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Explanation for:
Matthew
7
:
6
Give not that which is holy to dogs; neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turning upon you, they tear you.
14
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Didache","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":1,"exegesis-text":"No one should partake of your Eucharist unless they have been baptized in the name of the Lord, as the Lord Himself has stated, Do not give what is holy to the dogs."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Just as one who fails to declare the gospel is guilty of sin for not adhering to the commandments, so too is the one who offers sacred gifts to unworthy recipients. Although the unclean animals may not consume the holy gifts or desecrate the precious truths, the person who acts in such a manner is complicit with the one who conceals the master’s wealth. This individual did not increase what was entrusted to him and ultimately failed to preserve it."},{"author-name":"Basil the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889927158e4af30595484_Basil%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"How can a person present sacred items to dogs or scatter pearls before swine, and why is it noted that their feet should not trample them, for when they turn, you will be consumed? The Apostle provides clarity on this matter, stating to the Jews, “If thou that art in the law boast thyself, by transgression of the law thou dishonourest God” (Rom. 2:23). Therefore, the Lord admonishes against the disrespect we show to His holy words through their violation. As a result of this wrongdoing, those who lack faith perceive the Lord's teachings as disregarded, emboldening them to criticize us more vehemently, as if they are admonishing the transgressor with their accusations and condemnation."},{"author-name":"Athanasius the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889457b66f7fc274d1066_Athanasius%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Jesus warns against offering sacred gifts to dogs or casting pearls before swine. Such actions require discernment. The Lord specifies that holy treasures should not be entrusted to those who act wickedly; the Apostle also advises us to beware of dogs and evildoers (Philippians 3:2), as well as those likened to swine, representing the morally impure. This analogy is apt; just as a pig feels no regret when pulled from the mud, so too the lustful view someone enticing them toward purity as an adversary rather than an ally. Therefore, we should not present our sacred treasures before those who defile themselves like pigs. You may argue that they seek to share in the sacred, but they remain shameless, indulging in vice. Thus, withhold what is holy from them. Even the ill may crave water, yet physicians restrict them from drinking; similarly, those who covet power aspire to royal adornments, but custodians, aware of the peril, do not relinquish them. Listen, deacon; refrain from offering the precious body of Christ to the unworthy, for you will be accountable not by human laws but by divine judgment. Therefore, do not grant access to the holy for the vile, nor present your treasures to those who trample upon them with misguided ideas, lest you contribute to divisions and heresies."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Do not share what is sacred with dogs. The sacred element symbolizes the children's bread. Hence, we must not discard the bread meant for the children to give to dogs. Likewise, do not present your pearls to swine. A pig does not recognize the value of a beautiful piece of jewelry while it wallows in the muck, and as the Proverbs of Solomon say, “as a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion” (Proverbs 11:22). Some interpret the term \\"dogs\\" as referring to those who, after believing in Christ, return to the filth of their sinful nature, while \\"swine\\" signifies those who have yet to accept the gospel and remain mired in the dirt of disbelief and immoral behavior. Therefore, it is inappropriate to hastily share the precious truths of the Gospel with such individuals, lest they trample upon them and later come back to destroy these sacred teachings."},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The profound statement you have requested to elucidate is indeed remarkable. The phrase, “Give not your holy things unto the dogs, nor cast your pearls before swine; lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you,” conveys a similar sentiment. The Word of God is sacred, embodying the utmost value, while the dogs and swine represent those who stray not only in belief but also in their conduct. The act of trampling symbolizes the contentiousness and disputes of individuals who seek to distort the truth of these beliefs and undermine virtuous living; dissolution reflects the harsh rebuke of those living immorally and the disregard shown towards those who share the Word of God and offer righteous counsel. Consequently, the Lord also proclaimed, “Do not cast your words as if they hold little worth and are easily accessible, lest you provoke the Lord's anger and be mocked by those who neither speak nor act righteously.” Some contend, and they are somewhat aligned with the truth, that the Lord here instructed against conferring the priesthood upon the unworthy and impure, to prevent them from tarnishing it and undermining those who have received ordination, thus damaging their prior esteemed reputation. Furthermore, if they assert that the Lord mandates even sinful laypersons should refrain from teaching the Divine Mysteries, let this stand without refutation. Likewise, if they claim that He prohibits the administration of Divine Baptism to those who feign belief yet do not forsake their sinful ways, do not contradict it.\\n\\nYou rightly and wisely dedicate yourself to studying the Divine teachings, having been spared from the confusion caused by futile and bitter readings, and having embraced Christ's commandments with a love for God. Thus, do not bestow the sacred upon the dogs (Matthew 7:6), referring to the Jews who have continually received the Word of God only to return to their own folly (2 Peter 2:22), or to those who flee from heresy only to revert to their former sins. We are also not to scatter precious pearls before swine, that is, in front of those consumed by passions and who lead a base existence, lest they trample them underfoot, blaspheming God through their malevolent actions, allowing you to be destroyed (Matthew 7:6). For sharing such sacred truths with those who disrespect them results in grave and irreparable ruin.\\n\\nBeware, dear friend, of those who have not been initiated into the mystery and are unworthy to hear the Divine Word; some may mock that which is supremely commendable. Share this knowledge only with those permitted, for the Divine teaching clarifies that the holy must not be given to dogs or swine (Matthew 7:6) but should be entrusted to individuals who lead a life aligned with the Gospel."},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"In this teaching, we are instructed not to offer sacred things to unworthy individuals or to cast our valuable insights before those who would disregard them. It is essential to discern what constitutes the sacred, what the treasures are, and who can be likened to unclean animals. A sanctuary is a space that must not be defiled or destroyed. Even the mere intention to commit such a violation is considered sinful, although this holy place inherently stands resilient and everlasting. Pearls represent spiritual truths of immense worth; they are often concealed yet require a seeker’s diligence to uncover, much like discovering them in the depths of imagery, as though they were hidden within clamshells. Thus, an object may simultaneously embody the qualities of both a sanctuary and a pearl: it is designated a sanctuary for its indestructibility and a pearl for its profound significance. However, individuals often seek to dismantle what they wish to disregard and overlook what they deem trivial, mistakenly believing it to be beneath their notice. Therefore, that which is overlooked is likened to being trampled underfoot. This is particularly true for dogs, who rush in and demolish all, leaving destruction in their wake. The Lord warns us not to offer the sacred to such dogs since, despite its invulnerability, it is subject to their contempt, and they would strive to obliterate the truth if given the chance. Swine, in contrast, do not attack by biting but defile their surroundings by trampling. Hence, the call is made not to cast our pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot and turn on you as well. Thus, it is fitting to liken those who assault the truth to dogs and those who disregard it to swine. The warning is specifically that when they turn, they may cause you harm, not just the pearls themselves. When they disregard the pearls to seek something else, they may indeed harm the one who has presented those precious truths. It is difficult to comprehend what could please someone who has trampled on such invaluable treasures, those divine insights that have been revealed after much toil. Yet, it is perplexing why they do not unleash their wrath upon those who instruct them. Both dogs and swine are considered impure creatures. So it is wise to refrain from revealing sacred truths to those who are incapable of appreciating them. It is far better for them to search for what is hidden than to pursue or disregard what has been made known. The reasons for their inability to recognize what is vital and evident stem solely from disdain and malice, which is why some are labeled as dogs and others as swine."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The term ‘dogs’ refers to the unbelievers, while ‘swine’ signifies those who, despite having faith, live in immorality. Consequently, we should refrain from discussing the profound mysteries of faith in the presence of unbelievers and avoid sharing the radiant truths of theology with those who are spiritually impure. This is because the swine will either disregard what is offered to them or trample over it, while the dogs will turn against us, much like certain so-called philosophers. When they hear that God was crucified, they begin to challenge us with their arguments, attempting to use flawed reasoning to demonstrate that such a notion is impossible."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"You are not to give your sacred truths to those unworthy, nor cast your pearls before swine. By sacred truths, He refers to the sacrament of our faith, esteemed as divine, and by pearls due to the precious nature of the teachings it embodies. Conversely, He identifies those with deep-seated wickedness as dogs and swine: dogs represent those who bark at Christ, while swine are those entrenched in the filth of sinful desires. Therefore, He instructs that these sacred doctrines should not be shared with such individuals. They should not even be marked or offered to them, as they are unworthy to receive such knowledge. He further clarifies the reason for this. It is better for them to remain unaware than to gain knowledge only to turn against you. Should they encounter this truth with false sincerity, they could easily turn and ridicule you. This illustrates their tendency to do so. By their feet, He signifies their lack of faith, which leads them towards destruction. Once they shift from false sincerity to open opposition, they will attack and resist you. Unable to grasp the Divine truths, they project their own human flaws onto them, resulting in their mockery and torment of you."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Do not give what is sacred to those lacking discernment. This statement is metaphorical. The notion of throwing sacred items to dogs represents the act of offering holy things, which are dedicated to God, to those unworthy of them. Here, holy things encompass all aspects of the Christian faith and the entirety of the Gospel message: commandments, principles, teachings, and all sacred artifacts. The term \\"pearls\\" signifies precious spiritual treasures (Matt. 13:45; Rev. 17:4; Matt. 18:12-16) and in this context alludes to the profound truths of the Christian faith, particularly the Most Pure Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, as emphasized by Athanasius the Great. The reference to dogs and pigs symbolizes morally corrupt individuals who are unable to embrace the Gospel's truths; for them, sacred and spiritual concepts are foreign and even loathsome—values they fail to grasp (cf. 2 Pet. 2:22; Lev. 22:15; Proverbs 11:22). Just as pigs, if they encountered precious pearls, would trample them underfoot without recognizing their worth, so too do morally corrupt people fail to comprehend the immense significance of Gospel truths, mixing them with impure elements and often ridiculing them. \\n\\nThe Lord highlights the moral decay of life as a barrier to receiving the most flawless teachings. Therefore, He instructs not to offer the Gospel to those who are depraved, for in their ignorance they may not only fail to appreciate the holiness of these truths but may also distort and mock them, potentially leading to harm or destruction. The Apostles frequently experienced this reality in their ministry, facing numerous trials at the hands of wicked and unwise individuals. The Lord warns against the disrespect shown to His sacred words through disobedience, leading those outside the faith to perceive a neglect of God's commands, thus emboldening them to confront us more fiercely and subjecting transgressors to their critiques and condemnations."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As previously noted, only someone who has been liberated from sin—who has removed not just the large beam from their own eye, but even the tiniest speck—can be regarded as a true child of the heavenly Father and have the authority to judge their brother’s behavior, admonish him, and guide him in overcoming his transgressions. However, Christ cautions even such individuals against the disdain of those who are entrenched in sin. He states that not everyone is capable of grasping your intentions or valuing your compassion. Those who dwell in immorality and depravity may resist your efforts to elevate them from their base existence. They have become so acclimated to their moral degradation and the darkness enveloping them that any attempt to bring them into the light is met with hostility. They staunchly protect their unclean state. Therefore, avoid engaging with such individuals. Do not give sacred things to the unholy, nor cast your treasures before the unworthy (Matthew 7:6). Your attempts to reach them will not yield benefits; instead, they will be detrimental to yourself. The truth you offer will not resonate with them; they will ridicule it, treat it with disdain, and subsequently turn against you with hostility. Their response to your call will be akin to swine reacting to pearls mistaken for grain; once they realize that your invitation cannot fulfill their cravings, they will behave like those swine who, upon receiving pearls rather than grain, will trample the pearls underfoot and violently attack the one who offered them, just as fierce dogs would."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Amphiteatrov)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896e9b7a2ebaf99e4620a_Philaret%20(Amphiteatrov).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The term 'dogs' refers to those malicious adversaries of faith and truth who, upon hearing the sacred mysteries of God's Kingdom, fail to accept them with the humility of lambs and do not turn them towards the salvation of their souls. Instead, with the audacity of dogs, they bark at divine messengers, eagerly waiting for a chance to attack. 'Swine' describes those sinners ensnared by unclean desires, who, although they hear the word of God, lack the discernment to appreciate the value of these heavenly treasures. In their ignorance, they disregard the gift of eternal life, choosing instead a life of indulgence in their filthy passions. In response to such individuals, the Savior instructs the ministers of the Gospel to exercise holy discernment when sharing the mysteries of His Kingdom. This is to safeguard the significance of these celestial truths and preserve their sanctity from being trampled by the sinful. It also serves to protect the preachers of the Gospel themselves from harsh retaliation due to their fervent condemnation of wickedness. Furthermore, the Savior aims to prevent the wicked from deepening their own iniquity and destruction by disrespecting the precious gifts of the holy mysteries of God's Kingdom. \\n\\nConsider, dear brethren, the intensity of God's wrath against such sinners—who are likened to dogs and swine—so much so that the eternal and unchanging divine love of Jesus Christ is left with no choice but to conceal His gracious gifts from them, despite His desire to bestow them on all humanity. However, they still partake of the crumbs that fall from their master's table (Matthew 15:27). The prodigal son, who recognized the disgracefulness of living among the swine and resolved to return to his Father, was welcomed back into His embrace and showered with His abundant goodness (Luke 15:11-32). The compassionate heart of the heavenly Father remains closed only to those who do not repent, but His arms are always open to the genuinely contrite, no matter the depth of their sin. Therefore, the loving Savior, who wishes for the salvation of everyone, encourages all without distinction to implore the Father in heaven for the gift of eternal blessings, to seek them earnestly, and to knock at the door of His mercy—promising that our sincere petitions and endeavors will not go unanswered."},{"author-name":"Ivanov A.V.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88db13197efab881aa332_Ivanov%20A.V..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Do not cast sacred items before dogs, nor place your pearls before swine. Dogs and pigs represent unclean creatures. The lesson of this parable is to protect holy things from being profaned, ensuring that we are not harmed by those who scorn the sacred. Sanctity encompasses not only the essence of Christianity but also all that is true and virtuous. In this context, the Fathers of the Church also refer to our own passions when speaking of dogs and swine."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In a similar manner, while instructing not to judge, the Lord simultaneously urges His followers to discern between those who are worthy and capable of receiving the word of God and those who are unworthy. He cautions, \\"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs\\"—meaning, do not present the sacred mysteries of the true faith to those who are malicious adversaries of the truth, or to persistent heretics who are unable to accept these truths with the gentleness of lambs, but rather react to the messengers of the truth with the aggression of dogs, eager to destroy them. Do not cast your pearls—do not place the invaluable pearls of God's word—before swine, before individuals who live in a base manner instead of a human one, who are engulfed in sinful desires and debauchery, showing no interest in God, Heaven, or the salvation of their souls. A pig may initially mistake pearls for food and rush towards them, only to ultimately trample them when its expectations are not met. This is akin to corrupt individuals, who endlessly pursue satisfaction for their base appetites, and when confronted with God’s word that condemns their sins, they mock it and persecute its bearers. Therefore, exercise caution, lest they trample these precious pearls of salvific truth beneath their hardened hearts, tarnishing their holiness and distorting the truths by mixing them with the empty philosophies of mankind, akin to pearls sullied in mud. When they confront you—the heralds of these truths—they may attempt to tear you down. In such instances, let your actions be guided by compassion and sound judgment: feel pity for these captives of sin and children of darkness, lest careless preaching exacerbate their condemnation and lead to eternal ruin. Indeed, the Lord states in another context, \\"What you hear in the ear, preach ye upon the housetops\\" (Matt. 10:27); however, this pertains solely to those listeners capable of absorbing the word of God beneficially. St. Isidore of Pelusium notes that when the Lord declares, \\"Give not the holy things to the dogs,\\" He also prohibits administering baptism to those who feign adherence to the holy faith or ordaining as priests those who lead impure lives. St. Athanasius of Alexandria further emphasizes that the Lord forbids the teaching of the Most Pure Mysteries of His Body and Blood to the unrepentant. Thus, in our efforts to preserve the sanctity of Christ's doctrine from being disrespected by others, we must ensure we do not contribute to this affront ourselves. St. Basil the Great reminds us that we dishonor the words of the Lord whenever we contravene them; unbelieving individuals, observing our sinful conduct, may view the Lord’s commandments as ineffectual, and through our sins, the sacred law of Christ is blasphemed."}]}
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