What did Jesus mean when He said to 'not cast your pearls before swine'?
Matthew 7:6
ESV - 6 Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
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Asked July 01 2013
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Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
"Do not cast your pearls before swine" is a portion of the Sermon on the Mount, and to understand its meaning, we have to understand its context and placement within the sermon. Christ had just fin...
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Singapore Moses
Supporter
Swine is used figuratively of three classes: 1. Indiscreet women (Prov. 11:22) 2. Deceived people (Mt. 7:6) 3. Backsliders (2Pet. 2:20- 22) The idea here is NOT to force truth upon rebels who reject it, or give holy things to faultfinders, mote hunters, evil speakers. Dogs are used figuratively of nine classes: 1. Homosexuals (Dt. 23:18) 2. Anyone despised (1Sam. 17:43; 24:14; 2Sam. 9:8; 16:9; 2Ki. 8:13) 3. Satanic powers (Ps. 22:20) 4. Wicked men (Ps. 22:16; 59:6, 14) 5. False prophets (Isa. 56:10; Php. 3:2) 6. Deceived people (Mt. 7:6; Rev. 22:15) 7. Fools (Prov. 26:11) 8. Gentiles (Mt. 15:26- 27 Mk. 7:27- 28) 9. Backsliders (2Pet. 2:20- 22
Alisha Meadows
I like to relate this verse to purity. Think of your "pearls" as your virginity, and men who aren't your husband as "swine/pigs". Jesus doesn't want you throwing your "pearls" to the "pigs" because they won't cherish them, and will eventually hurt you.
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