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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:6

Matthew only. Give not that which is holy, etc. While you are not to be censorious towards brethren (verses 1-5), you must recognize the great and fundamental differences that there are between men. You must not treat those who are mere dogs and swine as if they were able to appreciate either the holiness or the beauty and wealth of spiritual truth. Give Observe that "give," "cast," are naturally used of feeding dogs and swine respectively. That which is holy ( τὸ ἅγιον ) . The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:6

Pearls and swine. At the first blush of it this reads more like a motto of the scribes than a proverb from the large-hearted Christ. It is quite as important to see what it does not mean as to lay hold of its positive teaching, because we are all tempted to abuse it in order to excuse our narrowness and selfishness. I. MISAPPRENSIONS OF THE PROVERB . 1 . In neglect of the poor. This is the most gross and insulting abuse of the principle which can be thought of. No one would... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:6

Christian economy, and gospel frugality. This verse, apparently solitary and detached, depends for its effect certainly on no verbal connection with what precedes it, but throws itself fearlessly on its intrinsic virtue. It provides all needful counteractive, and counteractive very efficacious, to the verbally unqualified prohibition of the first and second verses of the chapter. Charity, moderation in our own inner judgments of others, and restraint of lip in the expression of them, are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:6

Piety in the restraint of prudence. Dogs are treated throughout Scripture as unclean animals. The usual thought is evidently of the pariah dogs, which are the scavengers of Eastern towns. Little is said of trained shepherds' dogs; and nothing is said of pet dogs. Swine are, by emphasis, the unclean creatures. Our Lord has spoken of carefulness in judging others. But his disciples are required to exercise discrimination. They should prudently estimate situations, opportunities, and occasions.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 7:6

Give not that which is holy ... - By some the word “holy” has been supposed to mean “flesh offered in sacrifice,” made holy, or separated to a sacred use; but it probably means here “anything connected with religion” - admonition, precept, or doctrine. Pearls are precious stones found in shell-fish, chiefly in India, in the waters that surround Ceylon. They are used to denote anything especially precious, Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:12-16; Matthew 13:45. In this place they are used to denote... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 7:6

Matthew 7:6. Give not, &c. Even when the beam is cast out of thine own eye. Give not that which is holy unto dogs That is, talk not of the deep things of God to those whom you know to be wallowing in sin; neither declare the great things God hath done for your soul, to the profane, furious, persecuting wretches. Talk not of high degrees of holiness, for instance, to the former; nor of your own experience to the latter. But our Lord does in no wise forbid us to reprove, as... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:1-6

43. Judging others (Matthew 7:1-6; Luke 6:37-42)People who continually find fault with others only invite judgment upon themselves, both from their fellows and from God. In pointing to the faults in others, they attract attention to themselves. They too have faults, and though they themselves may be unaware of them, other people see them very clearly (Matthew 7:1-5).Nevertheless, there is a kind of judgment that is necessary. Those who present the gospel must be able to judge the difference... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 7:6

dogs. Note the Introversion here. g | dogs. h | swine. h | swine. g | dogs (and the dogs). they: i.e. the swine. trample. All the critical texts read "shall trample upon". under = with. Greek. en. and = and [the dogs]. turn again and = having turned. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 7:6

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest haply they trample them under their feet, and turn and rend you.Dummelow thinks this passage means "that the most holy things ought not to be offered indiscriminately to all persons."[1] In such a view, the dogs and swine would refer to mean and vicious persons who have no desire to apprehend spiritual things. This interpretation has come down from very ancient times. Clement of Alexandria said, "It is... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 7:6

Matthew 7:6. Give not that which is holy, &c.— Lest these trample,—and those turn again and tear you. There is a similar maxim to this in the Talmudical writings: "Do not cast pearls before swine;" to which is added, by way of explanation, "Do not offer wisdom to one who knows not the price of it." This was one reason why our Saviour taught in parables. Compare Acts 13:45-46. read more

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