical Corroboration of Scripture Though Matthew 7:6 focuses on a principle of discernment rather than historical events, numerous archaeological discoveries and historical documents confirm the broader reliability of the Gospels and their backdrop: 1. Manuscript Evidence: Comparison of early manuscripts such as Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus shows consistency in Matthew’s Gospel, adding confidence in the transmitted text, including Matthew 7:6. 2. Dead Sea Scrolls: While primarily containing Hebrew Scriptures and other writings of Second Temple Judaism, the Scrolls verify the cultural and linguistic environment that shaped the New Testament world. 3. Pilate Stone Inscription: Discovered in Caesarea Maritima, this inscription confirms the historical existence of Pontius Pilate, underscoring that the Gospels mesh with real historical figures. 4. Early Church Writings: Documents by early Christian writers (e.g., Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp, Justin Martyr) testify to a continuity of Christ’s teachings and trust in the Gospels’ authority. These external witnesses reinforce the trustworthiness of Matthew’s entire record, as God providentially preserves His Word. IX. Theological Underpinnings and the Sacredness of Truth The sacredness in Matthew 7:6 stems from God’s nature as Creator and Sovereign, who imparts His truth to humanity. Throughout Scripture, God’s Word is exalted and described as living and active (Hebrews 4:12). It is this timeless, divine revelation—centered on Christ’s resurrection—that offers humanity salvation. • Jesus’s Resurrection as Ultimate Confirmation: The resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:14–20) validates His teaching, giving special weight to statements such as Matthew 7:6. Scholars have noted traditional and historical lines of evidence (e.g., empty tomb, eyewitness accounts, transformation of the disciples) as factors supporting the factual basis of the resurrection. • Intelligent Design and Young Earth: Observations regarding the astonishing complexity of life, from microscopic cell machinery to galactic order, point many to a Creator. Geological examples—like sedimentary layers consistent with large-scale flood events—are cited by some researchers as hints toward a young earth paradigm, in harmony with biblical genealogies. Though these topics may appear tangential to Matthew 7:6, they demonstrate a cohesive worldview where God’s revelation in Scripture and creation stands unified, further underscoring the sanctity of His truths. X. Practical Application 1. Honoring God’s Truth: Those who cherish God’s Word are urged to guard it against dishonor. This does not imply withholding the gospel, but rather presenting it with reverence and tact. 2. Evangelistic Discernment: Personal evangelism or apologetics efforts should be undertaken prayerfully, seeking God’s guidance for when to persist and when to step back. 3. Value-Driven Living: Recognizing the holiness of God’s truth calls believers to live in a manner that consistently reflects the significance of that truth, mirroring Christ-likeness in thought, word, and deed. XI. Conclusion In Matthew 7:6, “what is holy” refers to the sacred truths of God’s kingdom—His Word, His counsel, and specifically the life-giving message found in Christ’s death and resurrection. The verse warns against subjecting these truths to contempt or mockery by those resolutely hostile. This instruction, found within the broader Gospel overview, is one facet of a coherent scriptural narrative that aligns with known historical, archaeological, and textual evidence. It also seamlessly fits with a worldview recognizing God’s creative power and the ultimate purpose of humanity: to know Him, reflect His glory, and walk in the wisdom of His revelation. Thus, in answer to, “What is sacred in Matthew 7:6?”: • It is the revealed truth of God, encapsulated in His Word and supremely manifested in Christ. • It includes the precious treasure of the gospel message, the body of divine revelation, and the life-changing power that Scripture brings to those who receive it with faith. • It is “holy” because it originates from the eternal, all-powerful, and holy Creator who designed and upholds the universe and has made Himself known through His written Word, His Son, and ultimately His resurrection power. |
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